Dinah
Meaning
Judged, vindicated
About
The daughter of Jacob and Leah, Dinah is one of the few named women in Genesis. Her story has been reinterpreted by many authors.
Variants
📜 History & Origin
Dinah's story in Genesis 34 involves her brothers' violent revenge after she was violated. Anita Diamant's novel 'The Red Tent' retells her story from a feminist perspective.
✨ Personality Traits
🌟 Famous People
- •Dinah Shore - American singer and TV personality
- •Dinah Washington - American jazz singer
- •Dinah Manoff - American actress
🎯 Fun Facts
Anita Diamant's bestselling novel 'The Red Tent' made Dinah a popular literary heroine.
🌍 Etymology & Cultural Context
The name Dinah belongs to the Biblical naming tradition, which took shape in Ancient Israel and the Near East. Biblical names span both testaments of the Christian Bible and the Hebrew scriptures, carrying some of the deepest spiritual resonance in Western culture. These names have been chosen by millions across two millennia for their sacred associations, narrative richness, and timeless power. Biblical names come from multiple languages — primarily Hebrew and Greek, with some Aramaic, Latin, and other ancient tongues. The New Testament was written in Greek, which is why many New Testament figures bear Greek names or Greek forms of Hebrew originals: Jesus (Iesous from Hebrew Yeshua), Peter (Petros from Aramaic Cephas), Stephen (Stephanos, Greek for 'crown'). The precise meaning of Dinah — "Judged, vindicated" — reflects this tradition's characteristic way of encoding aspiration, faith, or observable truth into a name that a person carries for life.
In Christian tradition, the naming of children after saints and biblical figures was not merely custom but a form of spiritual protection — placing the child under the patronage of a holy figure. This practice spread biblical names from Jerusalem to Iceland, from Ethiopia to Mexico. Biblical names have shown remarkable staying power. Many appear in the top 100 baby names across English-speaking countries year after year: Noah, Elijah, Hannah, Abigail, Ethan, Caleb. Their combination of spiritual heritage and strong, appealing sounds makes them perennially popular. As a feminine name, Dinah joins a tradition of names that celebrated the particular strengths and qualities most valued in women across its originating culture. The name exists in 2 known variant forms — including Dina, Dinah — testament to how widely it has traveled and how naturally it adapts to different languages and cultures.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Dinah mean?
Dinah means "Judged, vindicated." The daughter of Jacob and Leah, Dinah is one of the few named women in Genesis. Her story has been reinterpreted by many authors. The name originates from the Biblical tradition, where its meaning would have carried particular resonance in the cultural and linguistic context of its time. Today, the name carries both its original meaning and centuries of accumulated associations from history, literature, and the lives of notable people who have borne it.
What is the origin of the name Dinah?
Dinah is a name of Biblical origin. The name Dinah belongs to the Biblical naming tradition, which took shape in Ancient Israel and the Near East. Biblical names span both testaments of the Christian Bible and the Hebrew scriptures, carrying some of the deepest spiritual resonance in Western culture. Over centuries, the name spread beyond its original cultural context, adapting to new languages and cultures while retaining its core meaning.
Is Dinah a popular name?
Dinah has a popularity score of 28/100 in our database, placing it among the less common names valued for their distinctiveness. While not topping the charts, Dinah has devoted followers who appreciate its meaning and distinctive character.
How do you pronounce Dinah?
Dinah is typically pronounced with two syllables. The name is spelled exactly as it sounds in most English-speaking contexts, though variant spellings like Dina and Dinah may have slightly different pronunciations. Its 2-syllable rhythm gives it a balanced, melodious quality.
What are good nicknames for Dinah?
Common nicknames and variants for Dinah include Dina, Dinah. The most frequently used short form is Dina, which is often used affectionately by family and close friends. These variations demonstrate how the name has adapted to different linguistic contexts and personal preferences over time.