'Iddo
Masculine
Hebrew Bible
Meaning & Origin
'Iddo is the Biblical Hebrew form of the name Iddo, a name appearing in the Old Testament for several figures, including a prophet and the grandfather of the prophet Zechariah. The name is possibly derived from the Hebrew element ʿaḏa, meaning "to pass by," giving it a sense of transience or movement.
Etymology
The name 'Iddo (עִדּוֹ) is a Biblical Hebrew name related to the root meaning "to pass by" or "to go by." It appears in the Masoretic Text with an initial aleph, indicated by the apostrophe in transcription. The same root may also be behind the related Ido, a modern Hebrew name.
Notable Bearers
Several characters in the Old Testament bear the name 'Iddo:
Iddo the seer: A prophet who lived during the reign of King Solomon (also spelled Jeduthun in some contexts), chronicled in 2 Chronicles 9:29.
Iddo, father of Ahinadab: One of Solomon's district governors, mentioned in 1 Kings 4:14.
Iddo, son of Zechariah: A descendant of the priestly line, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 6:21.
Iddo, grandfather of the prophet Zechariah: Referred to in Zechariah 1:1 as the father of Berechiah.
The root of 'Iddo is the name Solomon, which means "peace," derived from Hebrew shalom. Solomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, was a king of Israel known for his wisdom and wealth, and he is traditionally credited with authoring several biblical books.
Cultural Significance
'Iddo is a name exclusively found in the Hebrew Bible and is not common in modern usage. Its alternative forms include Iddo (a simplified transcription) and Ido (a Hebrew shortening). The name remains primarily of historical and religious interest, tied to the minor prophetic and priestly figures of the Old Testament.
Meaning: Possibly "to pass by" or related to traversing
Origin: Hebrew (Biblical)
Type: Variant of Iddo
Usage regions: Hebrew Bible, Jewish historical context