Ithamar

Ithamar is a biblical name of Hebrew origin, borne in the Old Testament by the youngest son of Aaron the High Priest. The name is derived from the Hebrew elements ʾi meaning "island" and tamar meaning "date palm," together giving the meaning "date palm island." This reflects a common Hebrew poetic tradition of using imagery from the fertile landscape, such as dates and islands, in personal names.

Biblical and Historical Significance

According to the biblical narrative in the Book of Exodus and Leviticus, Ithamar was the fourth and youngest son of Aaron. After the construction of the Tabernacle, Ithamar was tasked with recording an inventory to ensure that the Tabernacle and its contents matched the divine vision given to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 38:21). This role highlights attention to detail and fidelity to God's instructions. Later, following the death of his older brothers Nadab and Abihu—who were struck down by God for offering unauthorized incense—Ithamar and his remaining brother Eleazar carried on the priestly line (Leviticus 10:1-6). Both Eleazar and Ithamar are considered the direct ancestors of all Kohanim, the hereditary priesthood in Judaism.

Language and Usages

In English, the name appears as Ithamar, which is also used in biblical translations such as the Greek Septuagint (Ιθάμαρ) and the Latin Vulgate (Ithamar). A related form, Itamar, is common in Brazilian Portuguese and modern Hebrew. The name has been used sparingly, mostly among religious families or those seeking a strong biblical name, but it remains less common than names like Aaron or Eleazar.

Cultural Influence

Outside the Bible, Ithamar has historical associations in Judaism as part of the lineage of the High Priests. It reappears occasionally in Jewish and Christian naming traditions, and has attracted some attention in modern context due to its soft sound and clear etymology. Noted modern bearers include Ithamar Ben-Avi (also known as Itamar Ben-Avi), the first native speaker of modern Hebrew and son of Eliezer Ben-Yehuda, the revivalist of the Hebrew language.

• Meaning: "date palm island"
• Origin: Hebrew
• Usage: English Bible, Greek Bible, Latin Bible
• Category: Biblical name, masculine