Astarte: a female name of Hebrew origin meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek, Hebrew, and Akkadian (Babylonian) “(Astártē) (‘Ashtoret) (Ištar)".It derives from the Hebrew word (Astártē) ('Ashtoret) (Ištar).
In Hebrew tradition, Astarte holds special significance as a feminine name representing This name derives from the Ancient Greek, Hebrew, and Akkadian (Babylonian) “(Astártē) (‘Ashtoret) (Ištar). This name has been cherished across generations, carrying with it the wisdom and heritage of Hebrew culture. Its enduring popularity speaks to its universal resonance.
Quick Facts About Astarte
Quick facts about Astarte
Origin
Hebrew, Greek, Akkadian (Babylonian)
Gender
Girl name
Popularity
Moderately popular
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
This name derives from the Ancient Greek, Hebrew, and Akkadian (Babylonian) “(Astártē) (‘Ashtoret) (Ištar).” Astarte is the Greek name of a goddess known throughout the Eastern Mediterranean from the Bronze Age to Classical times. It is one of many names associated with the chief goddess or female divinity of those peoples. The Old Persian Stāra means “star,” more likely from the name of the Babylonian goddess of love, adopted as an English name in the 17th-century. The biblical Queen Esther is associated with the Hebrew word Ḥadaṣah “myrtle.” It has remained a popular name in some Jewish communities. According to the bible, she was a Jewish queen of the Persian king Ahasuerus. The name given in the Old Testament to the old Semitic mother-goddess called in Phenicia, Ashtarte; in Babylonia, Ishtar; and in Arabia, Athtar.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
(Astártē) ('Ashtoret) (Ištar)
How to Pronounce Astarte
Astarte is pronounced /æsˈtɑːr.teɪ/
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Ast-art-e
Say it like: "AST-ART-E"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Astarte enjoys international appeal, used in 7 different linguistic and cultural contexts including romanian, catalan, french, and many others. This widespread adoption reflects its universal resonance.
Astarte means "This name derives from the Ancient Greek, Hebrew, and Akkadian (Babylonian) “(Astártē) (‘Ashtoret) (Ištar).” Astarte is the Greek name of a goddess known throughout the Eastern Mediterranean from the Bronze Age to Classical times. It is one of many names associated with the chief goddess or female divinity of those peoples. The Old Persian Stāra means “star,” more likely from the name of the Babylonian goddess of love, adopted as an English name in the 17th-century. The biblical Queen Esther is associated with the Hebrew word Ḥadaṣah “myrtle.” It has remained a popular name in some Jewish communities. According to the bible, she was a Jewish queen of the Persian king Ahasuerus. The name given in the Old Testament to the old Semitic mother-goddess called in Phenicia, Ashtarte; in Babylonia, Ishtar; and in Arabia, Athtar.". The name comes from (Astártē) ('Ashtoret) (Ištar). In its original form, the name derives from Astártē (Ᾰ̓στᾰ́ρτη) 'Ashtoret (עשתרת). This hebrew name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Astarte for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek, Hebrew, and Akkadian (Babylonian) “(Astártē) (‘Ashtoret) (Ištar).” Astarte is the Greek name of a goddess known throughout the Eastern Mediterranean from the Bronze Age to Classical times. It is one of many names associated with the chief goddess or female divinity of those peoples. The Old Persian Stāra means “star,” more likely from the name of the Babylonian goddess of love, adopted as an English name in the 17th-century. The biblical Queen Esther is associated with the Hebrew word Ḥadaṣah “myrtle.” It has remained a popular name in some Jewish communities. According to the bible, she was a Jewish queen of the Persian king Ahasuerus. The name given in the Old Testament to the old Semitic mother-goddess called in Phenicia, Ashtarte; in Babylonia, Ishtar; and in Arabia, Athtar." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Astarte's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance. The name is associated with qualities like EGYPTIAN MYTHOLOGY / HITTITE-HURRIAN MYTHOLOGY, reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Astarte?
Astarte has hebrew and greek and akkadian (babylonian) origins. The name traces back to (Astártē) ('Ashtoret) (Ištar). The original form Astártē (Ᾰ̓στᾰ́ρτη) 'Ashtoret (עשתרת) shows the name's roots in its native language. From its hebrew roots, Astarte spread to become common in romanian, catalan, french, turkish and other cultures. The hebrew meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek, Hebrew, and Akkadian (Babylonian) “(Astártē) (‘Ashtoret) (Ištar).” Astarte is the Greek name of a goddess known throughout the Eastern Mediterranean from the Bronze Age to Classical times. It is one of many names associated with the chief goddess or female divinity of those peoples. The Old Persian Stāra means “star,” more likely from the name of the Babylonian goddess of love, adopted as an English name in the 17th-century. The biblical Queen Esther is associated with the Hebrew word Ḥadaṣah “myrtle.” It has remained a popular name in some Jewish communities. According to the bible, she was a Jewish queen of the Persian king Ahasuerus. The name given in the Old Testament to the old Semitic mother-goddess called in Phenicia, Ashtarte; in Babylonia, Ishtar; and in Arabia, Athtar." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Astarte a boy or girl name?
Astarte is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In hebrew tradition, Astarte has historically been given to girls. The meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek, Hebrew, and Akkadian (Babylonian) “(Astártē) (‘Ashtoret) (Ištar).” Astarte is the Greek name of a goddess known throughout the Eastern Mediterranean from the Bronze Age to Classical times. It is one of many names associated with the chief goddess or female divinity of those peoples. The Old Persian Stāra means “star,” more likely from the name of the Babylonian goddess of love, adopted as an English name in the 17th-century. The biblical Queen Esther is associated with the Hebrew word Ḥadaṣah “myrtle.” It has remained a popular name in some Jewish communities. According to the bible, she was a Jewish queen of the Persian king Ahasuerus. The name given in the Old Testament to the old Semitic mother-goddess called in Phenicia, Ashtarte; in Babylonia, Ishtar; and in Arabia, Athtar." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Astarte?
Astarte is pronounced "/æsˈtɑːr.teɪ/". This pronunciation follows ak language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Astarte is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in romanian, catalan, french, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with hebrew names, listening to a native speaker say Astarte can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root (Astártē) ('Ashtoret) (Ištar) influences how Astarte sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Astarte?
Astarte is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Astarte offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Astarte's popularity may vary between hebrew communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek, Hebrew, and Akkadian (Babylonian) “(Astártē) (‘Ashtoret) (Ištar).” Astarte is the Greek name of a goddess known throughout the Eastern Mediterranean from the Bronze Age to Classical times. It is one of many names associated with the chief goddess or female divinity of those peoples. The Old Persian Stāra means “star,” more likely from the name of the Babylonian goddess of love, adopted as an English name in the 17th-century. The biblical Queen Esther is associated with the Hebrew word Ḥadaṣah “myrtle.” It has remained a popular name in some Jewish communities. According to the bible, she was a Jewish queen of the Persian king Ahasuerus. The name given in the Old Testament to the old Semitic mother-goddess called in Phenicia, Ashtarte; in Babylonia, Ishtar; and in Arabia, Athtar." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Astarte holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Astarte commonly used?
Astarte spans multiple cultures, including romanian, catalan, french, and 4 other traditions. Though hebrew in origin, Astarte found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Astarte, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. The meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek, Hebrew, and Akkadian (Babylonian) “(Astártē) (‘Ashtoret) (Ištar).” Astarte is the Greek name of a goddess known throughout the Eastern Mediterranean from the Bronze Age to Classical times. It is one of many names associated with the chief goddess or female divinity of those peoples. The Old Persian Stāra means “star,” more likely from the name of the Babylonian goddess of love, adopted as an English name in the 17th-century. The biblical Queen Esther is associated with the Hebrew word Ḥadaṣah “myrtle.” It has remained a popular name in some Jewish communities. According to the bible, she was a Jewish queen of the Persian king Ahasuerus. The name given in the Old Testament to the old Semitic mother-goddess called in Phenicia, Ashtarte; in Babylonia, Ishtar; and in Arabia, Athtar." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Astarte into their naming traditions. A child named Astarte will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Astarte is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Astarte?
Astarte carries associations with EGYPTIAN MYTHOLOGY / HITTITE-HURRIAN MYTHOLOGY. These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek, Hebrew, and Akkadian (Babylonian) “(Astártē) (‘Ashtoret) (Ištar).” Astarte is the Greek name of a goddess known throughout the Eastern Mediterranean from the Bronze Age to Classical times. It is one of many names associated with the chief goddess or female divinity of those peoples. The Old Persian Stāra means “star,” more likely from the name of the Babylonian goddess of love, adopted as an English name in the 17th-century. The biblical Queen Esther is associated with the Hebrew word Ḥadaṣah “myrtle.” It has remained a popular name in some Jewish communities. According to the bible, she was a Jewish queen of the Persian king Ahasuerus. The name given in the Old Testament to the old Semitic mother-goddess called in Phenicia, Ashtarte; in Babylonia, Ishtar; and in Arabia, Athtar." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In hebrew culture, where Astarte originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Astarte sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Astarte often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In romanian communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.