Jezabel

Origin & Etymology

Jezabel is a variant spelling of Jezebel, a name of ancient Hebrew origin meaning where is the prince? or perhaps not exalted, from the Hebrew izevel. The name belonged to a Phoenician princess who married Ahab, King of Israel, and became one of the Bible s most notorious villains, as chronicled in 1 Kings and 2 Kings. Despite its troubled legacy, the name has phonetic beauty that has drawn some parents to it in modern times, particularly through the alternative Jezabel spelling. Its connection to Isabel and similar names gives it a romantic, if complicated, sound.

Popularity Story

Jezabel and Jezebel remain rare choices, with usage driven by parents who either are unaware of the biblical associations or deliberately choose names that defy convention. The name has never entered mainstream popularity charts in English-speaking countries.

Cultural Significance

In the Hebrew Bible, Jezebel s story is a cautionary tale about idolatry and the corruption of power. Her name became so culturally embedded as a symbol of wickedness that jezebel entered the English language as a common noun. In some modern feminist readings, she is reappraised as a powerful, independent queen who maintained her own religious traditions.

Fun Facts

• The word jezebel entered the English dictionary as a noun meaning a shameless or immoral woman, making this one of very few personal names to become a common word
• Jezebel was technically a Phoenician princess from Sidon, making her name of Canaanite rather than Hebrew origin
• A famous 1938 film called Jezebel starred Bette Davis, who won an Academy Award for the role, giving the name some Hollywood glamour

Jezabel in Other Languages