Meaning & History
Adina (masculine) is a biblical name of Hebrew origin, appearing in the Old Testament as the name of a soldier in King David's army. It derives from the Hebrew root ʿaḏin (עָדִין), meaning "delicate" or "slender." The name is recorded in 1 Chronicles 11:42 as ʿAḏina (עֲדִינָא), a chief of the Reubenites who joined David at Ziklag. In English, Greek, and Latin Bibles, it is transliterated as Adina.
Etymology and Linguistic Background
The name comes from the Hebrew adjective ʿaḏin, which conveys softness, delicacy, or refinement. This root is also the basis for the feminine name Adina, though the masculine and feminine forms are spelled differently in Hebrew. The masculine form ends with the suffix -a, which is typical for some Hebrew names (e.g., Yehoshua). Related biblical forms include 'Adina (Biblical Hebrew) and Adino, the latter appearing in 2 Samuel 23:8 as a variant or corruption of the same name.
Biblical Context
In the Old Testament, Adina is listed among David's mighty warriors in 1 Chronicles 11:42: "Adina son of Shiza the Reubenite, chief of the Reubenites, and thirty with him." The passage highlights his leadership and military prowess. The name's meaning—"delicate"—may seem ironic for a soldier, but it likely reflects a personal quality of refinement or perhaps a family trait, rather than physical fragility.
Usage and Distribution
As a masculine name, Adina is rare in modern times, especially outside biblical contexts. It appears primarily in English, Greek, and Latin Bible translations and among communities that use these versions. The name is more commonly encountered as a feminine given name in Jewish and Israeli contexts, where it is derived from the same root but with a different Hebrew spelling. The masculine form remains a distinctive choice for those seeking a biblical name with historical depth.
- Meaning: "delicate" (from Hebrew ʿaḏin)
- Origin: Hebrew
- Type: Biblical masculine name
- Usage regions: English, Greek, Latin Bible traditions