Adar is a unique and distinctive given name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew word "adar," which means "to adorn" or "to beautify." The name Adar is associated with the Jewish month that occurs in both late winter and early spring, during which the festival of Purim takes place.
The history of the name Adar can be traced back to ancient Hebrew culture. In the Book of Esther in the Old Testament, King Ahasuerus renames his son Artašata by the Babylonian name Adar, meaning "beautiful" or "magnificent." This name was subsequently adopted as the Jewish month during which Purim is celebrated.
Adar is also mentioned in other historical texts and artifacts. For instance, a Jewish inscription from the 4th century CE found on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem includes the month Adar in its calendar.
Today, Adar is a popular given name among Jews worldwide, as well as among those who appreciate its unique sound and Hebrew origins. While it remains relatively rare compared to more common names like Samuel or David, it continues to be chosen by parents seeking distinctive and meaningful names for their children.
The name Adar has seen a relatively consistent number of births in the United States over the past three decades, with an average of around six births per year since 1993. The highest number of births occurred in recent years, with seven babies named Adar born in 2019 and six in both 2020 and 2022. Interestingly, there were two notable spikes in popularity during this time period: one between 1997 and 2008, with six births each year, and another more recent surge starting from 2016 onwards. Despite these fluctuations, the total number of babies named Adar in the United States over this period is 52.