Hodaya is a unique and beautiful Hebrew name that means "praise." It comes from the root verb "hoda'ah," which translates to "thankfulness" or "gratitude." The name Hodaya has a profound significance in Jewish culture, as it represents the expression of gratitude towards God for His kindness and blessings.
The history of the name Hodaya can be traced back to biblical times. In the Hebrew Bible, the term "hoda'ah" is often used to describe the giving of thanks or praise to God. The most notable instance is in the Book of Psalms (100:4), where it says, "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name."
In Jewish tradition, Hodaya has been a popular name for centuries, often given to girls born around the time of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. However, unlike other names associated with this festival like Hannah or Sarah, Hodaya is not directly linked to any specific story or character from the Hanukkah narrative.
Hodaya is also a name that has been embraced by Jewish families beyond its traditional Hebrew-speaking communities. It has gained popularity among Jews worldwide, as well as non-Jewish individuals who appreciate its unique sound and profound meaning. Today, Hodaya can be found among various cultures and communities, serving as a testament to the universal appeal of this beautiful name.
In conclusion, Hodaya is an ancient Hebrew name that carries deep spiritual significance. Its meaning, "praise" or "gratitude," resonates with people of different backgrounds, making it a beloved choice for parents seeking a meaningful and distinctive name for their child.
The name Hodaya has been given to a total of 204 babies born in the United States between the years 2000 and 2023. The name's popularity fluctuated over time, with some peak years and others where it was less common.
From 2000 to 2009, the number of births with the name Hodaya ranged from a low of 5 in 2000 and 2010, up to a high of 11 in 2003. The early 2000s seemed to be a period of moderate popularity for the name.
In the following decade (2010-2019), the number of births with the name Hodaya started to increase. The highest year during this period was 2019, with 12 babies named Hodaya. This suggests that the name began to gain traction and became more popular among parents choosing names for their daughters.
This trend continued into the most recent years available (2020-2023). Between 2020 and 2023, there were 35 births with the name Hodaya, including a peak of 13 in both 2021 and 2023. This indicates that Hodaya has become quite popular in recent years, with parents continuing to choose this name for their newborn daughters.
Overall, while Hodaya may not have been one of the most frequently used names during its first decade of record-keeping, it has since gained popularity and become more common among baby girls born in the United States.