Hadar is a Hebrew name of unknown origin and uncertain meaning. It appears in the Tanakh, the traditional Jewish Bible, where it is used as both a masculine and feminine given name. In some sources, Hadar is believed to mean "majesty" or "splendor," but these interpretations are not universally accepted.
The name Hadar can be found throughout Jewish history and literature. It was borne by several notable figures in the Tanakh, including King David's son (2 Samuel 3:3) and a descendant of Aaron through his son Ithamar (1 Chronicles 6:5). Additionally, the Book of Nehemiah mentions an individual named "Hadar" who assisted Ezra in reestablishing Jewish religious practices after the Babylonian exile (Nehemiah 3:18).
In modern times, Hadar continues to be used as a given name among Jewish communities around the world. Its popularity may have been influenced by its appearance in various literary works, such as the famous Yiddish novel "Tevye der Milchiker" by Sholem Aleichem, where one of the main characters is named Hadassah (also known as "Hadas") – a name derived from the same Hebrew root as Hadar.
Despite its uncertain origin and meaning, the name Hadar carries a rich history and cultural significance within Judaism. It has been passed down through generations and continues to be chosen by parents for their children today.
The name Hadar has seen varied popularity in the United States over the past three decades. From 1990 to 2022, there have been a total of 203 babies named Hadar, with an average of about 6 births per year.
The name's most popular years were 2006 and 2018, each with 17 and 8 births respectively. Conversely, the name was least common in 1994 and 2005, with only 5 babies named Hadar in those years.
It is interesting to note that there has been a recent resurgence of the name since 2016, with more than 6 births each year until 2022. This indicates that while the name may not be among the most popular choices for parents, it continues to maintain a consistent presence in the United States.
In summary, although the number of babies named Hadar has fluctuated over time, the name remains relatively stable in popularity, with an average of approximately 6 births per year.