"afflicted by God"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: English
Athaliah
Girl Name
#2,681 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
4 Syllables
A rare biblical queen name with ancient power
Hebrew
Biblical
Jewish
Ancient
Biblical
Strong
Unique
Spiritual
Meaning & Origin
"Jah has afflicted"
Origin: Biblical Hebrew
Language: English
Things to Know About This Name
- Associated with biblical Queen Athaliah who usurped the throne of Judah and was later killed — parents should be aware of the negative biblical narrative
The Story of Athaliah
Athaliah is a Hebrew name whose meaning is debated among scholars, with interpretations ranging from God is exalted or afflicted by God. The name appears in the Hebrew Bible as the daughter of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel of Israel, who became Queen of Judah. She is notable as the only woman to rule as monarch in the history of the Kingdom of Judah, reigning for approximately six years.
Athaliah is rare in modern times, used primarily in deeply religious communities who appreciate biblical names. Its rarity makes it distinctive for parents seeking a truly unique name with ancient roots.
In Jewish and Christian biblical traditions, Athaliah stands out as a powerful and controversial figure — a queen who seized power but is viewed negatively in scripture for leading Judah into idolatry.
Fun Facts
- Queen Athaliah was the only woman to rule as sole monarch in the history of ancient Israel or Judah
- Jean Racine wrote a famous French tragedy called Athalie (1691) based on her story
Athaliah in Other Languages
Greek
Αθαλία
Latin
Athalia
Arabic
عتليا
Hebrew
עֲתַלְיָה
Famous People Named Athaliah
A
Athaliah
Royalty
Queen of Judah (c. 841-835 BCE), daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, only female monarch in the history of the Davidic dynasty
A
Athalie Fictional
Other
Protagonist of Jean Racine 1691 French tragedy based on the biblical Queen Athaliah
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 4
- Popularity Rank
- #2,681
- Total SSA Count
- 65
- Cultural Origins
- Hebrew Biblical Jewish
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Low
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Lia
Thalia
Attie
Pairs Well With
Athaliah Grace
Athaliah Rose
Athaliah Jane
Athaliah Marie
Athaliah Hope
Athaliah Faith
Sibling Names
Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
Can't decide?
Start a tournament bracket with Athaliah and other names you're considering.
Start a TournamentLike this name?
Check how Athaliah sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.
Analyze This NameExplore More Generators
-
🧝
Fantasy Name Generator
Create names for D&D and RPG characters
-
🐾
Pet Name Generator
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
-
🎭
Character Name Generator
Names for fictional characters across genres
Frequently Asked Questions About Athaliah
What does the name Athaliah mean?
"afflicted by God" (from Hebrew). "Jah has afflicted" (from Biblical Hebrew). Athaliah is a Hebrew name whose meaning is debated among scholars, with interpretations ranging from God is exalted or afflicted by God. The name appears in the Hebrew Bible as the daughter of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel of Israel, who became Queen of Judah. She is notable as the only woman to rule as monarch in the history of the Kingdom of Judah, reigning for approximately six years.
What is the origin of the name Athaliah?
Athaliah has Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew, Biblical, and Jewish origins. In Hebrew, it means "afflicted by God". In Biblical Hebrew, it means "Jah has afflicted".
Is Athaliah a boy or girl name?
Athaliah is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Athaliah?
Athaliah is currently ranked #2681 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Athaliah?
Common nicknames for Athaliah include Lia, Thalia, and Attie.
What are good middle names for Athaliah?
Popular middle name pairings include Athaliah Grace, Athaliah Rose, Athaliah Jane, Athaliah Marie, Athaliah Hope, and Athaliah Faith.
What are good sibling names for Athaliah?
Names that pair well with Athaliah as siblings include Zipporah, Miriam, Deborah, Ezra, Elias, and Asher.
How many syllables does Athaliah have?
Athaliah has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Athaliah a common or rare name?
Athaliah is an uncommon name, ranked #2681 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Athaliah
Athaliah is a girl name with Hebrew, Biblical, and Jewish origins . The name means "afflicted by God" in Hebrew .
Athaliah is currently ranked #2,681 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Athaliah has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Athaliah include Lia, Thalia, and Attie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Athaliah include Athalia . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.