Hadassah: Meaning, Origin & Pronunciation

What Does Hadassah Mean?

Hadassah means 'myrtle tree' in Hebrew, from the word 'hadas' (הדס). It is the Hebrew birth name of Queen Esther, who hid her Jewish identity to save her people from genocide. The myrtle is one of the four species used during the festival of Sukkot, and the Talmud says 'the righteous are called myrtles' — connecting the name to both beauty and moral virtue.

Etymology of Hadassah

From Hebrew 'hadas' (הדס), meaning myrtle. The myrtle is an evergreen shrub with fragrant leaves, native to the Mediterranean. Its use in the four species of Sukkot gives it liturgical significance.

How to Pronounce Hadassah

hah-DAH-sah: Three syllables. 'hah' is a soft, breathy H. 'DAH' is open like 'da' in 'father.' 'sah' is a soft ending. Stress is on the second syllable.

Hadassah in Hebrew

In Hebrew, Hadassah (הדסה) appears in the Book of Esther (2:7): 'He raised Hadassah, that is Esther.' The myrtle (hadas) is one of the four species (arba minim) waved during Sukkot. According to the Talmud (Megillah 13a), Esther was called Hadassah because 'the righteous are called myrtles.'

Gematria of Hadassah

In Jewish tradition, gematria assigns numerical values to Hebrew letters, revealing hidden connections between words and names. The name Hadassah has a gematria value of 74. The value 74 connects to 'ed' (עד, witness/testimony), reflecting Hadassah/Esther's role as a witness who testified before the king to save her people.

Hadassah in Yiddish Culture and History

While Hadassah is a Hebrew name, it was well-known in Yiddish-speaking communities through the Purim story, which was celebrated with great festivity in the shtetl. The Yiddish diminutive Hodel or Hodl derives from Hadassah. In 1912, Henrietta Szold founded the Women's Zionist Organization of America and named it 'Hadassah,' transforming the name into a symbol of Jewish women's activism. The name saw a surge in popularity in the 20th century among both religious and secular Jews.

Nicknames and Diminutives for Hadassah

In Yiddish tradition, names are often given affectionate diminutive forms that express tenderness and intimacy. These pet names were used by family members, close friends, and in lullabies and folk songs. Common diminutives for Hadassah include:

The Yiddish diminutive tradition — adding endings like -ele, -ke, -tshe, or -l — transformed even the most solemn biblical names into expressions of warmth and affection. These forms were especially used when speaking to or about children, and many adults continued to be known by their diminutive names throughout their lives.

Sibling Name Pairings for Hadassah

Looking for a name that pairs well with Hadassah? These sibling names complement Hadassah in style, meaning, or cultural tradition:

Personality Traits Associated with Hadassah

A girl named Hadassah is associated with hidden beauty, moral courage, and the willingness to risk everything for her people. Like the myrtle that releases its fragrance only when crushed, Hadassah represents strength revealed under pressure. She is expected to be brave, principled, and capable of great sacrifice when called upon.

Famous Historical Figures Named Hadassah

Popularity of Hadassah

Origin and Etymology of Hadassah

Hadassah is a Hebrew name with roots in ancient Jewish tradition. Hebrew names often carry deep spiritual significance, connecting bearers to biblical figures and timeless values. The Hebrew name of Queen Esther, heroine of Purim

Different Ways to Spell Hadassah

Hadassah can be spelled in several ways depending on the transliteration system, regional dialect, or personal preference. Common alternate spellings include:

All of these variations refer to the same name and carry the same meaning of “Myrtle tree”. The different spellings arise from varying systems of transliterating Hebrew characters into the Latin alphabet.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hadassah