Hadassah

Pronounced: had-ASS-uh

Meaning: Myrtle

Gender: Girl
Origin: Hebrew
Language: English (Modern)

What does Hadassah mean?

Hadassah is a Hebrew name whose core image is the myrtle, a fragrant evergreen shrub valued in the ancient Near East. The name evokes a botanical, quietly resilient quality rather than an abstract virtue.

As a given name it feels both rooted and lyrical. Hadassah carries biblical resonance while remaining gentle and feminine. It pairs well with classic or understated surnames and gives a sense of heritage without feeling heavy. If you are familiar with related names such as Esther or Miriam, Hadassah sits comfortably in that same warm, traditional neighbourhood.

❤️ Why Parents Choose This Name

It honours Jewish and biblical heritage while remaining accessible in English-speaking contexts.
The botanical meaning offers a nature-inspired image that is subtle rather than literal.
It sounds distinctive without being hard to spell or pronounce for many English speakers.
It works well across ages, from a child to an adult in professional life.
It pairs nicely with short or simple middle names to balance its graceful rhythm.

Historical Context

Hadassah appears in the Hebrew Bible as the given name of the Jewish queen better known by her Persian name, Esther. The Hebrew word hadassah refers to the myrtle shrub, a plant associated with beauty, fragrance and ritual use in the ancient world. Over time Hadassah became both a personal name and a symbol used in Jewish tradition and literature.

In modern usage the spelling Hadassah is common in English-speaking Jewish communities and in Israel the shorter Hadas is often used as a contemporary form. The name saw renewed interest in the 19th and 20th centuries with movements that emphasised Hebrew revival and biblical names. Its evolution has kept a clear link to the plant image while acquiring the layered cultural associations that come with the biblical story of Esther.