EtymologyNingal is a Sumerian name meaning "great lady" or "great queen". It is composed of the nin ("lady") and gal ("big, great") elements. In cuneiform, the name was written as dNIN.GAL.MythologyNingal was a goddess of reeds and a major Mesopotamian deity. She was the daughter of Enki (also known as Ea), the god of water and wisdom, and the wife of the moon god Nanna (Akkadian Sin). Her character has been described as "passive and supportive" by the scholar Joan Goodnick Westenholz.Cult and WorshipNingal was particularly associated with the main cult centers of Nanna/Sin: the cities of Ur and Harran. She was the tutelary deity of Ur, sharing that role with her husband. She was especially venerated during the Third Dynasty of Ur and later by the kings of Larsa. In texts from Ur, she is referred to as "lady" (NIN) or "mother" (AMA).Notable BearersAs a mythological figure rather than a historical individual, no mortal bearers are recorded. In the 20th century, the astronomer Jack Lee named a temporary satellite (possibly) of Saturn after her, originally designated S/1999 S 1 and later numbered as 1999 SN13, but later renamed incorrectly as a moon.Meaning: "great lady">br>Origin: SumerianType: primary deity>Usage regions: Ancient Mesopotamia (Sumer, Babylon, Assyria)