Jezabel
Meaning of Jezabel
Jezabel, a Latinized variant of the Hebrew name יִזְבֶּעֶל (commonly rendered Jezebel), carries with it a storied past rooted in ancient Near Eastern and biblical tradition, where its original meaning—often interpreted as “not exalted” or “where is the prince?”—speaks to questions of authority and hierarchy. Although historically burdened by the infamy of the Old Testament queen whose defiance and political machinations have cast a long shadow over Western cultural memory, the modern revival of Jezabel as a given name suggests an analytical reappraisal of its symbolic potency, one that privileges resilience and autonomy over moral condemnation. Pronounced JEZ-uh-bel (/ˈdʒɛzəbɛl/) in contemporary English usage, it remains rare in the United States, registering 19 newborns and a rank of 931 in 2024, yet its appearance on birth registers over the past four decades—peaking modestly in 2014—reveals a subtle but persistent appeal among parents seeking a name that is at once historically resonant and strikingly unconventional.
Pronunciation
English
- Pronunced as JEZ-uh-bel (/ˈdʒɛzəbɛl/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
