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Hadassah

♀ Girl

Pronounced hah-DAS-uh /həˈdæs.ə/High

Meaning: Myrtle tree; the Hebrew name of the biblical Queen Esther, signifying the fragrant myrtle plantHigh

In 30 seconds: A rich biblical Hebrew name meaning 'myrtle tree,' Hadassah was the birth name of Queen Esther and carries centuries of Jewish tradition and feminine grace.
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Origin HighHebrew
MeaningMyrtle tree; the Hebrew name of the biblical Queen Esther, signifying the fragrant myrtle plant
U.S. rank (2025)#570 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births529 girls (0.03% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2024
Total births (all-time)≈ 9,300

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202419102025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Hadassah is a Hebrew name meaning 'myrtle tree.' The myrtle was a symbol of love and beauty in ancient Israelite culture, used in wedding ceremonies and associated with the Sabbath. In the Hebrew Bible, Hadassah is the Hebrew name of Esther, the Jewish queen of Persia who is celebrated in the Book of Esther. The name has been used continuously in Jewish communities for millennia.

In the modern era, Hadassah is also the name of the Women's Zionist Organization of America, founded in 1912 by Henrietta Szold, which operates hospitals and health services in Israel. This prominent organization has kept the name in public consciousness. Hadassah has grown in popularity among American Jewish families and beyond as parents rediscover vintage biblical names.

Did you know? In the Book of Esther, Hadassah is the Hebrew name of the Jewish queen who saved her people from persecution — she was known to the Persian court as Esther, but Hadassah remained her Hebrew identity.
Overall data confidence 97%
Behind the Name — Hadassah — etymology and biblical historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

HadasHadasaEsther

Nicknames

HaddieDassahHads

Famous Bearers

  • ★Hadassah (Queen Esther) (biblical)
    Biblical Jewish queen of Persia whose Hebrew name was Hadassah; heroine of the Book of Esther.

If you like Hadassah…

Esther— the Persian form of the same person, sharing identical biblical heritage
Miriam— fellow ancient Hebrew biblical name with strong Jewish naming tradition
Naomi— another beloved Old Testament Hebrew name with a nature-adjacent meaning
Devorah— shares the same deep Jewish biblical roots and vintage revival appeal

Frequently Asked

What does the name Hadassah mean?

Hadassah is a Hebrew name meaning 'myrtle tree,' and was the birth name of the biblical Queen Esther.

How do you pronounce Hadassah?

It is said hah-DAS-uh — three syllables with stress on the second.

Is Hadassah a Jewish name?

Yes, Hadassah is a Hebrew name with deep roots in Jewish religious tradition, most notably as the birth name of Queen Esther.

Is Hadassah popular today?

Hadassah has grown in popularity in the United States, particularly in Jewish communities and among parents seeking distinctive biblical names.