Meaning & History
Balla is the Greek form of Bilhah, a biblical name of Hebrew origin. In the Old Testament, Bilhah was a handmaid given to Jacob by his wife Rachel, and she bore him two sons, Dan and Naphtali (Genesis 30:3-8). The meaning of Bilhah is often interpreted as "bashful" or "timid."
In Greek texts and translations of the Bible, the name Bilhah appears as Balla (Βάλλα). This reflects the common adaptation of Hebrew names into Greek through alterations in spelling and pronunciation. While the Hebrew meaning is preserved, the Greek form became a distinct variant used in Eastern Christian traditions.
The name Balla is rare in modern times but holds historical significance within biblical studies and genealogical contexts. It is one of several language-specific forms of Bilhah, which include Bilha (Spanish) and Bila (Italian). As a female given name in the Greek Bible, it connects bearers to the ancestry of the tribes of Israel.
- Meaning: “bashful” (ultimately from Hebrew Bilhah)
- Origin: Greek form of the biblical name Bilhah
- Type: Feminine name
- Usage: Greek Bible, Eastern Christian contexts
- Related: Bilhah, Bilha, Bila