Belshazzar

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What does the baby name Belshazzar mean? Learn about what Belshazzar means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Belshazzar - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Belshazzar
B-E-L-S-H-A-Z-Z-A-R, is a 10-letter male given name.
Pronunciation of Belshazzar
BEL shez ahr
Meaning of Belshazzar
God or lord protect the king.
Origin of Belshazzar
'Belshazzar' finds its roots in ancient Babylonian culture. It is believed to have originated from the Akkadian language, which was spoken in Mesopotamia during the reign of the Babylonian Empire. The earliest known use of the name can be traced back to the biblical account of the Book of Daniel, where 'Belshazzar' is depicted as the last king of Babylon before its fall to the Persians.
Phoenician Names
Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Belshazzar
Baldassare
Baltasar
Baltazar
Balthasar
Popularity of Belshazzar
Throughout history, the popularity of the name 'Belshazzar' has been relatively low. It has never achieved widespread usage and remains a rather obscure name. However, there have been occasional spikes in its usage, often coinciding with periods of renewed interest in ancient history and biblical narratives.
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Etymology of Belshazzar

The etymology of 'Belshazzar' sheds light on the linguistic roots of the name. The first part, 'Bel', refers to the Babylonian god Bel, who was worshipped as the chief deity of the Babylonian pantheon. The second part, 'shazzar', is believed to be derived from the Akkadian word 'sharru', meaning 'king'. Therefore, the name 'Belshazzar' can be interpreted as 'Bel's king' or 'king protected by Bel.'

Cultural Significance of Belshazzar

'Belshazzar' holds significant cultural value within the context of ancient Babylonian history. In the Book of Daniel, 'Belshazzar' is portrayed as a decadent and arrogant ruler who defiles sacred vessels taken from the Jewish temple. This act is seen as a catalyst for the downfall of Babylon and the rise of the Persian Empire. The biblical account of 'Belshazzar's feast and the subsequent writing on the wall has become a well-known symbol of divine judgment and the consequences of hubris.