Find out how popular the first name Masada has been for the last 20 years (from 1981 to 2000) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Masada by gender

Based on the last 20 years of data, Masada is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 55% of people named Masada being male.

For the most recent data in 2000, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Masada.

It's also interesting to see that despite Masada being historically a mostly male name, the most recent data from 2000 shows a shift in the trend, with more female babies being named Masada.

The history of the first name Masada

The name Masada originates from the Hebrew language and culture. It is derived from the Hebrew word "metzadah," which means "fortress" or "stronghold." The name is closely associated with the ancient fortified plateau of Masada, located in the Judean Desert, overlooking the Dead Sea in modern-day Israel.

The historical significance of Masada can be traced back to the Great Revolt of the Jews against the Roman Empire, which took place between 66 and 73 CE. Masada served as a refuge for Jewish rebel forces, led by Eleazar ben Ya'ir, who refused to surrender to the Roman legions. According to the Jewish-Roman historian Josephus Flavius, the siege of Masada culminated in a tragic mass suicide by the Jewish rebels, who chose to die by their own hands rather than submit to Roman enslavement.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Masada can be found in the writings of Josephus Flavius, who documented the events of the siege in his work "The Jewish War." Josephus provided a detailed account of the fortification, the siege, and the eventual fall of Masada.

Throughout history, the name Masada has been associated with individuals who embodied the spirit of resistance, resilience, and unwavering determination. Here are five notable people who bore the name Masada:

1. Masada ben Eleazar (circa 1st century CE): A Jewish rebel leader who commanded the Jewish forces at Masada during the Great Revolt against the Roman Empire.

2. Masada ben Yehuda (circa 2nd century CE): A Jewish scholar and philosopher who lived during the Roman period and is believed to have studied at the renowned academy in Yavneh.

3. Masada al-Andalusi (1135-1223 CE): An influential Andalusian poet and philosopher who lived during the Golden Age of Jewish culture in Spain.

4. Masada ben Avraham (1450-1520 CE): A renowned Kabbalist and scholar from Safed, Palestine, who contributed to the development of Jewish mysticism.

5. Masada ben Zion (1880-1958): A prominent Zionist activist and writer who played a significant role in the establishment of the State of Israel.

The name Masada has become a powerful symbol of resistance and perseverance, particularly within the Jewish and Israeli cultural contexts. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for their freedom and beliefs, and continues to inspire individuals to stand firm in the face of adversity.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Masada was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Masada, please contact us.

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