347+ Babylonian Names [With Meanings]

Babylonian names are rooted in the ancient history of the region known as Mesopotamia, which encompasses modern-day Iraq, Syria, and parts of Turkey and Iran.

Babylonian names typically have complex meanings and are often linked to the gods and goddesses of the Babylonian pantheon.

Here are some characteristics of Babylonian names:

Importance of Religion: Religion played a significant role in Babylonian culture, and many Babylonian names are derived from the names of gods and goddesses. For example, the name Marduk, which means “bull calf of the sun,” was the name of the patron god of Babylon.
Significance of Nature: Babylonian names are also often linked to the natural world, with many names referencing elements like water, earth, and the sky. For example, the name Enki, which means “lord of the earth,” was the name of the god of water and wisdom.
Multi-Part Names: Babylonian names are frequently composed of multiple parts, each with its own meaning. For example, the name Nebuchadnezzar is composed of four parts, each with its own meaning: “Nebu,” which means “Nebo,” the Babylonian god of wisdom, “kudur,” which means “prince,” “uzur,” which means “protect,” and “sha-er,” which means “may he live.”
Use of Epithets: Epithets, or descriptive terms that are used to refer to a person or god, are commonly used in Babylonian names. For example, the name Nabonidus, which means “Nabu is praised,” includes an epithet for the god Nabu.
Family Names: Babylonian names sometimes include a family name, indicating a person’s lineage or tribal affiliation. For example, the name Hammurabi, which means “the kinsman is a healer,” includes a family name that indicates Hammurabi’s connection to a tribe of healers.
Gender-Based Differences: Babylonian names are often gender-specific, with certain endings indicating whether a name is male or female. For example, names that end in “a” are typically female, while names that end in “u” are typically male.

In summary, Babylonian names are characterized by their complex meanings, their links to religion and the natural world, their multi-part compositions, their use of epithets, their inclusion of family names, and their gender-specific endings.

These characteristics reflect the rich history and cultural traditions of ancient Babylonian society.

Table of Contents

Old Babylonian Names with Meanings

Here are 30 Old Babylonian names with their meanings:

Hammurabi – “the kinsman is a healer”
Samsu-iluna – “the sun god is our strength”
Rim-Sin – “merciful god”
Naram-Sin – “beloved of the moon god Sin”
Ishtar-malik – “Ishtar is king”
Nabonidus – “Nabu is praised”
Shamash-resh-ussur – “Shamash has given life to the land”
Adad-apla-iddina – “Adad has given me an heir”
Marduk-nadin-ahhe – “Marduk has given a brother”
Urukagina – “the king of Uruk”
Ur-Nammu – “the mighty one of Nammu”
Shalmaneser – “Shulmanu is preeminent”
Tiglath-Pileser – “my trust is in the son of Ešarra”
Ashurbanipal – “the god Ashur is creator of an heir”
Nabu-kudurri-usur – “Nabu, protect my offspring”
Belshazzar – “Bel protects the king”
Eshnunna – “city of the goddess Nanna”
Kudurru – “boundary stone”
Ashur-etil-ilani – “Ashur is the lord of the gods”
Ea-nasir – “Ea has preserved me”
Ninurta-kudurri-usur – “Ninurta, protect my offspring”
Labashi-Marduk – “the god Marduk has given him life”
Ashur-nadin-shumi – “Ashur has given me a good name”
Sharrukin – “the true king”
Shalim-ahum – “Shalim has seen him”
Shulgi – “true son of Shulgi”
Ninurta-apal-Ekur – “Ninurta, the son of the Enlil temple”
Nabu-shuma-ukin – “Nabu has established a name”
Nabu-mukin-zeri – “Nabu, establish my name”
Ea-gamil – “Ea is my protector”

These names reflect the importance of religion and the natural world, as well as the use of multi-part names and gender-specific endings that were characteristic of Babylonian culture.

Babylonian Names for Your Baby

Male Babylonian Names

Below are some male Babylonian names with their meanings:

Adad-apla-iddina – “Adad has given me an heir”
Adad-guppi – “Adad protect me”
Adapa – “The first man”
Akurgal – “Great city”
Amel-Marduk – “Servant of Marduk”
Amel-Ninurta – “Servant of Ninurta”
Amurru – “West”
Anu-uballit – “Anu sustains me”
Aplahanda – “Son of Aplu”
Arad-gula – “Servant of Gula”
Bel-ibni – “Bel built”
Belshazzar – “Bel protect the king”
Enlil-bani – “Enlil built”
Enlil-nadin-ahi – “Enlil gave me a brother”
Ennigaldi-Nanna – “Priestess of the moon god”
Gudia – “High priest”
Hammurabi – “The kinsman is a healer”
Iddin-Dagan – “Dagan has given me”
Igime-ili – “Cook of the god Ili”
Ili-ippašra – “Ili has protected him”
Ilushuma – “My god heard me”
Ishme-Dagan – “Dagan hears me”
Kudurru – “Boundary stone”
Marduk-šakin-šumi – “Marduk has established my name”
Nabonidus – “Nabu is praised”
Nabu-apla-iddina – “Nabu has given me an heir”
Nabu-belu-kheir – “Nabu, protect the son”
Nabu-kudurri-usur – “Nabu, protect the boundary stone”
Ninurta-kudurri-usur – “Ninurta, protect the boundary stone”
Šamši-Adad – “The sun is my help”

These names were carefully chosen to honor and protect the individual. They incorporated elements of religion, family lineage, occupation, and social status, reflecting the complex beliefs and traditions of the Babylonian civilization.

Female Babylonian Names

Here are some female Babylonian names with their meanings:

Enheduanna – “ornament of heaven”
Tashmetum – “the goddess of creation”
Shibtu – “gift”
Amat-Marduk – “servant of Marduk”
Atalya – “the lord is exalted”
Ina-Isa-kalla – “lady of the fruitful field”
Nanaya – “the goddess of fertility”
Ishtar – “the goddess of love and war”
Nanshe – “the goddess of social justice”
Tashmetum-sharrat – “the queen of creation”
Kalasu – “the goddess of feasts”
Kubaba – “queen of Kish”
Labasha – “she is alive”
Naqia – “pure one”
Nidintu-Bel – “the goddess who gives life to Bel”
Ninkasi – “the goddess of beer”
Ninlil – “the goddess of the wind”
Ninsar – “the goddess of vegetation”
Ninti – “the goddess of birth”
Ninurta-nadin-shumi – “Ninurta has given me a good name”
Shibtu – “gift”
Sharrat-niphi – “the queen of the earth”
Tabni-Ishtar – “the gift of Ishtar”
Uballissu-Marduk – “Marduk’s fruitful one”
Uballitum – “she who is fertile”
Urashtu – “the goddess of fertility”
Zerbanitu – “the goddess of weaving”
Zeruiah – “the Lord is my rock”
Zikarti – “she remembers”
Zirat-banit – “she who creates seedlings”

These names are characterized by their connection to the gods and goddesses of Babylonian mythology, as well as their focus on femininity, fertility, and motherhood.

Many of these names also contain the element “sharrat,” meaning queen, which highlights the important role of women in Babylonian society.

Ancient Babylonian Names

Ancient Babylonian names refer to names that were used in Babylon, a prominent city-state in Mesopotamia that was established around 2300 BCE.

Babylon was known for its rich cultural, scientific, and religious heritage, and its names reflect the diverse influences of the region.

Here are 10 ancient Babylonian names with their meanings:

Ablum – “Son of the mother”
Akhirom – “Brother of the god Rim”
Balthasar – “Bel protect the king”
Erišum – “Servant of the god Sumu”
Gilgamesh – “The ancestor is a hero”
Nabonidus – “Nabu is praised”
Nabu-nasir – “Nabu protect the heir”
Samas-sum-ukin – “Shamash has established the name”
Šamaš-šuma-ukin – “Shamash has established an heir”
Sin-muballit – “Sin has given life”

These names reflect the Babylonians’ deep religious beliefs and their reverence for their deities.

They often included elements related to family lineage, occupation, and social status.

Many Babylonian names also had multiple parts, with each part having a specific meaning.

Overall, ancient Babylonian names were rich in meaning and symbolism, reflecting the complex and diverse cultural heritage of this ancient civilization.

What and Where was Babylonia?

Babylonian Names That Start With… (A-Z)

Here are some Babylonian names that start with each letter of the alphabet.

Please note that some letter don’t have entries:

Adapa – Meaning “wise,” this was the name of a legendary sage and priest in ancient Mesopotamia.
Ashur – This was the name of the chief god of the Assyrian pantheon.
Anu – This was the name of the god of the sky and heavens in the Babylonian and Sumerian pantheons.
Anunnaki – This was a group of deities in ancient Mesopotamian mythology, often associated with the underworld.
Anshar – Meaning “whole heaven,” this was the name of the primeval god of the Babylonian creation myth.
Arad-Ea – Meaning “servant of Ea,” this was the name of a Babylonian prince.

Belshazzar – Meaning “may Bel protect the king,” this was the name of a Babylonian prince mentioned in the Old Testament.
Balthazar – This was a Babylonian name meaning “Baal protects the king.” It was also the name of one of the Magi in the New Testament.
Bêlit – This was the name of a Babylonian goddess of love and fertility.
Bit-ili – Meaning “house of the gods,” this was the name of a Babylonian temple.
Bur-Sin – Meaning “servant of the moon god Sin,” this was the name of a Babylonian king.
Baalshillem – Meaning “Baal has recompensed,” this was the name of a Babylonian official mentioned in the book of Jeremiah.

Chaldea – This was the name of a region in ancient Mesopotamia, known for its astronomy and astrology.
Cuthah – This was the name of a city in ancient Mesopotamia, known for its temple of Nergal.
Cuneiform – This was the system of writing used in ancient Mesopotamia, consisting of wedge-shaped marks made on clay tablets.
Cyaxares – This was the name of a king of Media who formed an alliance with the Babylonians to conquer the Assyrian Empire.
Caecilius – This was a Roman name that may have originated from the Babylonian name Kakilu.
Callirhoe – This was a Babylonian name meaning “beautiful flow.”

Dumuzid – This was the name of a god of vegetation and fertility in Babylonian and Sumerian mythology.
Damu – Meaning “son,” this was the name of a Babylonian god of vegetation and growth.
Dagan – This was the name of a Babylonian god of agriculture, fertility, and grain.
Dilmun – This was the name of an ancient civilization located in present-day Bahrain, known for its trade and connection to the Babylonian creation myth.
Dusares – This was the name of a Nabataean god who was later worshipped in the Roman Empire.
Dabibi – This was a Babylonian name meaning “lofty.”

Enki – Also known as Ea, this was the name of the god of wisdom, freshwater, and magic in the Babylonian and Sumerian pantheons.
Enlil – This was the name of the chief god of the Sumerian pantheon and the god of wind, air, and storms in the Babylonian pantheon.
Erra – This was the name of a Babylonian god of war and destruction.
Ellilum – This was a Babylonian name meaning “may Ellil be merciful.”
Ereshkigal – This was the name of the goddess of the underworld and the dead in Babylonian mythology.
Etemenanki – Meaning “temple of the foundation of heaven and earth,” this was the name of a Babylonian temple in Babylon.

Fara – This was the name of a city in ancient Mesopotamia that was home to a temple of the god Sin.
Faraaz – This was a Babylonian name meaning “victory.”
Firuz – This was a Babylonian name meaning “victorious.”
Fravashi – This was the name of a Babylonian concept similar to the Zoroastrian idea of a guardian spirit or ancestral soul.
Fruma – This was a Babylonian name meaning “prudent.”
Fubao – This was a Babylonian name meaning “rich treasures.”

Gula – This was the name of a Babylonian goddess of healing and medicine.
Gilgamesh – This was the name of a legendary king and hero in Babylonian and Sumerian mythology, known for his quest for immortality.
Gishzida – This was the name of a Babylonian god of vegetation and fertility.
Gudua – This was a Babylonian name meaning “descendant of the bull.”
Guzal – This was a Babylonian name meaning “lovely.”
Guzanu – This was a Babylonian name meaning “treasure.”

Hammurabi – This was the name of a Babylonian king who is famous for his law code.
Huwawa – Also known as Humbaba, this was the name of a giant monster in Babylonian mythology who was defeated by Gilgamesh and Enkidu.
Hadad – This was the name of a Babylonian god of storms and fertility.
Haran – This was the name of a city in ancient Mesopotamia, known for its worship of the moon god Sin.
Hea – Also known as Ea or Enki, this was the name of the god of wisdom, freshwater, and magic in the Babylonian and Sumerian pantheons.
Huzur – This was a Babylonian name meaning “courtier.”

Ishtar – This was the name of the Babylonian goddess of love, fertility, and war.
Ilabrat – This was a Babylonian name meaning “hand of grain.”
Imdugud – Also known as Anzu, this was the name of a Babylonian bird-like monster.
Ishum – This was the name of a Babylonian god of fire and war.
Inanna – Also known as Ishtar, this was the name of the Babylonian goddess of love, fertility, and war.
Igigi – This was the name of a group of deities in Babylonian mythology who were associated with the heavens.

Jaddua – This was a Babylonian name meaning “known leader.”
Jammaz – This was a Babylonian name meaning “the revered one.”
Jasiel – This was a Babylonian name meaning “whom God made.”
Jehoiachin – Meaning “Yahweh has established,” this was the name of a Babylonian king who was taken into captivity by the Babylonians.
Jizkiyah – Meaning “strength of Yahweh,” this was the name of a king of Judah who resisted Babylonian rule.
Jikdu – This was a Babylonian name meaning “warrior.”

Kish – This was the name of a city in ancient Mesopotamia that was one of the earliest centers of civilization in the region.
Kurnugi – This was the name of the Babylonian underworld, ruled by the goddess Ereshkigal.
Kushtashpi – This was the name of a Babylonian god of the sky and weather.
Kuzbari – This was a Babylonian name meaning “protector of the land.”
Kali – This was the name of a Babylonian goddess of war and destruction.

Lahmu – This was the name of a Babylonian deity associated with the primeval waters and chaos.
Lugalbanda – This was the name of a hero in Babylonian mythology who was the father of Gilgamesh.
Labarnas – This was a Babylonian name meaning “servant of the goddess.”
Libbi-ali – This was a Babylonian name meaning “my heart is exalted.”
Lishanu – This was a Babylonian name meaning “intelligent.”
Lubaru – This was a Babylonian name meaning “flame.”

Marduk – means “bull calf of the sun”; the name of the chief god of Babylon
Mušallim-Marduk – means “Marduk has heard”; a Babylonian official and astronomer
Marduk-balassu-iqbi – means “Marduk protects my life”; a Babylonian king of the 11th century BCE
Marduk-nādin-aḫḫē – means “Marduk has given a brother”; a Babylonian king of the 12th century BCE
Marduk-nasir-apli – means “Marduk protect the heir”; a Babylonian king of the 12th century BCE
Nabû-mukin-apli – means “Nabu has established an heir”; a Babylonian official and governor
Mami – This was the name of a Babylonian goddess of creation, who was also associated with childbirth and fertility.
Mamitu – This was the name of a Babylonian goddess of fate and destiny.

Nabonidus – means “Nabu is praised”; a Babylonian king of the 6th century BCE
Nabû-aḫḫē-iddin – means “Nabu has given a brother”; a Babylonian official and scholar
Nabû-šuma-iškun – means “Nabu has established a name”; a Babylonian king of the 8th century BCE
Nabû-kudurrī-uṣur – means “Nabu, protect my offspring”; a Babylonian king of the 7th century BCE
Nabû-naṣir – means “Nabu has protected”; a Babylonian official and astrologer
Nabû-nāʾid – means “Nabu is exalted”; a Babylonian king of the 6th century BCE
Nanshe – This was the name of a Babylonian goddess of prophecy, fishing, and social justice.
Ninkasi – This was the name of a Babylonian goddess of beer and brewing.
Ninlil – This was the name of a Babylonian goddess of the air and the wife of Enlil.
Nisaba – This was the name of a Babylonian goddess of writing and accounting.
Nidaba – This was the name of a Babylonian goddess of grain and writing.
Nabu-ahhe-iddina – means “O Nabu, protect my life”; a Babylonian prince and son of Esarhaddon
Ninurta-zigurrat – means “Fortress of Ninurta”

Oannes – This was the name of a Babylonian god who was half-fish and half-human, and was associated with wisdom and civilization.
Omalkhaya – This was a Babylonian name meaning “my mother is the sky.”
Opart – This was a Babylonian name meaning “a place of worship.”
Oreh – This was a Babylonian name meaning “light.”
Ozni – This was a Babylonian name meaning “strong.”
Onki – This was a Babylonian name meaning “worshipper.”

Puzur-Aššur – means “Servant of Ashur”; a Babylonian official and governor
Puzur-Sîn – means “Servant of Sin”; a Babylonian official and governor
Pušur-Šin – means “He whom Sin has given”; a Babylonian official and governor
Puzur-Nirah – means “Servant of Nirah”; a Babylonian official and governor
Pašur-šumu-iddina – means “Shumu-iddina has redeemed”; a Babylonian official and scholar
Pušur-Mušēzib – means “He whom Mušēzib has given”; a Babylonian official and governor
Pabil-sag – This was the name of a Babylonian god of the marshes and wetlands.
Papsukkal – This was the name of a Babylonian god who served as a messenger between the gods and mortals.
Pazuzu – This was the name of a Babylonian demon who was associated with the wind and storms.
Pulukku – This was a Babylonian name meaning “good fortune.”
Pashupati – This was a Babylonian name meaning “lord of the animals.”
Puriya – This was a Babylonian name meaning

Shamash-iddin – means “Shamash has given”; a Babylonian official and governor
Šamaš-šuma-ukin – means “Shamash has established the offspring”; a Babylonian official and governor
Šamaš-erība – means “Shamash has multiplied”; a Babylonian official and scholar
Šamaš-mudammiq – means “Shamash has granted”; a Babylonian official and governor
Šamaš-nāṣir – means “Shamash has protected”; a Babylonian official and scholar
Sin-iddinam – means “Sin has given me an heir”; a Babylonian king of the 18th century BCE

Tukulti-Ninurta – means “My trust is in Ninurta”; a Babylonian king of the 12th century BCE
Tammaritu – means “Favorable one”; a Babylonian queen and wife of Nabonidus
Tukulti-Ninurta II – means “My trust is in Ninurta the second”; a Babylonian king of the 12th century BCE
Tukulti-apil-Ešarra – means “My trust is in the son of Esharra”; a Babylonian king of the 12th century BCE
Tukulti-Mer – means “My trust is in Mer”; a Babylonian king of the 13th century BCE
Teumman – means “Life of Marduk”; an Elamite king who attacked Babylon in the 7th century BCE

Ubar-Tutu – means “He who is chief of Tutu”; a Babylonian king of the 18th century BCE
Ulamburiash – means “I will not be destroyed”; a Babylonian king of the 14th century BCE
Uraš-Taklima – means “She who embraces all lands”; a Babylonian goddess of the earth
Ukkin-Nadin-ahi – means “Ukkin protects the brother”; a Babylonian king of the 16th century BCE
Uballissu-Marduk – means “Marduk is favorable”; a Babylonian official and governor
Ušpia – means “God is my light”; a Babylonian queen and wife of king Šamši-Adad V

Zababa-šuma-iddin – means “Zababa has established a brother”; a Babylonian official and governor
Zamua – means “Lofty one”; a Babylonian goddess of the sky
Zimri-Lim – means “Praised be Lim”; a king of the city-state of Mari in the 18th century BCE
Zerbanitu – means “Victorious one”; a Babylonian goddess of victory and war
Zagmuk – means “New Year’s festival”; a Babylonian festival held in honor of the god Marduk
Zaqar – means “He who remembers”; a Babylonian god of wisdom and incantations

Babylonian God Names (Deity Names)

Here are some Babylonian God names along with their descriptions:

Anu – the god of the heavens, father of the gods, and ruler of the sky.
Enlil – the god of wind, storms, and agriculture, and second in power to Anu.
Ea (Enki) – the god of water, wisdom, and magic, and the creator of humanity.
Marduk – the patron god of Babylon, god of fertility, and the leader of the Babylonian pantheon.
Ishtar – the goddess of love, fertility, war, and sex, and the daughter of Anu.
Shamash – the god of the sun, justice, and morality, and the judge of the dead.
Nergal – the god of war, death, and the underworld, and the husband of Ereshkigal.
Tiamat – the goddess of chaos and the sea, who was defeated by Marduk in the creation story.
Nabu – the god of writing, wisdom, and knowledge, and the son of Marduk.
Ashur – the god of war and empire, who became the patron god of the Assyrian empire.
Ninurta – the god of agriculture, hunting, and war, and the son of Enlil.
Nanna (Sin) – the god of the moon and wisdom, and the father of the sun god Utu.
Adad (Ishkur) – the god of storms and rain, and the son of Anu and Ki.
Ereshkigal – the goddess of the underworld and death, and the sister of Ishtar.
Dumuzi (Tammuz) – the god of vegetation and fertility, and the husband of Inanna.
Gula – the goddess of healing and medicine, and the wife of Ninurta.
Nabu-kudurri-usur – a Babylonian king who took his name from the god Nabu.
Nusku – the god of fire and light, and the messenger of the gods.
Qingu – the god of chaos and rebellion, and the consort of Tiamat.
Ninlil – the goddess of the wind, and the wife of Enlil.
Ningal – the goddess of the moon and motherhood, and the wife of Nanna.
Ninazu – the god of healing and agriculture, and the son of Gula.
Ninshubur – the goddess of fertility and Ishtar’s faithful messenger.
Pazuzu – the demon of the southwest wind, and the son of the god Hanbi.
Shara – the god of war and hunting, and the son of Ninurta.
Tashmetu – the goddess of creation, and the consort of Nabu.
Tiamat – the goddess of the sea and chaos, and the mother of all monsters.
Urash – the goddess of earth, and the wife of Anu.
Utu (Shamash) – the god of the sun and justice, and the son of Nanna.
Zagreus – a god of resurrection and rebirth, who was associated with the god Dumuzi in later Babylonian mythology.

These Babylonian gods and goddesses were central to the religious beliefs and practices of ancient Mesopotamia, and were often associated with natural phenomena, such as the sun, moon, wind, and rain.

They were also seen as powerful protectors and providers, and were called upon to grant blessings and protection to their worshippers.

Babylonian Demon Names

Babylonian demonology was a complex system of beliefs that attributed supernatural powers and malevolent intent to various entities.

Some of these entities were believed to cause harm or mischief to humans, and were referred to as demons.

Here are some Babylonian demon names:

Alu – A demon that caused disease and illness
Anzu – A bird-like demon that was believed to cause storms and bring chaos
Asag – A demon that was associated with rock formations and mountains, and was believed to cause headaches and other ailments
Bašmu – A snake-dragon demon that was associated with the underworld and chaos
Gallu – A group of demons that caused nightmares and sleep paralysis
Girtablilu – A demon with the body of a lion and the wings of an eagle, associated with protection and divine justice
Huwawa – A giant demon associated with mountains and forests, believed to cause destruction and death
Lamashtu – A female demon that caused infertility, miscarriages, and infant mortality
Pazuzu – A demon that was associated with the wind and storms, and was believed to cause famine and drought
Tiamat – A primordial goddess of chaos and the sea, who was later associated with demonic forces in Babylonian mythology.

Babylonian demon names often represented fears and anxieties associated with natural phenomena, illness, and death.

They were believed to have power over humans, and were often invoked in protective rituals and exorcisms.

Babylonian Month Names

Babylonian month names were an important part of the Babylonian calendar, which was one of the earliest known calendars.

The Babylonians divided their year into 12 lunar months, each of which began with the sighting of the new moon.

The Babylonian month names were generally based on the activities or agricultural events that took place during that month.

Here are the Babylonian month names along with their meanings:

Nisanu – The month of sowing
Aiaru – The month of budding
Simanu – The month of brick-making
Dumuzu – The month of the shepherd
Abu – The month of reeds
Ululu – The month of the grape harvest
Tashritu – The month of the start of the year
Arahsamna – The month of the harvest
Kislimu – The month of the rise of the water
Tebetu – The month of the winter solstice
Shabatu – The month of the oath-taking
Addaru – The month of the festival of the gods

The Babylonian month names reflect the importance of agriculture and the seasons in the lives of the Babylonians.

Many of the month names are associated with farming activities and the harvest season.

Other names are associated with important events, such as the start of the new year and the festival of the gods.

The Babylonian calendar and its month names have had a significant influence on the calendars used by later civilizations, including the Jewish and Islamic calendars.

Babylonian City Names

Here are some Babylonian city names:

Babylon (Babilu) – One of the most famous cities in ancient Mesopotamia, located on the Euphrates River in modern-day Iraq. It was the capital of the Babylonian empire under King Hammurabi and was known for its impressive architecture, including the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
Nippur (Nibru) – A city located in modern-day Iraq that was an important religious center in ancient Mesopotamia. It was home to the temple of Enlil, the chief god of the Sumerian pantheon.
Ur (Urim) – An ancient city located in southern Mesopotamia, known for its ziggurat (stepped pyramid) and as the birthplace of the patriarch Abraham in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions.
Uruk (Erech) – One of the oldest cities in Mesopotamia, located in southern Iraq. It was the home of the legendary hero Gilgamesh and was known for its impressive city walls.
Kish (Kis) – An ancient city located in modern-day Iraq that was an important political and religious center in ancient Sumer.
Larsa (Nun-ki) – An ancient city located in southern Iraq that was an important center of trade and commerce.
Eridu (Eridug) – One of the oldest cities in Mesopotamia, located in modern-day Iraq. It was the home of the god Enki (Ea) and was known as a center of religious and cultural activity.
Sippar (Sippar-Amnanum) – An ancient city located in modern-day Iraq that was an important center of worship for the sun god Shamash.
Shuruppak (Shuruppag) – An ancient city located in southern Iraq that was known for its role in the flood myth in Babylonian mythology.
Borsippa (Birs Nimrud) – An ancient city located in modern-day Iraq that was home to the temple of the god Nabu.

These ancient cities were centers of political, religious, and cultural activity in ancient Mesopotamia, and their ruins continue to provide important insights into the lives of the people who lived there.

Babylonian Last Names

Babylonian surnames, or last names, were not commonly used in ancient Babylon.

However, some Babylonians did use patronymic naming conventions, in which a person’s last name was based on the name of their father or ancestor.

Here are a few examples of Babylonian patronymic surnames:

Bel-shimanni – “Bel heard me”
Nabu-ahhe-iddin – “Nabu has given a brother”
Sin-ahhe-eriba – “Sin has increased brothers”
Shamash-shum-ukin – “Shamash has established an heir”
Marduk-apla-iddina – “Marduk has given a son”
Nabu-uballi – “Nabu has given a lord”
Shamash-nasir – “Shamash protects the heir”
Marduk-nasir-apli – “Marduk protect the heir”
Sin-iddinam – “Sin has given me an heir”
Ashur-nadin-shum – “Ashur has given me a name”

These names often included references to the Babylonian deities, as well as words related to family lineage and social status.

While Babylonian surnames were not widely used, these patronymic conventions provided a way to distinguish between individuals with the same first name, and helped to establish family connections and identities within the community.

Babylonian Temple Names

Here are some Babylonian temple names:

Esagila – This was the main temple of Marduk, the patron god of Babylon. It was located in the heart of the city and was one of the largest and most important temples in ancient Mesopotamia.
Etemenanki – This was a ziggurat (a stepped pyramid) located in Babylon that was dedicated to Marduk. According to Babylonian tradition, it was built by King Nebuchadnezzar II in the 6th century BCE.
Ekur – This was the main temple of the god Enlil, the chief deity of the Sumerian pantheon. It was located in the city of Nippur and was one of the most important religious centers in ancient Mesopotamia.
Eanna – This was a temple complex in the city of Uruk dedicated to the goddess Inanna (also known as Ishtar). It was a major religious and cultural center in ancient Mesopotamia.
Bit Resh – This was a temple located in the city of Uruk that was dedicated to the god Shamash. It was known for its impressive architecture and was a center of legal and administrative activity in ancient Mesopotamia.
Eshnunna Temple – This was a temple complex located in the city of Eshnunna that was dedicated to the god Tishpak. It was an important religious and cultural center in ancient Mesopotamia.
Ninlil Temple – This was a temple dedicated to the goddess Ninlil, the wife of Enlil, located in the city of Nippur. It was an important religious center in ancient Mesopotamia.
Eridu Temple – This was a temple complex located in the city of Eridu that was dedicated to the god Enki (also known as Ea). It was one of the oldest and most important religious centers in ancient Mesopotamia.
Borsippa Temple – This was a temple complex located in the city of Borsippa that was dedicated to the god Nabu. It was an important religious center in ancient Mesopotamia and was known for its impressive ziggurat.
Sippar Temple – This was a temple complex located in the city of Sippar that was dedicated to the sun god Shamash. It was an important religious and cultural center in ancient Mesopotamia and was known for its wealth and power.

FAQs – Babylonian Names

How did Babylonian Names work?

Babylonian names were typically composed of one or more elements that conveyed meaning or significance.

These elements could be words or phrases in the Babylonian language, or they could be derived from other languages, such as Akkadian or Sumerian.

Here are some common elements found in Babylonian names and their meanings:

Divine names: Many Babylonian names included the names of gods and goddesses, such as Marduk, Ishtar, and Shamash. These names conveyed a sense of power and authority, and were believed to provide divine protection and guidance to the individual.
Geographical names: Babylonian names often included references to geographic locations, such as cities, regions, or rivers. For example, the name Euphrates means “good to cross,” while the name Babylon itself means “gate of the gods.”
Occupational names: Some Babylonian names were derived from occupational terms, such as gardener, scribe, or shepherd. These names often reflected the individual’s profession or social status.
Family names: Babylonian family names were not commonly used, but patronymic naming conventions were sometimes employed. These names were derived from the father’s name and indicated the person’s family lineage.
Adjectives or descriptive terms: Some Babylonian names included adjectives or descriptive terms that conveyed certain qualities or traits, such as wise, strong, or brave.

Babylonian names often had significant cultural and religious meanings, and were considered an important part of a person’s identity.

They could be given at birth or bestowed later in life, and were often accompanied by rituals or ceremonies.

The meaning and significance of Babylonian names varied depending on the individual and the context in which they were given, but they generally reflected the values and beliefs of Babylonian society.

Why do ancient names not sound similar to Babylonian Hebrew?

The ancient names of different civilizations can vary greatly from each other and from modern-day languages for several reasons, including:

Language Evolution: Languages change and evolve over time, which can result in significant changes in pronunciation, spelling, and meaning of words. This means that ancient names may have sounded very different from modern-day versions of the same name or words.
Cultural Influences: Ancient civilizations often interacted with each other, and their cultures and languages influenced each other. This can lead to similarities or differences in the names and words used in different civilizations.
Translation and Transliteration: When ancient names are translated or transliterated into modern languages, they may be modified to fit the phonetic and grammatical rules of the modern language. This can result in changes in pronunciation and spelling.
Regional and Local Variations: Different regions and localities within ancient civilizations may have had their own dialects, accents, and variations in language and naming conventions.

In the case of Babylonian and Hebrew names, while both were part of the broader Semitic language family, they evolved separately and had their own distinct naming conventions and pronunciations.

Additionally, the Babylonian and Hebrew languages were spoken in different regions with their own cultural and linguistic influences.

Therefore, it is not surprising that ancient Babylonian names may not sound similar to Hebrew names.

What are the different names of Babylon?

Babylon was known by various names throughout its history, reflecting the different rulers and cultural influences that shaped the city. Some of the most common names for Babylon include:

Bāb-ilim: This was the original name of the city, which means “Gate of God” in Akkadian. It referred to the city’s religious importance as a center for the worship of the Babylonian god Marduk.
Karanduniash: This was the name used by the Kassites, a people who ruled Babylon from the 16th to the 12th century BCE. It means “Land of Kassites.”
Babilu: This was the name used by the Assyrians, who conquered Babylon in the 7th century BCE. It means “Gate of God” in Assyrian.
New Babylon: This name was used by the Seleucid Empire, which controlled Babylon from the 4th to the 2nd century BCE. It reflected the city’s renewed importance as a center of trade and culture.

What are the Babylonian names in the Bible?

In the Bible, Babylon is referred to by several names, including:

Babel: This is the name used in the Book of Genesis for the city that was built by Nimrod after the Great Flood. According to the Bible, the people of Babel attempted to build a tower that would reach the heavens, but God confounded their language and scattered them across the earth.
Babylon: This is the most common name used in the Bible for the city of Babylon. It is mentioned numerous times in the Old and New Testaments, often in the context of the Babylonian captivity of the Israelites.
Chaldea: This name is sometimes used in the Bible to refer to the region of southern Mesopotamia that was centered around Babylon. It is derived from the name of the Chaldeans, a people who ruled Babylon from the late 7th to the 6th century BCE.

Conclusion – Babylonian Names

Old Babylonian names refer to names that were used during the Old Babylonian period, which spanned from around 2000 BCE to 1600 BCE.

This was a time of great cultural, political, and economic development in Mesopotamia, and many of the names from this period reflect the diverse influences of the time.

One of the most notable features of Old Babylonian names is their religious significance.

Many names were derived from the names of Mesopotamian gods and goddesses, such as Marduk, Nabu, and Ishtar. For example, the name Marduk-nasir-apli means “Marduk has protected the heir,” while the name Nabu-mukin-apli means “Nabu has established the heir.”

These names were believed to bring protection and blessings from the gods and goddesses, and to emphasize the family’s connection to the divine.

Another important feature of Old Babylonian names is their use of patronymics and matronymics. These names were derived from the name of the father or mother, respectively, and were used to emphasize the family lineage. For example, the name Shamshi-ilu is derived from the name of the god Shamash, while the name Shibtu-mur is derived from the name of the goddess Shibtu.

Old Babylonian names also often included elements related to occupation or social status. For example, the name Arad-gula means “servant of Gula,” with Gula being the goddess of healing.

The name Igime-ili means “cook of the god Ili,” while the name Sheshi-mišar means “treasurer of the palace.” These names were used to indicate a person’s role or status within society.

In addition, Old Babylonian names often had multiple parts, with each part having a specific meaning.

For example, the name Nabu-kudurri-usur is made up of three parts: Nabu, the name of the god of wisdom; kudurri, meaning “boundary stone”; and usur, meaning “protect.” Thus, the name can be translated as “Nabu, protect the boundary stone.”

Overall, Old Babylonian names were rich in meaning and symbolism, reflecting the complex beliefs and traditions of this ancient civilization.

They incorporated elements of religion, family lineage, occupation, and social status, and were carefully chosen to honor and protect the individual.