Hagar
Foreign woman
Pronunciation: HAY-gar (/ˈheɪɡər/)
What does Hagar mean?
In the Old Testament, Hagar is the name of Sarah's Egyptian handmaid who becomes the mother of Ishmael. When Sarai, later Sarah, gives Hagar to Abraham as a concubine, she bears Abraham a son, and Sarai is jealous. God intervenes and tells Sarai to allow Hagar and Ishmael to leave. Hagar is a strong, independent woman, and her name is a reminder of God's protection of the outcast and the marginalized.
Hagar in other languages & scripts
How to pronounce Hagar
Numerology & personality
A number associated with love, harmony, and balance.
Spiritual & cultural context
Symbol of God's care for the oppressed and outcast.
The name Hagar holds significant cultural impact in the Abrahamic religions as representing a strong, independent woman, particularly in the Jewish and Christian traditions. Hagar's story in the Old Testament shows her as a handmaid who becomes the mother of Abraham's child. Although initially given to Sarah as a concubine, her son Ishmael is born out of wedlock, and Sarah becomes jealous. This tension reflects historical social depiction of women, particularly those of lower social status, as passive objects of male desire and control. However, Hagar's story challenges this perception by illustrating a woman who is assertive, resourceful, and determined. Her story highlights the complexities of women's lives in ancient societies and the resilience of women in the face of adversity.
Scriptural & traditional roots
Biblical scripture: Genesis (Genesis 16:1)
Popularity of Hagar by region
| Region | Country | Score | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | UK | 86 | 2024 |
| United States | US | 50 | 2024 |
| Poland | PL | 88 | 2024 |
| Germany | DE | 78 | 2024 |