אֵיתָן
Eitan / Ethan
“Strong/enduring”
Ethan (אֵיתָן, Eitan) is a Hebrew boy's name meaning “strong/enduring,” pronounced “ei-TAN.” From the Hebrew adjective אֵיתָן (eitan) meaning 'strong, enduring, firm, perennial.' The word is used in Scripture to describe ever-flowing streams and ancient, unshakeable things. It conveys permanence and resilience.
| Hebrew | אֵיתָן |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Eitan |
| English Name | Ethan |
| Meaning | Strong/enduring |
| Pronunciation | ei-TAN |
| Gender | Boy |
| Category | Male Biblical Names |
| Variants | Eitan, Eytan, Etan, Aithan |
| Key Scripture | 1 Kings 4:31 |
Ethan is a name that feels like what it means. In Hebrew, 'eitan' means 'strong, enduring, firm' — the kind of strength that doesn't crack under pressure but flows like a perennial stream that never runs dry. In fact, the Hebrew Bible uses the word 'eitan' to describe ever-flowing streams (Deuteronomy 21:4) and ancient foundations that cannot be shaken. The biblical Ethan the Ezrahite was so wise that Scripture mentions him specifically to measure Solomon's wisdom: 'Solomon's wisdom was greater than... Ethan the Ezrahite' (1 Kings 4:31) — meaning Ethan was the benchmark of human wisdom that only Solomon surpassed.
Key Scripture: 1 Kings 4:31
“He was wiser than anyone else, including Ethan the Ezrahite — wiser than Heman, Kalkol and Darda, the sons of Mahol.”
What Does Ethan Mean in Hebrew?
From the root א-י-ת (aleph-yod-tav), though some scholars connect it to י-ת-ן. The adjective אֵיתָן (eitan) means 'perennial, enduring, strong, firm.' When applied to a stream ('nachal eitan'), it means an ever-flowing waterway that never dries up. When applied to a person, it suggests steadfast, immovable strength.
Ethan in the Bible
Ethan the Ezrahite is mentioned in 1 Kings 4:31 as one of the wisest men of his era, surpassed only by Solomon. He is credited as the author of Psalm 89, a majestic psalm about God's covenant faithfulness to David. The title 'Ezrahite' may connect him to the Levitical worship leaders or the clan of Zerah.
Cultural Context & Modern Usage
In modern Hebrew, 'eitan' is used as an everyday adjective meaning 'strong' or 'firm.' Israeli military operations have been named 'Mivtza Eitan' (Operation Firm/Strong). The name's duality — ancient biblical roots combined with modern Hebrew utility — perfectly captures its appeal as both a timeless and contemporary choice.
Ethan was the #1 boys' name in the United States in 2009-2010 and has remained in the top 15 for years. In Israel, Eitan is extremely popular and has been a top-10 name. It consistently ranks among the most popular boys' names across the English-speaking world.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ethan
What does Ethan mean in Hebrew?
Ethan (אֵיתָן, Eitan) means “Strong/enduring” in Hebrew. From the Hebrew adjective אֵיתָן (eitan) meaning 'strong, enduring, firm, perennial.' The word is used in Scripture to describe ever-flowing streams and ancient, unshakeable things. It conveys permanence and resilience.
How do you pronounce Ethan in Hebrew?
The Hebrew pronunciation of Ethan is “ei-TAN.” The name is written אֵיתָן in Hebrew script.
What does Ethan mean in Hebrew?
Ethan (אֵיתָן, Eitan) means 'strong, enduring, firm' in Hebrew. The word is used in the Bible to describe perennial streams that never dry up, conveying the idea of strength that is constant and reliable, not explosive but enduring. It's one of the most naturally appealing Hebrew names because it sounds like what it means — solid and permanent.
Who was Ethan in the Bible?
Ethan the Ezrahite was famed for his extraordinary wisdom — so much so that Scripture uses him as the benchmark for measuring Solomon's greater wisdom (1 Kings 4:31). He is traditionally credited as the author of Psalm 89, which celebrates God's covenant faithfulness to David. He may have been a Levitical worship leader in David's or Solomon's court.
Is Ethan the same as Eitan in Hebrew?
Yes — Ethan is the English rendering of the Hebrew name אֵיתָן (Eitan). The pronunciation 'EE-than' in English differs from the Hebrew 'ei-TAN,' which places the stress on the second syllable. In Israel, the name is always pronounced Eitan with the emphasis on the final syllable.
Sources & Further Study
Related Hebrew Words
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