Batya is a Hebrew variant of Bithiah, a name derived from the biblical term meaning "daughter of Yahweh" (from Hebrew baṯ "daughter" and yah, referring to the Hebrew God). In the Old Testament, Bithiah is the name given to the daughter of Pharaoh who rescued Moses from the Nile (Exodus 2:5–10). While the biblical text does not provide her name, later Jewish tradition assigned her the name Bithiah (or Batya), emphasizing her role as a righteous Gentile and adoptive mother of the prophet. Etymology and Meaning The name Batya (or Bityah) directly translates to "daughter of Yahweh," connecting it to the divine name Yahweh, the Hebrew God. The root element yah is a shortened form of the Tetragrammaton (YHWH), the sacred four-letter name of God. The name thus carries a theophoric element, common in Hebrew names, signifying a relationship with the divine. Batya differs from Bithiah primarily in vocalization but shares the same etymological roots. Biblical and Historical Context In the Book of Exodus, Pharaoh's daughter finds the infant Moses in a basket on the Nile. Taking pity on him, she adopts him despite knowing he is a Hebrew child (Exodus 2:6). This act sets in motion the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. Jewish tradition honors her as a convert or devoted follower of God, and midrashic sources sometimes give her the name Batya ("daughter of God") to reflect her adoption of Moses. In later rabbinic literature, she is praised for her piety and is said to have entered paradise. Notable Bearers The name Batya is used in modern Israel, as well as in Jewish communities worldwide. Variant forms include Batyah, Bitya (Biblical Hebrew), and the Yiddish correlate Bashe. In some contexts, the name Basia is also used. Although not extremely common today, Batya retains a loyal following among families valuing names with biblical and national significance. Cultural Significance Outside Jewish tradition, Pharaoh's daughter is also identified with Asiya in Islamic tradition, who is celebrated as one of the four most excellent women of Paradise (according to hadith). While not named Batya in Islam, the story preserves her extraordinary compassion. The multiple naming variants across cultures and languages testify to the enduring legacy of the woman who saved Moses and, by extension, played a pivotal role in biblical history. Meaning: "Daughter of Yahweh" Origin: Hebrew Type: First name, feminine Usage: Hebrew, Jewish