Adar is a unique and distinctive given name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew word "adar," which means "to adorn" or "to beautify." The name Adar is associated with the Jewish month that occurs in both late winter and early spring, during which the festival of Purim takes place.
The history of the name Adar can be traced back to ancient Hebrew culture. In the Book of Esther in the Old Testament, King Ahasuerus renames his son Artašata by the Babylonian name Adar, meaning "beautiful" or "magnificent." This name was subsequently adopted as the Jewish month during which Purim is celebrated.
Adar is also mentioned in other historical texts and artifacts. For instance, a Jewish inscription from the 4th century CE found on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem includes the month Adar in its calendar.
Today, Adar is a popular given name among Jews worldwide, as well as among those who appreciate its unique sound and Hebrew origins. While it remains relatively rare compared to more common names like Samuel or David, it continues to be chosen by parents seeking distinctive and meaningful names for their children.
The name Adar has seen varied popularity over the years, with peaks in usage around the late 90s and early 2000s, as well as a recent resurgence since 2016. The highest number of births recorded in any given year was seven in 2019.