Ancient Egyptian Names were very important and significant. The Pharaohs named babies based on ancient names on factors unique to the parents, just as we do today. This was especially true for unique births like the firstborn, the boy after the girl, and the girl after the male.
The ancient Egyptian names of the individuals have religious and secular content. Its structure consisted of both simple and compound nouns. Although personal ancient names were pronounced and structured differently from contemporary ones, their moral underpinnings were comparable.

How did the children of ancient Egypt get their names?

There were ancient Egyptian names that arose to wish good fortune for the naming person or the infant. We cite terms like “Ankh Tefi,” “Mary” or “Mru,” “Hassi,” which means praised, loved, and caring, “Nakhti,” which means strong, and “Sanab,” which means sound. That is, he has a long life ahead of him.

Ancient Egyptian names like “Nibsen,” which meant their master, “Baser,” or “Bahri,” which meant the chief, and “Itsen,” which meant their chief, were given to the infant to set him apart from his brothers. In Egypt, people go by the names Sayyidhom, Zeinhum, Amir, and Hassan till now.

Another set of ancient names emerged that represented physical attributes like red or black depending on the color of the skin or hair. or Abu Rasin and Abu Kaf, which are names that signify short, tall, and beautiful-faced. As is currently stated by Tantawi, Shabrawi, and others, the baby was attributed to his town or place of birth, such as Al-Manfa and Al-Tibi, or attributed to a craft, such as a farmer, carpenter, soldier, or Bedouin.

Ancient Egyptian Names such as “Imhotep,” which means “he comes in peace,” and “Emsakh,” which means “he came quickly,” first arose in ancient Egypt. These names were taken from the circumstances surrounding the child’s birth or a comment made by the mother or midwife during childbirth. As is still stated today, the newborn was jokingly given the names of many animals, plants, or objects: crocodile, bear, palm tree, falcon, cat, mongoose, and turquoise.

The ancient Egyptians’ nicknames

People in ancient Egypt often went by two or three ancient names. The individual has two names—one picked by his mother to appease her family and the other by his father to appease his own—or a regular name plus a nickname.

As is the case now when we say that the best ancient names are those that are praised and adored, religious inclinations predominated over many names in ancient Egypt, motivated by the spirit of religiosity and the desire to glorify deities and acknowledge their value. In addition to expressions of honor like “Amenemhat,” which indicates that Amun is at the forefront, there were titles like “Hesi-Ra,” which means the praiser of Ra, “Pak-in-Amun,” and “Ham-Ra,” which signifies the servant of God Amun and the servant of God Ra.

The human was named after the Hurrian god “Horus,” or “Seti,” after the ” god Set ” Or he bore the Istikhara of God concerning his conception, e.g., “Jed Ptah Io F Ankh,” which signifies that Ptah promised that he would survive.

These ancient Egyptian names and nicknames have a different meaning than other names and nicknames that mothers might have given their kids to protect them from jealousy and bad luck, like “Jar,” which means scorpion, “Banu,” which means mouse, “Senham,” which means locust, and “Narghisu,” which means I don’t know him. In addition, “Borkhaf” denotes the fool—haha, shah, and all that.

What was the name given to children in ancient Egypt?

The offspring of the ancient Egyptians were not generally called by their full names; instead, they were given names that were truncated, distorted, or rhymed. King Khufu, the owner of the Great Pyramid, was given the full name “Khnum-Khufu.” References to names like Ebi, Bibi, Ti, Titi, and Sheri occurred.

Ancient Egyptian female and male name characteristics

In ancient Egypt, female names were distinct from male names in certain ways and shared some traits with them in others.
The female names suggested that families were almost content with the birth of a man and were welcoming the arrival of a female with positive acceptance. The majority of the names—”Neferet,” which means lovely; “Nefru,” which means beauty; “Benret,” which means Tohma; “Seshen,” which means iris; “Gahset,” which means gazelle; and “Nefertari,” which means their sweetness or their sweetness—were expanded with sweetness, pride, and pampering. “Marrat” signifies cherished.

They were frequently linked to the names of female deities, just like boy’s names. Like males’ names, girls’ names were changed and shortened. The renowned circles had titles like “Tamit,” which means a kitten, and “Opet,” which means a bull, that described them in terms of spoiling. In fact, certain names—like “Gemt Motus,” which means the person whose mother found her—and “Nerkhtusi” have surfaced that would have expressed the mother’s jealousy and anxiety. In other words, “sta eret bent” means “protect her from the evil of the eye,” and no one knows her.

The Huhdah chants, which are recited by well-known mothers to greet their newborns, are likely influenced by the relative mediocrity of son and daughter acceptance.

Modern Egyptian Names Inspired by Ancient Egyptian Names

Egyptian history is intertwined with Pharaonic history, and the ancient Egyptians’ legacy endures to this day. They try to mention it in their everyday speech, occasionally, and even in their children’s names. Pharaonic names continue to be a perfect fusion of the ancient and the modern, fitting for many ethnicities and faiths.

Because ancient Egyptian names have significant significance, despite the advancements in modern society, many families continue to look for Pharaonic-inspired names for their children.

Examples of Some Modern Egyptian Names Inspired by Famous Pharaonic Names

• Meret: Drawn inspiration from Meret Amun, the fourth child of King Ramesses II and Queen Nefertari, who governed Egypt following her mother’s passing.

• Bayoumi: Derived from the hieroglyph (ba), which denotes the sea and is connected to (day). The meaning of the word Bayoumi is “the sea” or “one from the sea.”

• Nanis: Named after a delicate and soft Pharaonic flower, which is bestowed upon ladies who cherish life and liberty.

• Fakhri: The word for healing in Egyptian.

• Mina: King Narmer, who brought the two nations together, is presently known by this name. It comes from the hieroglyphic word min, which denotes an unidentified individual or (so-and-so).

• Ramses: The word Ramses comes from the root words (Ra), which means Ra, (um), which means conjunction, and (sis), which means son. Ramses translates to “son of Ra.”

• Wahib is a term that originates from the ancient Egyptian word wajib, meaning gentle.

• Bishoy: This word denotes something lofty or sublime.

• Isis: Mother of the horse and the spouse of Osiris, this deity originated in ancient Egypt. She became the goddess of the rainbow and was well-known among the Greeks as well.

 

pharaoh Names

As ancient Egypt was rich in history, it was also rich in names, and here are some examples of pharaoh names :

1. Amunet (Ah-moo-net): The name Amun, derived from the god of the same name, signifies “hidden” or “secretive,” echoing the aura of mystery and fascination that enshrouded Ancient Egypt.
2. Bastet (Bas-tet): Named in honor of the feline deity of home, fertility, and defense, Bastet’s name means “devouring lady.” Within Egyptian homes, cats were greatly valued.
3. Khufu (Koo-foo): Khufu is the builder of the Great Pyramid of Giza. “The name bears the meaning of being ‘protected by Khnum,’ who was a revered creator deity.”
4. Nefertari (Nef-er-tah-ree) means “beautiful companion,” “Embodying the grace and significance of women in Egyptian culture, her name resonates with power and elegance.”
5. Seti (Say-tee): This regal name signifies “the one of Seth,” referring to the god of chaos. Seti I was a renowned pharaoh and father of Ramses II.
6. Anubis (Ah-noo-bis): Anubis, associated with the funerary practices of ancient Egypt, derived his name from the meaning “royal child.” Depicted with the head of a jackal, Anubis was a significant deity in Egyptian mythology.
7. Cleopatra (Klee-oh-pah-trah): This name, immortalized in history, means “glory of the father.” It embodies the allure and intelligence of one of Egypt’s most famous queens.
8. Ptah (Tah): The name Ptah translates to “opener” or “sculptor.” Ptah was the creator god, often depicted as a skilled craftsman.
9. Neith (Neeth): A powerful goddess, Neith’s name means “water” or “weaver.” She was considered the deity of war and hunting.
10. Senusret (Seh-noo-sret): A name for pharaohs, Senusret translates to “man of goddess Wosret.” This name reflects a strong connection to divine forces.
11. Meritamun (Mehr-it-ah-moon): Signifying “beloved of Amun,” Meritamun reflects devotion to the god of gods, Amun.
12. Tutankhamun (Too-tahn-kah-moon): Perhaps the most famous young pharaoh, Tutankhamun’s name means “living image of Amun.” His treasures continue to captivate the world.
13. Hatshepsut (Hat-shep-soot): As the only female pharaoh to rule in her own right, Hatshepsut’s name translates to “foremost of noble women.” She left an indelible mark on history.
14. Amenhotep (Ah-men-ho-tep): Meaning “peaceful Amun,” this name reflects a desire for harmony in a society closely tied to spiritual beliefs.
15. Sobekhotep (So-bek-ho-tep): A name honoring the crocodile god Sobek, Sobekhotep means “Sobek is content.” Crocodiles symbolize strength and fertility.
16. Mutnofret (Moot-no-fret): This elegant name translates to “mother is beautiful.” It embodies the reverence for motherhood in Ancient Egypt.
17. Djoser (Joe-ser): The pharaoh associated with the Step Pyramid, Djoser’s name means “sacred to the god Ptah.” His reign was marked by architectural innovation.
18. Irynefer (Ear-ee-neh-fair): A name meaning “one who loves goodness,” Irynefer reflects the values upheld by many Egyptians.
19. Merneith (Mehr-teeth): Regarded as one of Egypt’s earliest female rulers, Merneith’s name signifies “beloved by Neith.” She held positions of power and authority.
20. Userkaf (Oo-ser-kaf): A pharaoh’s name, Userkaf means “his soul is strong.” It highlights the belief in the enduring power of the soul.
21. Mutemwia (Moot-em-wee-ah): The principal wife of Thutmose IV, Mutemwia’s name translates to “Mut in the divine bark.” Mut was a mother goddess.

Gods and Goddesses names:

Ancient Egyptian deities were the focal point of the ancient Egyptian religion, which emerged in prehistory. These gods and goddesses represented natural forces and phenomena, and the ancient Egyptians sought to appease and support them through offerings and rituals to maintain divine order, known as maat. Following the establishment of the Egyptian state around 3100 BC, the pharaoh assumed the responsibility of representing the gods and overseeing the temples where these rituals took place.

Examples of some gods and goddesses names

1. Amun “The Creator God”
2. Ra (Atum) “God of Sun”
3. Osiris, “God of Justice”
4. Isis, “Goddess of Motherhood”
5. Hathor, “Goddess of Drunkenness”
6. Ma’at “Goddess of Balance”
7. Horus, “God of Sky”
8. Anubis, “God of Death”
9. Set “God of Deception”
10. Nephthys, “Goddess of Funerals”
11. Nut “Goddess of Earth”
12. Shu “God of Air”
13. Tefnut, “Goddess of Moisture”
14. Bastet, “Goddess of Beauty”
15. Thoth “God of Intellect”
16. Ptah “God of Memphis”
17. Khonsu, “God of Lunar”

Egyptian queen names

In the vibrant history of ancient Egypt, the queens played significant and influential roles, casting a brilliant light on the annals of time through their influence, power, and lasting legacies. From the renowned rule of Cleopatra to the mysterious personas of Nefertiti and Hatshepsut, the queens of Egypt continue to captivate our imagination, leaving an indelible mark on the pages of history.

Here are some examples of Ancient Egyptian Names of Queens

Queen Nefertiti

Queen Nefertiti, known as “the arrival of the beautiful one,” is a prominent figure from ancient Egypt. She resided alongside her spouse, Pharaoh Akhenaten, in the 14th century BC in the New Kingdom. Nefertiti’s influence on culture and her celebrated beauty have left a lasting and enigmatic legacy.

Queen Sobekneferu

Queen Sobekneferu, also known as Sobekkare, was an important ruler in ancient Egypt’s Middle Kingdom period. She became pharaoh after her brother, Amenemhat IV, died. Her reign lasted around four years, from about 1806 to 1802 BC. Queen Sobekneferu made significant contributions to Egyptian history despite ruling for a short time.

Queen Neithhotep

Queen Neithhotep is considered one of the earliest known queens of ancient Egypt, dating back to the Early Dynastic Period, around 3100 BC. Although much of her life remained shrouded in mystery due to the limited historical records from that time, Neithhotep’s significance lied in her role as a powerful queen consort and possibly even a regent or ruler in her own right.

Queen Cleopatra

Queen Cleopatra, born in 69 BC, was known for her intelligence, beauty, and political skills. She ruled Egypt as the last pharaoh of the Ptolemaic Dynasty, marked by intrigue, romance, and strategic alliances.

Queen Hatshepsut

Queen Hatshepsut was an extraordinary ruler of ancient Egypt. She became pharaoh, a role usually held by men, during the 18th Dynasty. Born around 1508 BC, she reigned for over two decades.

pyramids Names – Ancient Egyptian Names

• The Great Pyramid of Giza (The Pyramid of Khufu)
• Pyramid of Khafre
• Pyramid of Menkaure
• Pyramid of Djoser (The step pyramid)
• Bent Pyramid
• Pyramid of Userkaf
• Pyramid of Pepi I
• Pyramid of Pepi II
• Pyramid of Teti
• Pyramid of Ahmose

Earth god names

Geb was an Egyptian god of the Earth and a mythological member of the Ennead of Heliopolis. He was also seen as a father of snakes. In ancient Egypt, people believed that Geb’s laughter caused earthquakes and that he made crops grow.

Aker (also known as Akeru) was the ancient Egyptian deity known as the guardian of the Earth and the horizon. It was believed that this deity protected the boundaries of the netherworld, particularly the eastern and western borders.

Tatenen was a very important god in ancient Egyptian religion. His name means “risen land” or “exalted earth.” Tatenen was a god of creation and was closely linked with the Earth.

Deity names

According to Egyptian belief, names reflect the essential nature of what they represent. Consistent with this belief, the names of gods often correspond to their functions or origins.

For example, the name of the goddess Sekhmet, associated with power, means “powerful one,” the name of the enigmatic god Amun carries the meaning of “hidden one,” and the name of Nekhbet, revered in the city of Nekheb, translates to “she of Nekheb.” Many other names lack a definite meaning, even when the deities they refer to are strongly associated with a particular role. For instance, The sky goddess Nut and the Earth god Geb are not directly named after the Egyptian words “sky” and “earth.”

The gods were believed to have many names, including secret names that revealed their true natures more profoundly. To know a deity’s true name was to have power over it. In a myth, Isis poisons the god Ra and demands his secret name in exchange for a cure. Upon learning the name, she imparts it to her son, Horus, granting them greater knowledge and power.

 

Male names of Egyptian gods

The Nine Gods of Egypt.

The nine Ennead gods of Egypt are Atum, Shu, Tefnut, Geb, Nut, Osiris, Isis, Seth, and Nephthys. They are part of the family of Atum, who is the god of the sun. These gods are related to each other as children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of the sun god.

Ancient Egyptian Mummy names 

Inscriptions and historical records have allowed us to identify numerous mummies, offering a valuable look into their fascinating history.

• Ahmose

Ahmose expelled the Hyksos from Egypt, and he founded the 18th Dynasty.

• Thutmose III

In 1881, an incredible discovery was made high above the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut—The great discovery: Thutmose III’s mummy was found in the Deir el-Bahri Cache!

• Hatshepsut

The mummy attributed to Queen Hatshepsut was not discovered in a recently unearthed tomb. It was found over a century ago in the tomb of another individual. The mummy, an obese woman, was found lying on the floor with one arm placed across her chest, a position typically reserved for royalty.

• Tutankhamun

The most famous tomb was discovered in the Valley of Kings in Luxor, Egypt. in 1925.

 

Warrior goddess names

In the ancient world, most of the fighting was done by men, but there were occasions when women made their mark in military activities. Similarly, while most war gods were male, there were also war goddesses, some of whom fulfilled roles as love and fertility goddesses.

There were several goddesses associated with warrior aspects; here are the most prominent figures: the most.

Sakhmet was known for her fierce and powerful nature. She was represented as a woman with a lion’s head.

In ancient mythology, Athena, also known as Minerva in Latin, was revered as the goddess of wisdom, war strategy, and arts and crafts. She is often depicted bearing a shield featuring the gorgon Medusa, known as the Aegis, a gift from her father, Zeus. Described as an armed warrior goddess, Athena is prominently featured in Greek mythology as an ally to numerous heroic figures, including Heracles, Jason, and Odysseus.

War gods’ names

Some of Ancient Egyptian Names for War Gods

Montu was an ancient Egyptian god of war who represented the conquering strength of the pharaoh.

Anhur was a patron of hunters and soldiers.

Seth is a god of deserts, storms, disorder, violence, and foreigners in ancient Egyptian religion.

Horus (The Falcon God) was associated with war, sky, and protection.