Astaroth is a masculine name originating from late medieval demonology, derived from the Biblical term Ashtaroth, which is the plural form of the Phoenician goddess Ashtoreth. In the Hebrew Bible, "Ashtaroth" appears as a plural reference to Canaanite fertility goddesses (often alongside Baal), later reinterpreted in Christian demonology as a masculine arch-demon. The phonological shift from the feminine Ashtoreth to the masculine Astaroth reflects the deliberate demonization of pagan deities. Etymology The name Astaroth ultimately traces back through a chain of Semitic goddesses: the Hebrew Ashtoreth (in turn cognate with Akkadian Ishtar) and earlier Sumerian Inanna. The root ʿṯtr may relate to the Evening Star (Venus), and these goddesses commonly presided over love, war, and fertility. The form Ashtaroth appears in the Bible (e.g., 1 Samuel 7:3–4) as a generic term for idols of the goddess, later misunderstood as a specific demonic name. Demonic Tradition According to encyclopedias of demonology, Astaroth is described as a Great Duke of Hell, often depicted as a pale, naked angel or a dragon-sized cherub riding a serpent. This characterization appears in grimoires such as The Lesser Key of Solomon (17th century), where Astaroth—under the alternate spelling Astaro thy—teaches liberal sciences and is said to know past, present, and future secrets. The demonization originated with medieval and Renaissance theologians who equated pagan deities with evil spirits. Cultural References Despite its obscure origin, Astaroth appears modernly in literature, film, and video games as a powerful demonic figure, notably in French Lévi's The Grand Grimoire (19th century) and in the comic Hellboy. The name's association with both ancient Near Eastern goddesses and hellish hierarchy makes it a compelling choice for occult settings. Meaning: Derived from the Biblical plural “Ashtaroth,” referring to the goddess Ashtoreth; later demonized as an arch-demon. Origin: Late medieval demonology texts; indirectly from Hebrew and Phoenician. Type: First name (rarely given historically; mostly fictional or occult usage).