Female Babylonian Names – A Glimpse into Ancient Times

Female Babylonian names have their unique charm.

The ancient city Babylon is famous for its unique history and culture. 

One interesting aspect of this culture is the names they gave to women.

These names were not just for identification, they had deep meanings and showed the beliefs and values of the Babylonians.

Why Names Are Important?

In Babylon, names were very special. People believed that a name could affect a person’s future. 

Names often had meanings related to gods, nature, and family. 

Choosing a name was an important task, reflecting what parents hoped for their children.

Common Themes in Female Babylonian Names:

Religious Beliefs:

Many names included the names of gods and goddesses, showing the importance of religion.

1. Inanna-damiqu (Beloved Inanna): Expresses devotion to the goddess of love, war, and fertility.
2. Nanaya-belu-usri (Nanaya protect my lord!): A plea for protection from the goddess of love and war.
3. Ninlil-bani (Ninlil is the creator): Honors Ninlil, the goddess of the air and mother of gods.
4. Shamash-nadin (Gift of Shamash): Expresses gratitude to the sun god Shamash.
5. Ishtar-ummi (Ishtar is my mother): Claims a close connection to the goddess Ishtar (counterpart of Inanna).
6. Nabû-shalti (May Nabu grant power): Seeks favor from Nabu, the god of wisdom and writing.
7. Belti-sha-ultu (Lady, is your life long?): Implores the protection of a goddess for a long life.
8. Marduk-zakira (Marduk is remembered): Honors the national god of Babylon, Marduk.
9. Sin-zeri (Sin is my light): Expresses faith in the moon god Sin.
10. Ninurta-banat (Daughter of Ninurta): Claims descent from the goddess of war and healing.
11. Mullissu (Chief counselor): Refers to an epithet of Ishtar, highlighting her wisdom.
12. Ninsun (Lady of the wild cow): Honors Ninsun, the mother goddess associated with cattle.
13. Gula-nishiptu (Gula’s offering): Shows dedication to Gula, the goddess of healing.
14. Shala (The exalted one): A title used for various goddesses, reflecting their high status.
15. Ninib-bani (Created by Ninib): Honors Ninib, the god of agriculture and war.
16. Ur-Nammu (Exalted servant of Namma): Shows devotion to the primeval sea goddess Namma.
17. Nanše (Lady of wisdom): A name itself referencing a goddess associated with knowledge.
18. Geshtinanna (Goddess of the vine): Honors the goddess of wine and vegetation.
19. Zababa (Chief): An epithet used for various gods, signifying their leadership.
20. Lagash-dêr (Lagash is powerful): References to a specific city-god, Lagash.
21. Itti-Marduk-balati (With Marduk is life): Combines devotion to Marduk with a plea for a long life.
22. Ninurta-sharru (Ninurta is king): Honors Ninurta and expresses a desire for divine rule.
23. Damu-Nisaba (Descendant of Nisaba): Claims lineage from the grain goddess Nisaba.
24. Inanna-sharrat (Inanna is queen): Emphasizes the power and authority of Inanna.
25. Enlil-bani (Created by Enlil): Honors Enlil, the god of wind, air, and earth.
26. Ninmah (Exalted Lady): A general title for a goddess, reflecting their high position.
27. Ninhursag (Lady of the mountain peaks): Honors the mother goddess associated with mountains.
28. Aya (House of god): Refers to a temple, signifying a connection to the divine.
29. Nungal (Great Lady): Another general title for a goddess, emphasizing their importance.
30. Bazu (Preserver): An epithet used for various gods, highlighting their protective role.

Nature and Beauty:

Some names were inspired by nature, symbolizing beauty and fertility. 

1. Yarratum (Fragrance): Evokes the beauty of a sweet scent.
2. Napparu (Bright): Captures the brilliance of the sun or stars.
3. Kubaba (Dove): References a symbol of peace and purity.
4. Zikrum (Seed): Represents the potential for life and growth.
5. Nintu (Lady of life): Celebrates the beauty of existence.
6. Nubtulla (Watchful gazelle): Combines the grace of a gazelle with vigilance.
7. Innin (Sweet): A simple name reflecting pleasantness.
8. Nishtu (Blossom): Symbolizes the delicate beauty of a flower.
9. Shushannu (Of Susa): References the beauty of the ancient city of Susa.
10. Ulla (Exalted): Suggests a sense of grandeur and beauty.
11. Lilitu (Night): Captures the mystery and allure of the nighttime.
12. Ninsun (Lady of the wild cows): Honours the beauty and power of wild animals.
13. Ninkarrak (Lady of the earth): Connects beauty to the fertility of the land.
14. Imgur-Bel (Wild ass of Bel): Refers to a majestic animal associated with the god Bel.
15. Nabarratum (Sparkling): Evokes the twinkling of stars or jewels.
16. Shurpu (Dawn): Captures the beauty of a new day.
17. Iltani (High): Suggests a connection to the beauty of the heavens.
18. Ninibru (Lady of the spring): Celebrates the beauty and life-giving nature of a spring.
19. Bartum (Cypress): References a majestic and long-lasting tree.
20. Ninshiku (Lady of light): Honors the beauty and life-giving power of light.
21. fZipparu (Possibly a small bird): A name referencing the beauty and freedom of birds.
22. fSikkû (Mongoose): A name inspired by a nimble and alert creature.
23. Ninlil (Lady of the air): Connects beauty to the vastness and freedom of the sky.
24. Nungal (Great Lady): A title emphasizing the beauty and majesty of a woman.
    Ninurta (Goddess of war and healing): Honours the power and beauty of a warrior goddess.
25. Ninkigal (Lady of the great underworld): Refers to a mysterious and powerful aspect of nature.
26. Nisaba (Goddess of grain): Celebrates the beauty and importance of agriculture.
27. Shala (The Exalted One): A title applied to goddesses, highlighting their beauty and power.
28. Ninhursag (Lady of the mountain peaks): Connects beauty to the majesty and strength of mountains.
29. Nanše (Lady of wisdom): Combines beauty with intelligence and knowledge.

Good Qualities:

Names often reflected qualities that parents wanted for their children. 

1. Amtasi (Mighty): Expresses a wish for strength and power.
2. Nubat (Watchful): Hopes for a daughter who is alert and vigilant.
3. Kinunu (Loyal): Desires unwavering devotion and faithfulness.
4. Tabi (Good): A simple yet powerful wish for overall goodness.
5. Tashlittu (Joyful): Seeks a daughter who brings happiness and merriment.
6. Damu-iqisha (Descendant who is fortunate): Combines ancestry with a wish for good luck.
7. Niwartu (May she see good days): A direct plea for a life filled with blessings.
8. Inanna-damiqu (Beloved Inanna): Combines devotion with a desire for love.
9. Baltum (Lady): Expresses a wish for nobility and grace.
10. Ninnu (Lady): Another term for “lady,” emphasizing desired qualities.
11. Ili-bani (Created by god): Hopes for divine favor and guidance.
12. Mullissu (Chief counselor): Desires wisdom and the ability to offer sound advice.
13. Ninshiku (Lady of light): Connects to enlightenment and knowledge.
14. Itti (With): Possibly expresses a desire for strong social bonds.
15. Gimillu (Reward): A name suggesting a hope for a blessed and fulfilling life.
16. Shulmu (Peace): Seeks a life free from conflict and turmoil.
17. Damu (Descendant): Highlights the importance of lineage and family.
18. Ardat (Righteous servant): Desires a life of integrity and devotion.
19. Zabbatu (Princess): Emphasizes nobility and a future of leadership.
20. Ninurta (Goddess of war and healing): Hopes for strength, resilience, and the ability to heal.
21. Ninsun (Lady of the wild cows): Combines the beauty of nature with strength and independence.
22. Ninkigal (Lady of the great underworld): Seeks a daughter with a strong personality and connection to the unseen.
23. Nabû-shalti (May Nabu grant power): Desires wisdom and leadership under the god Nabu’s blessing.
24. Shamhat (Joy): A straightforward name expressing a wish for a happy life.
25. Amat (Maidservant): While seemingly contradictory, it could represent a wish for a daughter who is devoted and helpful.
26. Ninurta-banat (Daughter of Ninurta): Combines lineage with a desire for strength and courage.
27. Mullissu-belit (Lady Mullissu): Emphasizes wisdom and leadership qualities.
28. Damu-nisaba (Descendant of Nisaba): Connects lineage to the goddess of grain, suggesting a hope for prosperity.
29. Inanna-sharrat (Inanna is queen): Desires a daughter who is strong, independent, and capable of leadership.
30. Balti-sha-ultu (Lady, is your life long?): A direct plea for a long and prosperous life.

Family Connections:

Some names showed family ties, which are very important in Babylonian society. 

1. Damu (Descendant): A simple yet powerful name highlighting lineage.
2. Damu-iqisha (Descendant who is fortunate): Combines ancestry with a wish for good luck.
3. Ninni (Lady): Often used alongside another element to denote a daughter of a specific person.
4. Nin-agal (Lady of the palace): Indicates a daughter of someone high-ranking.
5. Nάρ-Sin (Daughter of King Sin-muballit): A clear example of a name referencing a royal lineage.
6. Bel-iddinanni (Bel has given me): Expresses gratitude to the god Bel for a daughter.
7. Nintin (Lady of life): Possibly used for a daughter long-awaited or dearly desired.
8. Pupunu (Meaning unknown, possibly “blossom”): A beautiful name that could also denote a new addition to the family.
9. Abbatu (Palace): Could reference a daughter born within the palace walls.
10. Gesher-banu (Lady of the bridge): Might indicate a daughter from a specific family or location.
11. Itti-Marduk-balati (With Marduk is life): Combines devotion to a god with a wish for a daughter’s well-being.
12. Damu-Nisaba (Descendant of Nisaba): Connects a daughter’s lineage to the goddess of grain.
13. Ur-Nammu (Exalted servant of Namma): Highlights a daughter’s dedication to the primeval sea goddess.
14. Subartu (A region north of Babylon): Could indicate a daughter born in a specific region or from a family with ties there.
15. Ninurta-banat (Daughter of Ninurta): A clear reference to a daughter claiming descent from the war goddess.
16. Ennigaldi-Nanna (High Priestess of Ur): Though a title, it reflects a daughter who follows in her family’s religious footsteps.
17. Libbi-āli (Heart of the city): Could signify a daughter born within the heart of the city or from a prominent family.
18. Sin-leqeia (Meaning unknown, possibly “Sin is strong”): Potentially indicates a daughter born under the good graces of the moon god Sin.
19. Zabbatu (Princess): A straightforward name signifying a daughter of royalty.
20. Baltum (Lady): Can be used alongside another element to denote a daughter of a specific person.
21. Ninurta-sharru (Ninurta is king): Expresses a desire for a daughter who upholds family strength or legacy.
22. Inanna-damiqu (Beloved Inanna): Combines devotion to a goddess with a daughter cherished by the family.
23. Ninsun (Lady of the wild cows): A name potentially signifying a daughter with a strong personality, like a wild cow.
24. Nishtu (Blossom): A beautiful name that could also denote a daughter who brings joy to the family.
25. Shushannu (Of Susa): Could indicate a daughter from a family with ties to the city of Susa.
26. Ninkigal (Lady of the great underworld): A name suggesting a daughter with a mysterious or strong connection to the unseen.
27. Ninhursag (Lady of the mountain peaks): A name that could connect a daughter to a family with roots near mountains.
28. Aya (House of god): Might signify a daughter born into a priestly family or one devoted to serving the gods.
29. Damu-belti (Descendant, Lady): Combines lineage with a desire for a daughter who embodies nobility.
30. Inanna-sharrat (Inanna is queen): A name suggesting a daughter who upholds the family’s strength and leadership qualities.

The Last Impact:

Babylonian names give us a fascinating look into their world. 

These names were not just random; they showed what was important to the Babylonians, such as their gods, nature, and family. 

Even today, we choose names for our children with care. These are just like the Babylonians did thousands of years ago. 

These ancient names help us to understand the culture and history of Babylonian.