Origin and meaning of the name Hasdrubal

Hasdrubal is a Punic name, originating from Carthage in North Africa (modern-day Tunisia). It was prevalent among the Carthaginian leaders during the Punic Wars with Rome. The name is derived from the Phoenician "Hadru-bal" which can be broken down into Hadru meaning "exalted" and bal meaning "power" or "mighty". Notable figures bearing this name include Hasdrubal the Great, one of Hannibal's brothers who also fought against Rome during the Punic Wars.

Learn more about the origin of the name Hasdrubal

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Hasdrubal

Hasdrubal is an ancient Punic name derived from Phoenician roots, originating from Carthage, a prominent city-state in North Africa during the ancient Mediterranean period. The name "Hasdrubal" is composed of two elements: 'ḥsdrub' meaning "happy" or "fortunate," and 'al' meaning "god." In its most common form, Hasdrubal is believed to have been a title or honorific used before the names of prominent Carthaginian generals such as Hasdrubal Barca, one of Hannibal's brothers, and Hasdrubal Gisgo, another notable military commander during the Punic Wars. In Roman mythology, it is also associated with Hasdrubal, the son of Hamilcar Barca, who was a key figure in the Second Punic War against Rome.

Character traits associated with the name Hasdrubal

Hasdrubal, an ancient name of Punic origin, is traditionally associated with several figures from Carthaginian history. The traits often attributed to individuals bearing this name are rooted in the historical context of these figures and may include:

1. Courageous and Fearless: Hasdrubals were known for their bravery in battle, demonstrating exceptional valor and leading troops with strategic prowess.
2. Loyal and Dedicated: Their loyalty to Carthage was unwavering, often putting the city-state's interests above their own.
3. Resourceful and Strategic: As military commanders, Hasdrubals were known for their ability to adapt to various battlefield conditions and devise effective strategies.
4. Ambitious and Power-seeking: Some Hasdrubals sought to assert dominance over Carthage and its leaders, leading to power struggles within the city-state.
5. Cunning and Deceitful: In some instances, Hasdrubals demonstrated cunning tactics in pursuit of their goals, even when it meant going against accepted norms or alliances.
6. Resilient: Despite facing numerous challenges, including military defeats and political intrigue, Hasdrubals often demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination.

Popularity of the name Hasdrubal

The name Hadruba (often spelled as Hasdrubal) has minimal occurrence in modern Western societies. Its origins are traced back to ancient Carthage, where it was a popular name among the powerful Barcid dynasty, with notable figures like Hasdrubal the Great and Hannibal being well-known bearers. However, due to its historical roots and distinctiveness, it has occasionally resurfaced in various media, literature, and as a unique choice for baby names, especially among those interested in ancient history or exotic names. Despite this niche popularity, Hadruba remains an uncommon name in contemporary Western cultures.

Famous people with the name Hasdrubal

Hasdrubal was a name shared by several notable figures in ancient history, primarily associated with the Carthaginian military. Two of the most renowned individuals named Hasdrubal were Hasdrubal Barca and Hasdrubal the Fair, both from the third century BC.

Hasdrubal Barca, a general during the Punic Wars, was one of Hannibal's brothers and played a crucial role in the Carthaginian invasion of Italy. He commanded the Carthaginian forces that faced the Romans in the Battle of Ticinus and the Battle of Trebia.

Hasdrubal the Fair, another prominent figure, led Carthaginian forces against Rome during the Second Punic War after Hannibal's departure from Italy. His most notable battle was the Battle of Ilipa, where he faced Scipio Africanus and suffered a significant defeat, ultimately leading to the decline of Carthage.

These two Hasdrubals, along with others in history, have left their mark as prominent figures in the annals of the Punic Wars and Carthaginian military history.

Variations of the name Hasdrubal

The name Hasdrubal has multiple variants and spellings throughout history due to linguistic differences and translation methods. One of the most common forms is Haskrubal or Hassdrubal, derived from the Punic language used by ancient Carthage, where the name originated. Another version is Asdrubal or Assdrubal, which emerged when Roman scribes attempted to transcribe the Punic script into Latin. Over time, variations such as Hadrubal, Hesdrubal, and Azdrubal have also been found. It's worth noting that these names are often associated with Hasdrubal the Great, a famous Carthaginian military commander, and his brothers, who fought against Rome during the Punic Wars in the 3rd century BC.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the first name "hasdrubal"
• Global distribution of the first name on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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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