Absalom is a masculine given name derived from the Hebrew name ʾAvshalom (אַבְשָׁלוֹם), meaning "father is peace". It is composed of the elements ʾav ("father") and shalom ("peace"). The name is primarily known from the Old Testament, where Absalom is a son of King David. Biblical Narrative According to the Hebrew Bible, Absalom was the third son of David, born to Maacah, daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur. He is described as exceptionally handsome, as was his sister Tamar. The narrative in 2 Samuel 13 recounts that Tamar was raped by their half-brother Amnon, David's heir apparent. David was angered but took no action, prompting Absalom to avenge his sister by arranging Amnon's murder. Absalom then fled to Geshur, where he remained in exile for three years. After being allowed to return to Jerusalem, Absalom gradually won popular support and eventually led a revolt against his father, David. The rebellion culminated in the Battle of the Forest of Ephraim, where Absalom's forces were defeated. While fleeing on a mule, Absalom's long hair became entangled in the branches of a great oak, leaving him suspended. Despite David's orders to spare his son, Joab, the commander of David's army, killed Absalom with three javelins. David's grief over Absalom's death is famously expressed in the lament, "O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom!" (2 Samuel 18:33). Cultural Significance The story of Absalom has inspired numerous artistic and literary works, including paintings by artists such as Rembrandt and Gustave Doré, and references in literature by authors like William Faulkner (whose novel Absalom, Absalom! draws on the biblical theme). The name has been used in various forms across languages, including Abessalom (Biblical Greek), Avshalom (Modern Hebrew), and the Scandinavian names Axel and Aksel, which are derived from Absalom via the Latinized form Absalon. The Finnish form Akseli and the English variant Axl also exist. Meaning: "father is peace" Origin: Hebrew Type: Biblical name Usage: English Bible, Latin Bible, and various European languages