Canaanite Names: An Overview
Canaanite names are a type of name used by the ancient Canaanites, a people who lived in the area now known as the Middle East during the Bronze Age. The Canaanites were a Semitic-speaking people who lived in the area between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea, and their culture was heavily influenced by the surrounding civilizations of Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Anatolia. As such, their names often reflect the influence of these cultures, and many of them have been preserved in the Bible, archaeological artifacts, and other ancient texts.
Examples of Canaanite Names
Some of the most famous Canaanite names include those of the biblical figures Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Other examples of Canaanite names include those of the goddesses Anat and Asherah, the kings of Ugarit, and the prophets Elijah and Elisha. In addition, many of the names of the cities in the region, such as Jerusalem, Jericho, and Tyre, are of Canaanite origin.
Meaning of Canaanite Names
Canaanite names often have meanings that reflect the beliefs and values of the ancient Canaanites. For example, the name Abraham means “father of many nations”, and the name Isaac means “he who laughs”. Other common meanings for Canaanite names include “God is my judge”, “God is my protector”, and “God is my strength”.
Modern Usage of Canaanite Names
Today, many people of Jewish and Christian faiths use Canaanite names for their children, as a way to honor their cultural heritage. In addition, some modern parents have adopted Canaanite names as a way to express their connection to the land of Canaan. As such, it is not uncommon to find names such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in modern baby name books.
Name | Full Meaning | Origins | Gender | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Asheira | Asheira: Unique, feminine name meaning "blessed" from Canaanite... | Canaanite | Girl | |
Ashera | Ashera: a unique, empowering name from Canaanite fertility... | Canaanite | Girl | |
Asherat | Asherat: Unique feminine name from Canaanite mythology, meaning... | Canaanite | Girl | |
Ashirat | Ashirat: Canaanite name meaning "fortunate," unique, and culturally... | Canaanite | Girl | |
Ashtart | Ashtart: unique name linked to Canaanite goddess of... | Canaanite | Girl | |
Athtart | Athtart: unique female name from Canaanite mythology, symbolizing... | Canaanite | Girl | |
Ba’al | Ba'al is a gender-neutral name from Canaanite mythology,... | Canaanite | Unisex | |
Baali | Baali: Unique masculine name meaning "my lord" with... | Canaanite | Boy | |
Berath | Berath: rare Canaanite name meaning "blessed," associated with... | Canaanite | Boy | |
Cannan | Cannan: Unique, gender-neutral name with ancient Canaanite origins... | Canaanite | Unisex | |
Gaza | Gaza: a unique, gender-neutral name meaning "strong" with... | Canaanite | Unisex | |
Heth | Heth: Hebrew name meaning "terror," biblical significance, unique... | Canaanite | Unisex | |
Kemosh | Kemosh: Canaanite name meaning "subdue," associated with male... | Canaanite | Boy | |
Maloch | Maloch: Unique name of Canaanite origin meaning "king"... | Canaanite | Boy | |
Manaat | Manaat: Canaanite name meaning "goddess of fate," unique... | Canaanite | Girl | |
Qadesh | Qadesh means "holy place," linked to ancient Kadesh... | Canaanite | Unisex | |
Qedesh | Qedesh: Unique, gender-neutral name meaning "holy" with Canaanite... | Canaanite | Unisex | |
Reshef | Reshef means "thunderbolt," symbolizes strength, and has ancient... | Canaanite | Boy | |
Resheph | Resheph: Hebrew name meaning "plague," linked to war... | Canaanite | Boy | |
Shekhem | Shekhem: Canaanite name meaning "shoulder," historically significant but... | Canaanite | Boy | |
Shua | Shua: Hebrew name meaning wealth, unisex, biblical, culturally... | Canaanite | Unisex | |
Sikem | Sikem: Unique Canaanite name meaning "shoulder," rich in... | Canaanite | Boy | |
Yavin | Yavin: Hebrew name meaning "understanding," unisex, with biblical... | Canaanite | Unisex |