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Origin and meaning of the name Adonijah

What is the origin of the name Adonijah?

Adonijah is a Hebrew name derived from the elements 'adon' meaning "lord" and 'yaḥeh' meaning "YAHWEH (God) is he." It appears several times in the Old Testament, notably as the fourth son of King David, who attempted to usurp the throne from his brother Solomon. The name became popular in Europe during the Middle Ages due to its biblical associations.

Learn more about the origin of the name Adonijah

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Adonijah

The name Adonijah is of Hebrew origin, derived from the elements 'adonai' meaning 'Lord' and 'yah' referring to God or Jehovah. It is a biblical name, appearing in the Old Testament as one of King David's sons who attempted to usurp the throne after his father's death. Adonijah is mentioned in 1 Kings 1-2, where he is portrayed as seeking support to become king instead of his brother Solomon, but ultimately fails due to the intervention of Nathan the prophet and Bathsheba, David's wife. The name gained popularity outside of its biblical context due to its unique meaning and rich historical associations. Adonijah is primarily used for boys in English-speaking countries as a reminder of the Old Testament's intricate narratives and powerful biblical figures.

Character traits associated with the name Adonijah

Adonijah, derived from the Hebrew meaning "my lord is Yahweh," is often associated with individuals who are strong-willed and ambitious, as depicted in the biblical character Adonijah. These individuals may exhibit leadership qualities, seeking power and authority. They are assertive and confident, and often have a dominant personality. Adonijahs can be cunning and strategic, using their charisma to influence those around them. However, they may also be perceived as arrogant or self-centered due to their relentless pursuit of power. They value loyalty in friendships and expect the same in return. Ambition is a driving force for Adonijahs, but it can sometimes lead to conflict when their goals collide with those of others.

Popularity of the name Adonijah

The name Adonijah, originating from Hebrew, is somewhat uncommon but has been occasionally used in various parts of the world. In the United States, according to data from the Social Security Administration, Adonijah ranks outside the top 1000 most popular names for boys born in 2020. However, its usage varies across different cultures and regions. For instance, it is more common among Hebrew speakers due to its biblical origins, as Adonijah is a son of King David mentioned in the Old Testament. Despite its relatively low popularity in many countries, the name carries historical and religious significance, which may encourage some parents to consider it for their child.

Famous people with the name Adonijah

Adonijah is a biblical name primarily recognized due to its appearance in the Old Testament. One notable individual bearing this name is King Adonijah, a son of David and king-elect in the Book of Kings according to the Hebrew Bible. Despite his father's initial intentions, Adonijah's rule was eventually usurped by his brother Solomon following intervention from Nathan the prophet. Another well-known figure with this name is Adonijah Nelson, a renowned American musician and singer, who is best known as one of the founding members of the rock band Kings of Leon. Although not as historically significant as King Adonijah, Adonijah Nelson has contributed significantly to the music industry.

Variations of the name Adonijah

Adonijah is a Hebrew masculine name, originating from the Bible, specifically from the Old Testament, where it belongs to one of King David's sons. The name Adonijah means "my lord is Yahweh." There are variations of this name that have emerged over time due to differences in transliteration and cultural adaptation. Some of these variations include:

1. Hadonaiyahu - A Hebrew variant, which preserves the original meaning by using different transliterations for the same root words.
2. Adoni-Yah - An Aramaic variation, which keeps the original meaning while using a different language system.
3. Atonias (Ethiopia) and Ethan (English) - These are possible adaptations of the name, as they share similar sounds and meanings with Adonijah, though their exact origins may differ.
4. Athony (Irish), Anton (German, Dutch, Polish, Russian, Czech, Slovene, Scandinavian, Greek), Antoine (French) - These are names that share some of the phonetic elements of Adonijah, but have distinct origins and meanings in their respective languages.
5. Haddon or Addison (English) - These names are not direct translations or adaptations of Adonijah, but they do share a similar sound and could be influenced by its popularity over time.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 29 July 2025

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