Egla

#43082 US Recent (Girl Names) #59025 US All-Time

Meaning & Etymology

Egla derives from Hebrew roots, where it is interpreted as 'dancing girl' or 'one who dances,' combining elements suggestive of motion and celebration. This semantic field links to biblical contexts emphasizing joyful expression through dance, a motif in ancient Near Eastern cultures. Alternative readings propose connections to terms for 'heifer' or 'calf,' evoking pastoral imagery of youth and vitality in agrarian societies. The name's layered meanings reflect how Hebrew nomenclature often blends literal descriptors with symbolic resonance, allowing for both physical and metaphorical interpretations across texts. Etymological development shows stability in Semitic languages, with minimal phonetic shifts preserving core connotations.

Linguistic Origin

Primarily of Hebrew origin, Egla emerges within the linguistic traditions of ancient Israelite culture, transmitted through biblical Hebrew texts into broader Semitic language families. Its form appears in the Tanakh, anchoring it to the proto-Canaanite and Northwest Semitic dialect continuum around the first millennium BCE. Transmission occurred via religious scriptures, influencing Aramaic and later Jewish diaspora naming practices across the Mediterranean and Near East. In modern usage, it persists in Hebrew revival contexts and among communities maintaining biblical nomenclature, with orthographic adaptations in Latin-script renderings for non-Hebrew speakers. Competing interpretations occasionally link it to Arabic cognates for similar pastoral terms, though direct derivation remains centered on Hebrew.

Cultural Background

Within Judaism, Egla holds significance as a biblical matriarch linked to Davidic royalty, symbolizing fidelity and progeny in sacred genealogy. Her mention in Samuel and Chronicles reinforces themes of divine election through familial lines, influencing naming practices in observant communities. Culturally, the name's dance-related etymology connects to celebratory rituals like those in Psalms, embedding it in traditions of joyful worship. It persists in modern Hebrew naming revivals, evoking heritage without widespread prominence.

Pronunciation

Typically pronounced as /ˈɛɡlə/ (EG-luh) in English, with stress on the first syllable; in Hebrew, closer to /eɡˈla/ (eg-LAH) with a guttural emphasis.

Gender Usage

Predominantly female in historical and contemporary usage, consistent with biblical associations.

Nicknames & Variants

Nicknames

Egli
Gla

Variants

Eglah

Origins & History

Mythology & Literature

In biblical literature, Egla appears as a wife of King David, embodying themes of royal polygamy and familial lineage in the Books of Samuel and Chronicles. This portrayal situates her within narratives of dynastic intrigue and divine favor, where secondary wives contribute to the broader tapestry of Israelite monarchy. Culturally, the name evokes motifs of dance and vitality, resonating in Jewish interpretive traditions that explore women's roles in sacred history. Literary echoes appear in midrashic expansions, amplifying her presence beyond canonical text.

Historical Significance

Egla is noted in the Hebrew Bible as one of King David's wives, bearing him a son named Ithream in the region of Hebron, highlighting her place in the Davidic lineage during the united monarchy period. This association underscores the historical role of such figures in tracing royal descent and tribal alliances in ancient Judah.

Additional Information

Popularity & Demographics

Egla remains niche, primarily recognized within religious communities favoring biblical names. Usage is sporadic and tied to cultural preservation rather than mainstream appeal.

Trend Analysis

Stable but uncommon, with potential mild upticks in religious naming circles. Lacks broad momentum for significant rise.

Geographical Distribution

Concentrated in Israel and Jewish communities worldwide, with minimal presence elsewhere.

Personality Traits

Perceived as graceful and vibrant, drawing from etymological ties to dance and youthfulness in naming lore.

Compatibility & Initials

Pairs neutrally with most surnames; initials like E.G. suggest elegance without strong conflicts.

Sociolinguistic Usage

Confined to religious and Hebrew-speaking contexts, with formal register in scriptural references; rare in secular or diaspora variants.

Explore more from this origin in Hebrew origin names .