Bau

Bau is the name of a Sumerian mother goddess, whose precise etymology remains uncertain. She was primarily associated with healing, midwifery, and fertility, and her cult was centered in the city of Lagash in ancient Mesopotamia.

Etymology

The meaning of the name Bau is debated among scholars, with no definitive consensus. Some suggest it might be related to the Sumerian word for “bark” (of a dog), but this is speculative. The name appears in cuneiform texts as 𒀭𒁀𒌑 (dBa-u₂), with the divine determinative indicating a deity.

Divine Role and Worship

Bau was revered as a healing goddess and a protector of women during childbirth. She was also associated with dogs, which were sacred to her, and her temple in Lagash was known as the E-babbar. Bau was considered the daughter of the god Anu and later syncretized with the goddess Gula. Her consort was the god Ningirsu, the patron deity of Lagash.

Cultural Significance

Bau played a prominent role in the Sumerian pantheon and was especially honored during the third dynasty of Ur. She was often invoked in incantations and rituals for health and fertility. Her prominence declined after the fall of Sumer, but she continued to be worshipped in later periods under the name Gula.

Related Names and Interpretations

While the brief focuses on the Sumerian goddess, the name Bau also appears as a surname in modern contexts, with origins in German, French, and Chinese traditions (as a variant of Bao). In the United States, it is a rare surname. However, this article addresses primarily the ancient Sumerian divine name.

• Meaning: Unknown, possibly “bark” (of a dog)
• Origin: Sumerian
• Type: Feminine given name of a deity
• Usage regions: Ancient Mesopotamia (Lagash)