Jezebel

Jezebel is a female first name of biblical origin, derived from the Hebrew ʾIzevel (אִיזֶבֶל). In a figurative sense, this name means "the not exalted," "the unchaste," or "Baal proclaims."

What does the name Jezebel mean?

The name Jezebel has biblical roots and comes from the Hebrew ʾIzevel (אִיזֶבֶל). It translates to "the not exalted," "the unchaste," or "Baal proclaims." The exact origin of the name is unclear. It may derive from the ancient Hebrew izével (איזבל), meaning "not exalted" or "not protected" in the context of shame or lawlessness. Alternatively, it could come from the Semitic zbl meaning "to elevate" or "to dwell," or from the Phoenician Baʿlʾizbel (𐤁𐤏𐤋𐤀𐤆𐤁𐤋) meaning "Baal elevates." In the Bible, the name is attributed to two women: a daughter of a Phoenician king and the wife of King Ahab of Israel, who may have led him to stray from JHWH. In the New Testament, a prophetess in Thyatira is mentioned, who is said to have seduced Christians into fornication and eating food sacrificed to idols, although both attributions are considered uncertain. Other variants of the name include Jezabel, Jesabel, Jezebelle, Jezabelle, Isebel, Iezabel, Izebel, Gezabele, and Hiezabel.

Where does the name Jezebel come from?

The first name Jezebel has its roots in ancient Hebrew and Phoenician and means "the not exalted." In ancient Hebrew, it comes from izével (איזבל), which means "not exalted" or "not protected," often in the context of shame or lawlessness. Semitic could derive from zbl, meaning "to elevate" or "to dwell." In Phoenician, the name comes from Baʿlʾizbel (𐤁𐤏𐤋𐤀𐤆𐤁𐤋), meaning "Baal elevates." The name is common in biblical languages such as English.

How do you pronounce Jezebel?

The pronunciation of Jezebel is three syllables and gives the name a distinctive, flowing, and expressive quality. In German pronunciation, it is typically pronounced as "Je-ze-bel" [ˈdʒeːzəbɛl]. The name glides elegantly over the syllables, creating a powerful, concise sound. The combination of clear consonants and soft vowels gives it presence, dynamism, and stylish energy. Overall, Jezebel conveys a sense of confidence, expressiveness, and charisma – a name that embodies strength, elegance, and subtle expressiveness.

Popularity

In Germany, Jezebel is a rather rare first name. In 2015, it ranked 4,092nd in the list of the most common female first names. The best placement was achieved in 2014 with 4,003rd place. In the last ten years, Jezebel has been given as a first name fewer than 10 times, placing it 9,317th in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 9,043rd. Worldwide, the popularity and frequency of Jezebel are also limited.

Nicknames & pet names

Bella / Belle / Jeez / Jezel / Jezelyn / Jezi / Jezz / Jezzy

Famous people

• Jade Jezebel Jagger (Model, jewelry designer (daughter of Mick Jagger)