Bathsheba is a unique and historic female given name of Hebrew origin. Its meaning is derived from the Hebrew word "bathsheva" which translates to "daughter of an oath." The name Bathsheba is often associated with the biblical figure, Bathsheba daughter of Eliam, who was the wife of King David in the Old Testament.
The story of Bathsheba is chronicled in 2 Samuel chapters 11 and 12. She was a woman of exceptional beauty who caught the eye of King David while he was on his rooftop observing her bathing. The king summoned her to his palace where she became pregnant with his child. This union resulted in controversy as Bathsheba's husband, Uriah, was one of King David's most loyal soldiers fighting in battle.
Bathsheba is also the name given to several other historical figures throughout history. In the New Testament, it is believed that Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, was also known as Bathsheba. Additionally, Bathsheba was the name of the wife of King Solomon and the mother of his successor, Rehoboam.
The name Bathsheba has been popular among some cultures throughout history but remains relatively rare today. Despite its infrequent use, it continues to hold significant historical and biblical importance.
The name Bathsheba has been given to a total of 365 babies in the United States between 1951 and 2023, according to available data. The most popular years for this name were 1977 and 1978, with 18 and 16 births respectively. Interestingly, there have been at least five births each year since 2014, indicating a recent resurgence in popularity. Despite fluctuations over the decades, Bathsheba remains a unique and distinctive name choice for parents seeking something uncommon yet classic.