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Origin and meaning of the name Bastet

What is the origin of the name Bastet?

Bastet is an ancient Egyptian goddess primarily associated with the protection of the home, family, and cats. The name "Bastet" (or Baset) comes from the Egyptian word "b3st", which means "she who scratches". This refers to a cat's scratching behavior. Originally, Bastet was depicted as a fierce lioness or a woman with the head of a lioness, but later she became associated with domestic cats and was depicted as a cat or a woman with a cat's head wearing a collar adorned with a domed cap and an ostrich feather. Bastet was one of the most popular goddesses in the history of ancient Egypt, often invoked for protection from evil and illness. Her worship spread throughout Egypt and was especially prevalent in Bubastis (Tell Basta), her principal center of cult. The town of Bubastis was located in the Nile Delta and played an important role in Egyptian religion due to its association with Bastet.

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Learn more about the origin of the name Bastet

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Bastet

Bastet is an ancient Egyptian goddess primarily associated with domestic cats, protection, fertility, childbirth, and healing. Her name originates from the Egyptian word "bast" which means "she of the ointment jar," suggesting she had roles related to medicine and cosmetics. Bastet was depicted as a woman with the head of a cat or a lioness. The protector of the home, she was believed to guard against domestic dangers such as poverty, disease, and the evil eye. As Egyptian civilization evolved, Bastet's identity and symbolism diversified. In later periods, she was associated more strongly with the goddess Hathor, another deity linked to love, music, dance, and women's secrets. Bastet remains a significant figure in Egyptian mythology and is celebrated for her role as a guardian and protector of homes and families.

Character traits associated with the name Bastet

Bastet is often characterized as a protector of home, family, and children in Egyptian mythology. She is also associated with femininity, motherhood, and fertility. Bastet is known for her gentle and loving nature, making her a goddess of both domestic cats and human women. Her affinity for cats may symbolize her role as the guardian of the home and its inhabitants. Additionally, she is considered a goddess of music, dance, and joy, reflecting her playful and lively characteristics. Bastet's dual nature, combining fierce protector with gentle nurturer, underscores her complex and multifaceted personality. Her name has been invoked in modern times as a symbol of strength, protection, and femininity.

Popularity of the name Bastet

The name Bastet, derived from ancient Egyptian deities, is not commonly used as a given name in contemporary Western cultures, making it relatively unpopular compared to more traditional and modern names. However, among Egyptology enthusiasts, followers of pagan or polytheistic beliefs, or those with an affinity for ancient Egypt, the name Bastet may hold a higher degree of popularity. The cat-headed goddess Bastet was revered as the protector of home, family, and children in Egyptian mythology, which might make her namesake appealing to those who identify with these qualities. In more global contexts, where unique and exotic names are sought after, Bastet may find some appeal, but overall, its popularity remains niche due to its association with antiquity and unfamiliarity among the general populace.

Famous people with the name Bastet

Bastet is an ancient Egyptian goddess primarily associated with domestic cats and protection against mischief and evil. One of the most renowned figures named after this deity is Bastet (Bast-an-kh) from the Late Period of Ancient Egypt (approximately 664 BCE – 332 BCE). She was a priestess, dancer, and musician who served as a royal nurse for Ptolemy II Philadelphus' son. In Greek sources, she is referred to as Berenice I, known for her extraordinary beauty and political savvy, which allowed her to rule Cyrene (an ancient Greek city-state located in modern Libya) during her husband's absence. Bastet continues to be honored in modern Egypt, where she is celebrated as a symbol of feminine power, grace, and felinity.

Variations of the name Bastet

Bastet, the ancient Egyptian goddess, is often depicted as a woman with the head of a cat or a lioness. Her name is derived from various sources, each carrying unique connotations. In Egyptian hieroglyphs, her name can be written as "B3-stt" or "Basti", which translates to "She of the Ointment Jar" or "She of the Perfume Flask". This refers to the goddess' association with healing and medicine. Another variation is "Ba-set-at", meaning "She of the House of Millions of Years", emphasizing her role as a protector of homes, women, and children. In some inscriptions, she is also known as "Bastet-Sekhmet", reflecting her connection to Sekhmet, the goddess of war, healing, and destruction. Additionally, Bastet can be referred to as "Mistress of the House of Gold" or simply "Bastet the Golden". Each variation highlights a distinct aspect of this multi-faceted deity in ancient Egyptian mythology.

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 : 15 June 2025

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