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Origin and meaning of the name Ebenezer

What is the origin of the name Ebenezer?

Ebenezer is a biblical name that originates from the Hebrew language. It appears in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of 1 Samuel 4:1, where it is used to name the stone set up by the Israelites to commemorate their victory over the Philistines. The name Ebenezer can be broken down into two parts: 'ebene' meaning "stone" and 'ezr" meaning "help." Thus, the name Ebenezer symbolically represents a stone of help or helpstone. In the New Testament, the name is also used by John Bunyan in his book "Pilgrim's Progress," where it is given to an innkeeper who provides assistance to the protagonist Christian on his journey.

Learn more about the origin of the name Ebenezer

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Ebenezer

The name Ebenezer, of Hebrew origin, is derived from two elements: 'ebhen' which means stone, and 'ezra' meaning help. Combined, it translates to "Stone of Help" or "Help Stone." This biblical name holds significant significance in the Old Testament as a memorial stone that Samuel erected following the Israelites' victory over the Philistines at Mizpah (1 Samuel 7:12). In Christian tradition, Ebenezer has been associated with a thanksgiving monument in the New Testament book of Revelation. The name became popular during the Puritan era in England and was later brought to America by English settlers. It is now a common given name worldwide, often used for boys, symbolizing strength, stability, and divine help.

Character traits associated with the name Ebenezer

Ebenezer is a name that connotes strength, determination, and resilience. Originating from the Hebrew language, it means "stone of help" or "Stone of God." In literature, characters named Ebenezer are often depicted as resourceful individuals who possess a strong sense of independence and self-reliance. They exhibit perseverance in overcoming adversities, showing a stubborn tenacity in the pursuit of their goals. Moreover, Ebenezers are frequently portrayed as practical thinkers, with a keen eye for detail and an ability to make sound decisions under pressure. This name is also associated with wisdom, as those bearing it are often depicted as wise elders or mentors. Overall, the character traits associated with the name Ebenezer encompass fortitude, resourcefulness, determination, practicality, and wisdom.

Popularity of the name Ebenezer

The name Ebenezer, originating from Hebrew and carrying biblical significance, has had a notable yet fluctuating presence in Western cultures over the centuries. In the United States, the name experienced its peak popularity in the late 19th century, ranking among the top 100 names for boys according to the Social Security Administration's birth data. However, since then, it has seen a steady decline and currently ranks outside the top 1000 most popular names. The name is still given to babies in some regions, but its usage is comparatively less frequent than more contemporary monikers. Nonetheless, Ebenezer remains an enduring and symbolic choice for parents who value tradition and biblical references in naming their children.

Famous people with the name Ebenezer

Ebenezer Scrooge is arguably the most well-known individual named Ebenezer, due to his literary prominence as a character created by Charles Dickens in "A Christmas Carol." In this classic tale, Scrooge is depicted as an unpleasant and miserly old man who undergoes a profound transformation after being visited by three spirits on Christmas Eve. The story has become synonymous with the holiday season, and Ebenezer Scrooge represents the symbolic transformation of the human spirit during this time. Other notable figures with the name Ebenezer include Ebenezer Sibly, an English physician and astrologer who wrote a number of popular books on these subjects in the 18th century; Ebenezer S. Bassett, an African-American lawyer, diplomat, and abolitionist who served as the United States Ambassador to Haiti in the early 20th century; and Ebenezer Scroggie, a South African cricketer who played for the national team from 1947 to 1963.

Variations of the name Ebenezer

The given name Ebenezer can be found with several variations across different cultures and languages. Here are some of its derivations:

1. Ebeneezer, Eben-Ezer, or Ebanizer - These are phonetic spelling variations of the original name.
2. Ibenizер (Cyrillic: Ибенезер) - This is the Bulgarian translation of Ebenezer.
3. Ebeneser - This is an alternative English spelling.
4. Eben-Heser - A variation found in the Bible, this name appears as Ebenezer's original Hebrew form and translates to "stone of help."
5. Ibnezer (Arabic: إبنزر) - This is an Arabic translation of Ebenezer.
6. Yib'an-'izzar (Hebrew: יִבְעַנְ'זָר) - This is the Hebrew name that transliterates to Ebenezer in English. It is thought to mean "stone of help" or "stone of the strength."
7. Ibeneser, Yib'n-'izzar, or Ibn-Ezra (Aramaic: יִבְנֵזֶר) - These are Aramaic variations of Ebenezer.
8. Ebinezer or Ebinazer - These are less common English variants of the name.
9. Ebinozor, Yib'no-'izzar (Hebrew: יִבְנוֹזָר) - This is another Hebrew variation of the name, which may also mean "stone of help" or "stone of the strength."

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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