Hadas is a Hebrew feminine name that means "myrtle tree." The myrtle is a fragrant evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean region, known for its delicate white flowers and deep symbolic meaning. In Jewish tradition, the myrtle is one of the Four Species used during the holiday of Sukkot, representing a connection to the land of Israel and the divine. The name Hadas appears only rarely in the Bible, though it is associated with the biblical figure Hadassah (Hadassah), the Hebrew name of Queen Esther, who hid her Jewish identity according to the Book of Esther. These two names share the same etymological root — hadas — and are often considered variations of one another. Etymology and Forms The Hebrew word hadas (הדס) directly refers to the myrtle plant. The feminine form Hadas is a compact, modern-sounding name that has become popular in Israel and among Jewish communities. Its variants include Hadasa, Hadassa, and the more widely recognized Hadassah. In the biblical context, the name is recorded as Hadassah (Esther's Hebrew name), while later Portuguese Christian texts adapted it as Hadassa (Biblical Portuguese). Yiddish forms, often drawn from spoken Ashkenazi traditions, include Hode and Hodel. These reflect the linguistic journey of Hebrew given names across cultures and time periods. Cultural Significance Beyond its personal name usage, the morpheme hadas appears in Israeli cultural and toponymic contexts, as well as in the name of a known political organization in Kuwait — the Islamic Constitutional Movement, abbreviated Hadas — although that usage is coincidental and unrelated to the Hebrew meaning. Notable bearers of the name Hadas include Hadas Yaron, an Israeli actress; Hadas Gold, a journalist; and Hadas Lahav, a visual artist. In modern Israel, the name reflects a broader trend toward nature-based and botanical names, chosen for their organic beauty and connection to Jewish symbolism. Key Facts Meaning: Myrtle tree Origin: Hebrew Type: Feminine first name Usage Regions: Israel, Jewish diaspora communities