Etymology and Origins Lilith is a name of ancient Mesopotamian origin, derived from the Akkadian word lilitu, meaning "of the night". This root connects Lilith to a class of female demons known as lilitu in Assyrian and Babylonian mythology, which were believed to haunt desolate places and prey on men and children. Over time, this figure entered Jewish folklore through contact with Near Eastern cultures, especially during the Babylonian exile. Lilith in Jewish Tradition Though Lilith is not mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, her name appears once in the Book of Isaiah (34:14), where the word lilith occurs in a list of desert creatures, possibly referring to the demon or a night bird. Later Jewish traditions expanded her narrative considerably. By the medieval period, she appears in works such as the Alphabet of Sirach (8th–10th century CE) as the first wife of Adam. According to this legend, Lilith was created from the earth like Adam, and she refused to submit to him sexually, stating they were equal. She fled Eden, and God replaced her with Eve. Angels pursued her but failed to bring her back; she was cursed to become a demoness who harms newborns and men who sleep alone. The Talmud (5th century CE) describes Lilith as a night-demon with wings and long hair, and she is associated with nocturnal emissions and infant mortality. Rabbinic texts portray her as a seductress and child-stealer, a belief that led to amulets against her harm. In Kabbalistic (Jewish mystical) tradition, especially in the medieval Zohar, Lilith is the consort of the archangel Samael in the realm of impurity. Related Figures and Forms Lilith has equivalent figures in other languages. Her Armenian form is Lilit, and in Latvian, she appears as Lilita. Various branches of Semitic folklore drew from the Akkadian lilitu, and the name conflates with other Mesopotamian demons such as lilītu and ardat lilī (maid of the night). Notable Bearers in Culture In literature, Lilith appears in Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s Faust (1808), where she is Adam’s first wife. Modern portrayals vary from feminist symbol to vampire archetype; for instance, in Jewish feminist theology, Lilith represents resistance to patriarchy. Meaning: Of the night Origin: Akkadian lilitu Type: Female first name Usage regions: Jewish, Christian, and Islamic cultures; increasingly secular use in literature and media worldwide