Meaning & History
'Adina is a Biblical Hebrew name, the original form of Adina 1, found in the Old Testament. It derives from the Hebrew root ʿaḏin, meaning "delicate" or "slender." This name appears in 1 Chronicles 11:42, where 'Adina is listed as one of King David's mighty warriors, a Reubenite chief who commanded thirty men. The name reflects a quality of refinement or gentleness, which contrasts with the martial context of its bearer.
Etymology and Linguistic Background
The name 'Adina (עֲדִינָא) is a masculine name in the Hebrew Bible, though the same root also gives rise to the feminine name Adina 3, which is spelled differently in Hebrew (עֲדִינָה). The root ʿaḏin appears in other Semitic languages with similar meanings of softness or delicacy. In the Bible, the name is sometimes anglicized as Adino, a variant that appears in some translations (e.g., 2 Samuel 23:8, though textual issues exist).
Notable Bearers
The sole biblical bearer is 'Adina son of Shiza the Reubenite, a chief of the Reubenites and a member of David's elite guard. His inclusion in the list of David's warriors (1 Chronicles 11:42) highlights his military prowess, despite the name's gentle meaning. This juxtaposition is common in Hebrew names, where attributes like delicacy or beauty are given to strong figures.
Cultural and Religious Significance
In Jewish tradition, the name 'Adina is rare but recognized for its biblical roots. It is not commonly used in modern times, but its variants—especially Adina—have gained popularity in various cultures. The name's meaning of "delicate" may be seen as a blessing for a child's gentle nature. In Christian contexts, 'Adina is sometimes referenced in studies of biblical names, emphasizing the diversity of character traits among David's warriors.
Related Names
Related forms include the Biblical Latin Adina 1 and the Biblical variant Adino. The feminine counterpart Adina 3 shares the same root but is a separate name in Hebrew spelling.
- Meaning: Delicate, slender
- Origin: Biblical Hebrew
- Type: Masculine given name
- Usage: Hebrew Bible