Meaning & History
Jézabel is the French form of Jezebel, a name of Phoenician origin. The Biblical Jezebel was the Phoenician wife of Ahab, king of Israel, and is portrayed as an evil figure for promoting the worship of Ba'al. According to the Old Testament (1 Kings 16-21, 2 Kings 9), she was thrown from a window and eaten by dogs, fulfilling Elijah's prophecy. The name itself likely comes from the Phoenician Ba'l'izbel meaning "Ba'al exalts," with the first element removed or altered, or from the Semitic root zbl meaning "to exalt, to dwell." In the French context, Jézabel has been used occasionally as a given name, often carrying the dark connotations of the biblical figure.
Notable Bearers
While not widely used in modern France, the name Jézabel appears in literature and media. In the French comics series Les Aventures de Tintin, a minor character is named Jézabel. It has also been used as a surname, most notably in the Caribbean, but bearers are rare.
Cultural Significance
In the French-speaking world, Jézabel is often associated with the biblical story, seldom used positively. However, like many traditionally negative names, it has been revived by some parents drawn to its strong sound and historical weight.
- Gender: Feminine
- Origin: French form of Jezebel (Phoenician/Hebrew)
- Meaning: Possibly "Ba'al exalts" or "exalted"
- Usage regions: France and French-speaking countries
Related Names
Sources: Wiktionary — Jézabel