Adah
Adah Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
/ˈeɪ.də/
Meaning of Adah: Adah is a Hebrew feminine name derived from the root adah (עדה), meaning "adornment," "beauty," or "ornament." In the Old Testament, two women bear this name, making it one of the earliest female names to appear in the Hebrew Bible.
The first is Adah daughter of Elon the Hittite, the first wife of Esau, listed in Genesis 36:2. The second is Adah daughter of Lamech, mentioned in the genealogy of Cain (Genesis 4:19–20) as the mother of Jabal, the ancestor of nomadic herdsmen, and Jubal, the ancestor of musicians.
The name's meaning of adornment or ornament places it in a category of ancient Hebrew feminine names that invoke beauty and precious craftsmanship. In the ancient Near East, personal adornment—jewelry, clothing, cosmetics—carried social and ritual significance beyond mere aesthetics.
What Does Adah Mean? Origin & Etymology
A name meaning "adorned" or "ornamented" implies the value of refined appearance and cultural polish recognized in ancient Israelite society. The name is two syllables, phonetically simple, and its Hebrew etymology is clear and unambiguously positive, which aided its transmission across centuries of biblical naming traditions.
Adah was used as a given name in Puritan New England and in 18th–19th century American communities with strong Old Testament naming traditions. According to SSA records, it appears in US birth registrations through the 19th century and into the early 20th, before fading from regular use.
The American poet and actress Adah Isaacs Menken (1835–1868), one of the most famous women of her era, gave the name cultural visibility in the Victorian period. Today Adah is rare but occasionally chosen by families seeking short, authentic Hebrew names with biblical heritage. Reference: etymology records.
Numerology & Symbolism of Adah
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Adah – Similar Names & Alternatives
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Frequently Asked Questions about Adah
What does Adah mean?
Adah is means "adornment, ornament" in Hebrew.
How popular is Adah?
Adah is rarely used in the United States but maintains its standing in Biblical. SSA records show no significant US ranking for this name.
How do you pronounce Adah?
Adah is pronounced /ˈeɪ.də/. The name originates in Biblical tradition.
What are variants of Adah?
Adah has related forms in other languages: Ada (Biblical Hebrew), Ada (Hebrew). These variants all share the same root and meaning.