Moshe is a Hebrew masculine given name derived from the ancient Egyptian word "msi" meaning "child". It was used by several notable figures in Jewish history and tradition.
The name Moshe first appears in the Hebrew Bible as the name of one of the ancestors of Jacob, who was born to his wife Leah. However, it is most famously associated with Moses, the prophet and lawgiver of ancient Israel who led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land.
In Hebrew, the name Moshe is pronounced with a guttural "ch" sound at the end of the second syllable, similar to the German "ach". It has been transliterated into other languages and scripts in various ways, such as Moses in English, Moïse in French, and Moisés in Spanish.
Throughout history, many notable figures have borne the name Moshe. In addition to the biblical figure, there have been numerous rabbis, scholars, and leaders named Moshe, including Maimonides (Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon), a renowned philosopher and scholar of the 12th century, and Moshe Sharett, the second Prime Minister of Israel.
Today, Moshe remains a popular given name among Jews and others around the world. It is often chosen for its historical and cultural significance, as well as its strong and authoritative sound. Despite its ancient origins, Moshe feels contemporary and relevant in modern times, carrying with it a sense of tradition and continuity across generations.
In the United States, the name Moshe has seen a consistent presence over the years, with an average of about five babies being named Moshe each year between 1982 and 1996. However, there was a slight increase in popularity during 1995 when six babies were named Moshe. Overall, from 1982 to 1996, a total of 21 babies were given the name Moshe.