Bashan is a unique and uncommon male given name of Hebrew origin. Its meaning is derived from the Hebrew word "b'shanah," which translates to "in the year." According to Jewish tradition, Bashan was an ancient region located east of the Jordan River and north of Moab. In the Bible, it is often associated with abundance and fertility due to its rich lands and water resources.
The name Bashan appears in several places in the Hebrew Bible. One notable mention is in Numbers 21:33, where it is described as a territory conquered by the Israelites under the leadership of Moses. Another appearance is in Psalm 68:6, which states that God "makes a home for the lonely" and "sets the prisoners free," connecting Bashan to themes of liberation and redemption.
Throughout history, the name Bashan has been used relatively infrequently, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking an uncommon yet meaningful name for their child. In recent years, however, there has been a slight increase in its popularity, perhaps due to its connection to ancient Jewish history and culture.
In summary, Bashan is a rare Hebrew male given name that signifies abundance and liberation. Its origins lie in the biblical region of Bashan, and it carries historical significance as a territory conquered by the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. While not extensively used today, choosing Bashan as a baby boy's name provides an unique opportunity to bestow a meaningful and uncommon moniker with deep-rooted historical ties.
The name Bashan has seen a steady yet limited presence in the United States over the years, with a total of 16 babies being given this name since 1985. The name's peak popularity was in 1985 and 1995, with six and five births respectively during those years. However, it is important to note that these figures represent only a small fraction of the thousands of names chosen by parents each year for their newborns. Despite this, every child named Bashan is unique and special in their own way, and we can celebrate the diversity of names in our society.