Fun Facts About the Name Jezebel
- 787 babies named Jezebel: U.S. records list 787 babies given the name Jezebel from 1880 through 2025.
What Does the Name Jezebel Mean?
Jezebel is a feminine given name of Hebrew origin whose meaning is uncertain. It appears in the Hebrew Bible as אִיזֶבֶל (ʾIzevel), the name of the Phoenician princess who became queen of Israel. One traditional explanation reads the name as "not exalted" or "not noble," taking the first element as a negative and the second from a root meaning "to exalt." Another explanation treats the Hebrew form as a hostile reshaping of a Phoenician name meaning "Baal is exalted" or "Baal is prince," which would fit Jezebel's Tyrian background and her promotion of Baal worship. Through the biblical story the name later acquired symbolic associations with idolatry and sexual wrongdoing, but those associations are not part of its literal etymology.
Jezebel Name History & Origins
In the Hebrew Bible, Jezebel is the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians, and the wife of Ahab, king of Israel (1 Kings 16:31). The narrative says she promoted the worship of Baal and Asherah, supported the prophets of Baal, and persecuted the prophets of Yahweh, including Elijah. It also credits her with arranging the judicial murder of Naboth so that Ahab could take his vineyard. After Ahab's death she remained a powerful queen mother. In 2 Kings 9, Jehu's coup ended with Jezebel thrown from a window at Jezreel; her body was trampled, and dogs ate her remains, a detail presented as the fulfillment of Elijah's prophecy.
The Hebrew form אִיזֶבֶל was rendered in Greek as Ἰεζάβελ and in Latin as Iezabel. English Bibles adopted the spelling Jezebel, and the name passed into English and other European languages mainly through that biblical tradition. In the New Testament book of Revelation, "Jezebel" is used symbolically for a self-styled prophetess in Thyatira who led believers into sexual immorality and idolatry, a usage that strengthened the name's association with false teaching and seduction. In modern English, the word jezebel is often used as a slur for a shameless or immoral woman. In American culture, the "Jezebel stereotype" is a racist caricature applied to Black women. Despite the similar sound, Jezebel is not related to Isabel or Isabelle, which derive from Elizabeth.
How Popular is the Name Jezebel?
Jezebel has historically been an exceptionally rare given name in the United States, remaining well outside the national mainstream. It saw its highest recorded annual births in 2007. Its best rank was #3,503 in 2007.
U.S. name popularity from 1880-2025, based on SSA data. Rank shows how the name compares with other names - lower numbers mean greater popularity. Births shows how many babies received the name each year.
| Year | Rank | Births | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | #10,465 | 9 | 0.0006% |
| 2024 | #14,200 | 6 | 0.0004% |
| 2023 | #12,717 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 2022 | #5,860 | 21 | 0.0013% |
| 2021 | #7,423 | 15 | 0.0009% |
| 2020 | #5,961 | 20 | 0.0012% |
| 2019 | #8,819 | 12 | 0.0007% |
| 2018 | #5,531 | 23 | 0.0014% |
| 2017 | #4,986 | 27 | 0.0016% |
| 2016 | #5,204 | 26 | 0.0015% |
| 2015 | #5,558 | 24 | 0.0013% |
| 2014 | #5,376 | 25 | 0.0014% |
| 2013 | #5,731 | 23 | 0.0013% |
| 2012 | #5,999 | 22 | 0.0012% |
| 2011 | #4,500 | 32 | 0.0018% |
| 2010 | #4,146 | 36 | 0.0020% |
| 2009 | #5,784 | 24 | 0.0013% |
| 2008 | #4,585 | 33 | 0.0017% |
| 2007 | #3,503 | 47 | 0.0024% |
| 2006 | #4,508 | 32 | 0.0017% |
| 2005 | #4,523 | 30 | 0.0016% |
| 2004 | #5,283 | 24 | 0.0013% |
| 2003 | #4,734 | 27 | 0.0015% |
| 2002 | #5,559 | 21 | 0.0012% |
| 2001 | #4,260 | 29 | 0.0016% |
| 2000 | #5,055 | 23 | 0.0013% |
| 1999 | #5,316 | 20 | 0.0011% |
| 1998 | #6,512 | 15 | 0.0008% |
| 1997 | #6,005 | 16 | 0.0009% |
| 1996 | #6,188 | 15 | 0.0009% |
| 1995 | #5,802 | 16 | 0.0009% |
| 1994 | #5,838 | 16 | 0.0009% |
| 1993 | #9,057 | 9 | 0.0005% |
| 1992 | #12,421 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 1991 | #9,711 | 8 | 0.0004% |
| 1990 | #12,005 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 1989 | #13,252 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1988 | #9,688 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 1987 | #12,080 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1986 | #8,936 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 1985 | #9,823 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 1984 | #8,538 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 1980 | #11,040 | 5 | 0.0003% |
Name popularity over more than a century, based on Social Security Administration data. Gaps in the chart indicate years when the name does not appear in the published records.
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How the Name Jezebel Shapes Your Personality and Life?
You are honest, benevolent, brilliant and often inventive, full of high inspirations. You are courageous, honest, determined, original and creative. You are a leader, especially for a cause. Sometimes you do not care to finish what you start, and may leave details to others. You can do well in position of authority, and prospers in intellectual and professional fields. You have an eventful, exciting life. You are versatile and have the ability to learn easily.
You are always looking for an opportunity to achieve financial and emotional security. You are basically peacemaker. You understand the law of harmony and desire to balance your life with those around you. You may feel incomplete without someone to share your love, ideals, wealth or work. You can be very sensitive and could appear a bit shy and perceptive. You have developed intuition, patience and the ability to nurture others. You can achieve the state of happiness if you are willing to accept your needs in a complimentary relationship and go to create them.
✦ Jezebel's Deeper Meaning & Tips for Parents Discover Jezebel's symbolic numbers and practical tips for choosing a name that complements your child's birth date.