Na'ama

Na'ama (Hebrew: נָעֳמָה) is the Biblical Hebrew form of Naamah, a name derived from the Hebrew root meaning "pleasant" (na'em). In the Old Testament, the name appears twice: as a daughter of Lamech (descendant of Cain) and as a wife of King Solomon. Later Jewish tradition identifies Naamah as the wife of Noah, though she is unnamed in Genesis. The name stems from the na'em element, with its feminine suffix -ah.

Etymology

Naamah literally means "pleasant" in Hebrew, and Na'ama is a transliteration reflecting the original pharyngeal consonant ayin. The root n-'-m connotes sweetness, loveliness, and delight. This etymology connects the name to an Israelite onomastic tradition of bestowing qualities or aspirations on daughters.

Notable Bearers

In Genesis 4:22, Naamah is listed as the daughter of Lamech and Zillah, making her a descendant of Cain • she is described as an accomplished woman. Later, in 1 Kings 14:21, Naamah is identified as an Ammonite queen, the wife of Solomon and mother of Rehoboam, implying a diplomatic marriage.

Modern Usage

Na'ama is also the name of an Israeli settlement (moshav shitufi) in the West Bank, established in 1982 on land (according to ARIJ) confiscated from the Palestinian village of An-Nuway'imah. Initially called Na'ama due to its location near that village, it was renamed after the biblical figure Naomi by the Israel Land Settlement Department. The original name Na'ama was restored after the 2006 Lebanon War.

Related modern forms include modern Hebrew Naama and the unisex name Noam. While rare as a given name in contemporary English, it remains common among Jewish communities in Israel. The biblical Hebrew form Na'ama has also appeal for those seeking a Pan-Arabic or Pan-He brew revival, connecting to tradition yet with global appeal.

Key Facts

• Meaning: "pleasant"
• Origin: Hebrew
• Type: Feminine given name
• Usage Regions: Israelite tradition; revived as modern Israeli name; used in Palestine Area due to moshav (1982)
• Scripture: Old Testament (descendant of Cain, wife of Solomon)