Hadassa

Girl Name #1,610 Most Popular Hidden Gem 3 Syllables

Esther's secret Hebrew name, meaning fragrant myrtle

Jewish Hebrew Dutch Afrikaner

Spiritual Classic Unique Elegant

Meaning & Origin

"fragrant, evergreen (symbolic of the myrtle)"

Origin: Hebrew

Language: Hebrew

The Story of Hadassa

Hadassa (also spelled Hadassah) is the original Hebrew name of Esther, the Jewish queen of Persia whose story is told in the Book of Esther. The name derives from the Hebrew word for myrtle tree (hadas), an evergreen plant with fragrant white flowers that has been a symbol of peace, victory, and joy in Jewish tradition since ancient times. Esther used her Hebrew name in private and her Persian name in court.

Hadassa/Hadassah has remained in use in Orthodox and traditional Jewish communities as a deeply meaningful biblical name. In Israel, the form Hadas is more common and is consistently in the top 50 girl names. Hadassah is also the name of the largest Zionist womens organization in the world (founded 1912), increasing its visibility.

The myrtle tree (hadas) holds special significance in Judaism: it is one of the Four Species used during the festival of Sukkot, and its branches are used to make the lulav bouquet. In Talmudic tradition, Esther is described as resembling a myrtle. Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem, one of the worlds leading hospitals, is named in honor of this tradition.

Fun Facts

Hadassah was Esthers Hebrew name in the Book of Esther, used privately among Jews while at the Persian court she was known as Esther
Hadassah is the largest Jewish womens organization in the world, founded in 1912 by Henrietta Szold
The myrtle (hadas) is one of the Four Species of Sukkot and one of the fragrant plants mentioned in the Song of Songs

Hadassa in Other Languages

Dutch Hadassa

Hebrew הֲדַסָּה

Persian Hadassah

Yiddish Hadase

Famous People Named Hadassa

Henrietta Szold

Activist

1860

American Jewish activist who founded Hadassah (named for Esther) and led Youth Aliyah, saving thousands of Jewish childr...

American Jewish activist who founded Hadassah (named for Esther) and led Youth Aliyah, saving thousands of Jewish children from Nazi Germany

Esther (Hadassah - biblical)

Royalty

Jewish queen of Persia who saved her people from genocide; her Hebrew name was Hadassah. Her story is told in the Book o...

Jewish queen of Persia who saved her people from genocide; her Hebrew name was Hadassah. Her story is told in the Book of Esther

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 3
Popularity Rank: #1,610
Total SSA Count: 130
Cultural Origins: Jewish Hebrew Dutch Afrikaner
Pronunciation: Moderate
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: Low

Alternative Spellings

Hadassah #532

Common Nicknames

Hadas Dassa

Pairs Well With

Hadassa Ruth Hadassa Miriam Hadassa Leah Hadassa Sarah Hadassa Rachel Hadassa Devorah Hadassa Naomi

Sibling Names

Yael Naomi Tamar Ezra Boaz Eliana Shira

Similar Names

Ester Estela Aster Astra Asher Esty

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions About Hadassa

What does the name Hadassa mean?

"fragrant, evergreen (symbolic of the myrtle)" (from Hebrew). Hadassa (also spelled Hadassah) is the original Hebrew name of Esther, the Jewish queen of Persia whose story is told in the Book of Esther. The name derives from the Hebrew word for myrtle tree (hadas), an evergreen plant with fragrant white flowers that has been a symbol of peace, victory, and joy in Jewish tradition since ancient times. Esther used her Hebrew name in private and her Persian name in court.

What is the origin of the name Hadassa?

Hadassa has Hebrew, Jewish, Dutch, and Afrikaner origins. In Hebrew, it means "fragrant, evergreen (symbolic of the myrtle)".

Is Hadassa a boy or girl name?

Hadassa is primarily used as a girl name.

How popular is the name Hadassa?

Hadassa is currently ranked #1610 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Hadassa?

Common nicknames for Hadassa include Hadas and Dassa.

What are good middle names for Hadassa?

Popular middle name pairings include Hadassa Ruth, Hadassa Miriam, Hadassa Leah, Hadassa Sarah, Hadassa Rachel, Hadassa Devorah, and Hadassa Naomi.

What are good sibling names for Hadassa?

Names that pair well with Hadassa as siblings include Yael, Naomi, Tamar, Ezra, Boaz, Eliana, and Shira.

How many syllables does Hadassa have?

Hadassa has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.

Is Hadassa a common or rare name?

Hadassa is an uncommon name, ranked #1610 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Hadassa

Hadassa is a girl name with Jewish, Hebrew, Dutch, and Afrikaner origins . The name means "fragrant, evergreen (symbolic of the myrtle)" in Hebrew .

Hadassa is currently ranked #1,610 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Hadassa has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.

Common nicknames for Hadassa include Hadas and Dassa. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

Alternative spellings of Hadassa include Hadassah . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.