Hadassa
Hadassa Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
Meaning of Hadassa: Hadassa (also spelled Hadassah) derives from the Hebrew word hadass, meaning myrtle. The myrtle tree held symbolic importance in ancient Israelite culture, associated with peace, righteousness, and divine favor.
The Book of Esther 2:7 identifies Hadassah as the Hebrew name of Esther, the Jewish queen who saved her people from persecution in the Persian Empire.
The story of Esther and Mordecai in the Persian court of Ahasuerus (Xerxes I, reigned 486-465 BCE) is commemorated in the Jewish festival of Purim. Hadassah held her Hebrew name privately while using the Persian name Esther in court.
What Does Hadassa Mean? Origin & Etymology
This duality of identity has made the name symbolically significant in Jewish diaspora communities across generations.
Hadassah gained institutional recognition through the Hadassah Women's Zionist Organization of America, founded in 1912 by Henrietta Szold. The organization, named in honor of Queen Esther's Hebrew name, established Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem. The Hadassah organization remains one of the largest Jewish organizations in the United States.
Hadassa and Hadassah appear in US SSA records, though below the top-1000 threshold as of 2024. The name is used primarily in Orthodox and traditional Jewish communities in the United States, Israel, and Latin America.
In Israel, it maintains steady use as a name honoring the Biblical queen. The alternate spelling Hadassa is more common in Sephardic communities.
Related names include Hadassah (standard spelling), Esther (the Persian/Hebrew name used at court), and Hadas (shortened modern Israeli form). The myrtle symbolism connects Hadassa to names like Mirtle (archaic English) and Myrtle (Victorian English revival). In Ladino-speaking Sephardic communities, Ester and Hadasa are both used.
Numerology & Symbolism of Hadassa
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Hadassa – Similar Names & Alternatives
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Frequently Asked Questions about Hadassa
What does Hadassa mean?
Hadassa means “myrtle tree,” the same meaning as Hadassah and Hadasa. All three are spelling variants of the Hebrew name הדסה. The myrtle symbolizes peace and beauty in Jewish tradition.
How popular is Hadassa?
Hadassa is rarely used in the United States but maintains its standing in Biblical Hebrew, Hebrew, Biblical Portuguese, Biblical German. SSA records show no significant US ranking for this name.
Is Hadassa used in non-Jewish communities?
Is Hadassa a boy or girl name?
Hadassa is used as both a masculine and feminine given name in its home tradition. The name is most common in Biblical Hebrew, Hebrew, Biblical Portuguese, Biblical German communities.
What is the difference between Hadasa, Hadassa, and Hadassah?
All three are spelling variants of the same Hebrew name. Hadasa is the modern Israeli form; Hadassah is the standard English-Jewish diaspora form; Hadassa is used in Dutch and Brazilian Portuguese contexts. The Hebrew original is identical across all three.
What are variants of Hadassa?
Hadassa has related forms in other languages: Hadassah (Biblical), Hode (Yiddish). These variants all share the same root and meaning.