Hadassa is a beautiful and unique name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew word "hadassah" which means "myrtle." The myrtle is a plant that is often associated with joy, peace, and good fortune in Jewish culture.
In the Bible, Hadassah is the Hebrew name of Queen Esther, who played a significant role in saving the Jewish people from destruction during the Persian Empire. Esther was orphaned at a young age and was raised by her cousin Mordecai. When she grew older, she became a queen consort to King Ahasuerus (also known as Xerxes I). Despite being a Jew living in Persia, Esther kept her faith and heritage private until it was necessary for her to reveal it to save her people from annihilation.
Esther's story is one of courage, bravery, and faith. She risked her own life by approaching the king uninvited, revealing her true identity as a Jew, and pleading with him to spare her people from destruction. Her actions ultimately saved the Jewish people and led to the establishment of the Jewish holiday of Purim.
Today, Hadassah is still a popular name among Jews worldwide, but it has also gained popularity among non-Jews who are drawn to its unique sound and biblical significance. It is often associated with strength, beauty, and wisdom, reflecting the qualities of Queen Esther herself.
The name Hadassa has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. In the late 60s and early 70s, there were only around 5 to 6 births per year with this name. However, starting from the mid-90s, we begin to see a steady rise in the number of babies named Hadassa each year.
In 1994, there were 11 births, which then doubled by 2000 with 20 births that year. The early 2000s saw continued growth, reaching 28 births in 2003 and peaking at 78 births in 2021. This trend has been maintained into recent years, with over 100 babies named Hadassa born each year since 2022.
Overall, from 1966 to 2023, there have been a total of 1395 births of girls named Hadassa in the United States. This shows that while once rare, this name has become quite popular and continues to be so today.