Varda is a feminine given name with Hebrew origins, functioning as a variant of Vered, which means "rose" in Hebrew. The name derives from a borrowing from an Iranian language, reflecting the historical exchange of botanical terms. While its primary usage is among Hebrew-speaking populations, it shares cross-cultural ties with names such as Warda in Arabic (also meaning "rose") and its various cognates like Gül in Turkish, Gol in Persian, and Gul in Urdu. In addition to its Hebrew roots, Varda bears particular significance in the context of J. R. R. Tolkien's legendarium. In Tolkien's fictional mythology, Varda is the queen of the Valar, the divine beings who shaped the world. She is revered for having kindled the first stars, and her name in the Elvish language carries an ethereal, luminous quality. This association led to the naming of the trans-Neptunian object 174567 Varda, a plutoid and possible dwarf planet discovered in 2003, whose moon is named Ilmarë after another character from Tolkien's works. The astronomical naming honors the celestial symbolism of the mythological figure. The name also appears as a French surname, though in that context its etymology and usage are unrelated to the given name. As a given name, Varda remains relatively uncommon, appreciated primarily among Jewish communities and Tolkien enthusiasts for its concise sound and rich associations. Its orthographic variant Vardah and the more common Vered are also used in Israel, where nature-inspired names are particularly favored. Conclusion Meaning: Variant of Vered, meaning "rose" in Hebrew Origin: Hebrew, ultimately from an Iranian root meaning "rose" Type: Given name (feminine) Usage Regions: Israel, also used in fictional contexts and international naming trends