Hadassa is one of the original Hebrew names for the biblical Queen Esther — her given name before she entered the Persian court and took the name by which history knows her. Choosing Hadassa is, in a sense, returning to the source: reclaiming the name she was born with rather than the name imposed on her later. That backstory alone gives Hadassa a remarkable narrative depth.
Myrtle and Its Meaning
Hadassa derives from the Hebrew hadas, meaning myrtle — the aromatic shrub with small white flowers that has symbolic significance across Hebrew culture. In biblical poetry, myrtle represents peace, prosperity, and divine favor. The Book of Zechariah uses myrtle trees as symbols of restoration and hope. That floral-botanical root puts Hadassa in excellent company with other Hebrew botanical names like Tamar (palm tree) and Shoshana (lily), all of which have found modern audiences.
Hadassa vs. Hadassah
The more common spelling in American usage is Hadassah (three s's effectively, two s sounds), known partly through the American Zionist women's organization founded in 1912. Hadassa with one final a is a cleaner, more minimal spelling that preserves the Hebrew phonetics without the organizational association. Parents in Orthodox Jewish communities often choose the Hadassah spelling intentionally; parents outside that specific context may prefer Hadassa as a slightly more open-ended form.
Sound and Nickname Options
Three syllables — hah-DAH-sah — with the stress on the second. The name is rhythmically pleasing, ending on an open -ah that prevents it from feeling abrupt. Nicknames are plentiful: Hada, Dassa, or simply Haddie for a warmer everyday option. In a sibling set, Hadassa pairs beautifully with Miriam, Naomi, Esther itself (with an interesting literary symmetry), or Elijah. For families rooted in Hebrew naming tradition, Hadassa is a name of quiet elegance and significant heritage.