Hagar is a unique and intriguing feminine given name of Semitic origin. It is derived from the Hebrew word "ḥäger," which translates to "flight" or "to flee." This name has been associated with various figures throughout history, most notably in the biblical narrative of Hagar, a handmaiden to Sarah who became the mother of Ishmael.
In the Old Testament, Hagar was an Egyptian woman who was taken into Abraham's household as a concubine when Sarah could not conceive. When Sarah did eventually give birth to Isaac, she grew jealous of Hagar and sent her away. However, Hagar fled into the wilderness where she encountered the Angel of the Lord, who told her to return and submit to Sarah. She gave birth to Ishmael there, and they became the ancestors of the Arab people.
The name Hagar is also found in other Semitic languages and cultures. In Arabic, it means "one who makes something fly," while in Aramaic, it translates to "stranger." Throughout history, this name has been used among various cultures, including those of the Middle East, North Africa, and even among some Jewish communities.
Today, Hagar continues to be used as a feminine given name, particularly within families and communities that honor their Semitic heritage. Its unique origin and biblical association give it a rich historical significance, while its meaning of "flight" or "to flee" adds an intriguing layer of depth. Although it may not be widely popular in many countries today, those who bear this name often take pride in its distinctive origins and powerful symbolism.
The name Hagar has a fascinating history of usage in the United States, as indicated by the provided statistics. The name first appeared in the Social Security Administration's (SSA) records in the year 1905, with five newborn girls being named Hagar that year. This number remained consistent over the next few years, with another five births occurring in 1919 and 1923, and again in 1928.
There was a notable increase in the usage of the name Hagar in 1986, with eight newborn girls receiving the name. This trend continued into the 1990s, with ten births in 1994, eleven births in both 1998 and 2000, and another ten births in 1999. However, the popularity of the name began to decline after this period, with only five or six newborn girls being named Hagar each year between 2001 and 2010.
Despite the decrease in usage, the name Hagar has seen a resurgence in recent years. There were nine births in both 2010 and 2017, and another six in 2018. This demonstrates that while the name may not be as popular as it once was, it is still being chosen by parents for their newborn daughters.
In total, there have been 152 newborn girls named Hagar in the United States since the SSA began recording births in 1905. This figure represents the cumulative total of all the years listed above, from 1905 to 2018. It is clear that while the name Hagar may not be one of the most popular choices for newborn girls today, it has a rich history of usage and continues to be selected by parents across the United States.