At a Glance: Name: Hyssop – Meaning: A biblical herb whose English name passed through Greek 'hyssopos' from an earlier Hebrew word for the plant, used in ancient purification rites – Origin: Greek (ultimately Hebrew) – Gender: Girl – Pronunciation: HISS-uhp
Hyssop is a Greek (ultimately Hebrew) girl's name meaning “A biblical herb whose English name passed through Greek 'hyssopos' from an earlier Hebrew word for the plant, used in ancient purification rites”. It appears in 3 of our baby name lists.
Meaning & Origin of Hyssop
Meaning: A biblical herb whose English name passed through Greek 'hyssopos' from an earlier Hebrew word for the plant, used in ancient purification rites.
Origin: Greek (ultimately Hebrew).
A common claim: Sometimes said to literally mean 'holy herb' Actually: The word doesn't literally translate to 'holy' -- it comes from the Hebrew plant name 'ezov'; the holy association reflects hyssop's ceremonial use in biblical purification, not the word's literal meaning.
How to Pronounce Hyssop
Phonetic: HISS-uhp IPA: /ˈhɪsəp/
Popularity of Hyssop
Hyssop doesn’t appear in U.S. Social Security birth records, which include every name given to at least five babies in a year — so it’s rare in the U.S.
Lists That Include Hyssop
- 200+ Botanical Baby Names for Nature-Loving Parents
- 175+ Herb and Garden Plant Baby Names for Earthy Parents
- 175+ Wildflower Baby Names for Girls as Free-Spirited as They Sound
Similar Names
Cassia · Myrtle · Lavender · Cicely · Tansy · Elder
