Jezabel is a unique and intriguing name with roots deeply embedded in history and culture. Its origins can be traced back to the ancient Near East, where it was borne by several prominent figures.
The name Jezabel first appears in the Hebrew Bible, where it belongs to the Phoenician princess who became the wife of King Ahab of Israel. According to biblical accounts, Jezabel was a powerful and influential figure, known for her beauty, intelligence, and strong-willed nature. She is often remembered as one of the most wicked queens in history due to her promotion of Baal worship and suppression of the worship of Yahweh.
However, the name Jezabel also has positive associations. In Arthurian legend, Jezebel is a character who becomes the lover of Sir Palamedes, demonstrating loyalty and courage despite facing adversity. This representation offers an alternative perspective to the biblical interpretation of the name.
The meaning of Jezabel varies depending on its linguistic context. In Hebrew, it translates as "not exalted" or "without exaltation." This could imply humility or modesty, which contrasts with the biblical character's notorious pride and ambition. On the other hand, in Arabic, Jezabel means "smoothness" or "sleekness," perhaps alluding to the princess's renowned beauty.
Today, Jezabel continues to captivate as a distinctive name choice. Its rich history and cultural significance make it an appealing option for parents seeking a unique moniker for their child. Despite its complex associations, Jezabel stands out as a strong, memorable name with deep roots in ancient mythology and lore.
The name Jezabel has seen a varied trend of popularity over the past several decades in the United States. From 1979 to 2023, there have been a total of 619 births registered for this name.
Throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, Jezabel was quite uncommon, with fewer than ten babies being named Jezabel in any given year. However, starting from the mid-1980s, there was a noticeable increase in its popularity. Between 1986 and 1992, there were consistently around nine to twelve births each year.
The late 1990s marked a significant surge in popularity for Jezabel, with the highest number of births recorded in any single year being thirty babies named Jezabel in 2007. This trend continued into the early 2000s, with at least nineteen births per year from 2002 to 2014.
However, after reaching its peak popularity around 2007 and 2010, there has been a gradual decline in the number of babies named Jezabel. Between 2015 and 2023, the annual births have ranged from seven to twenty-six, indicating that while it's still an uncommon name, its popularity seems to have stabilized at a lower level compared to the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Despite fluctuations in popularity over time, Jezabel remains an unique and distinctive name choice for parents looking to give their child a memorable moniker. It is important to note that these statistics only represent births registered with the name Jezabel and do not account for any variations in spelling or instances where the name may have been recorded incorrectly.