Dinah
Feminine
English, English Bible
Meaning & Origin
Dinah is a feminine given name meaning "judged" in Hebrew, derived from the verb din meaning "to judge." According to the Old Testament (specifically Genesis 30:21 and 34), Dinah was the seventh child and only named daughter of Jacob and Leah. Her story is one of the most dramatic in the Book of Genesis: she was raped by Shechem, son of a Canaanite or Hivite prince, which led her brothers Simeon and Levi to murder Shechem and his entire household in revenge. This episode, known as the rape of Dinah, has been a subject of scholarly controversy regarding translation and interpretation.
Etymology and Historical Context
The name Dinah comes from the Hebrew root din, carrying the idea of judgment or vindication. It has been used as an English given name since after the Protestant Reformation, when Old Testament names gained popularity among Christian communities. The name is also found in later forms; it appears as Deina in Biblical Greek, Diná in Portuguese, and Dina 1 in Ukrainian spelling.
Notable Bearers
Although not as common as other biblical names, Dinah has been borne by a number of notable individuals in history and literature. For instance, African-American novelist and folklorist Dinah Mulock Craik (though she is often known as Dinah Mulock) represents the persistence of the name into modern times. The variation Dina is also used across many cultures, such as Dina Mann in Australian television.
Cultural Significance
The story of Dinah in Genesis 34 explores themes of honor, vengeance, and intermarriage in the ancient Near East. The narrative shapes interpretations of justice and familial responsibility in both Jewish and Christian traditions. This article reflects data from the Bible and general knowledge; no additional web sources were used beyond the provided brief.
Key Facts
Meaning: "Judged" or "vindicated" (Hebrew)
Origin: Hebrew
Type: First name
Usage: English, English Bible
Related Names: Deina (Biblical Greek), Diná (Portuguese), Dina 1 (Ukrainian)