Maeleth is the transliteration of the name Mahalath as it appears in the Greek and Latin versions of the Old Testament. In the Hebrew Bible, Mahalath is the daughter of Ishmael and the wife of Esau, a patriarchal figure in the Book of Genesis. The name Maeleth thus serves as a linguistic bridge between the Hebrew original and the Septuagint (Greek) and Vulgate (Latin) translations.EtymologyThe Hebrew name Mahalath derives from the word shamaʿ meaning "lyre" or "harp," suggesting a musical or poetic connotation. However, in the biblical context, the name is associated with Ishmael's lineage rather than etymology alone. Maeleth, as a Greek and Latin form, preserves the consonantal structure while adapting to the phonetic norms of those languages.Cultural and Religious SignificanceIn the Old Testament, Mahalath marries Esau, the elder twin brother of Jacob (Israel). Through this union, she integrates into the narrative of the Abrahamic patriarchs, linking the Ishmaelite and Edomite ancestries. Maeleth appears specifically in Greek and Latin manuscripts, reflecting the transmission of biblical texts through Hellenistic and Roman Christian traditions. The name is rarely used in modern naming practices, as it is primarily confined to scriptural references.Related FormsRelated names include Machalat, a Biblical Hebrew variant, and English forms such as Mahala and Mahalia, which have seen modest usage as given names. Mahalia, in particular, gained prominence through gospel singer Mahalia Jackson.Meaning: Lyre (from Hebrew mahalath)Origin: Hebrew, via Greek and Latin Old TestamentType: Biblical feminine nameUsage: Greek-speaking and Latin-speaking Christian communities in antiquity