Belšazar: a male name of Akkadian origin meaning "This name derives from the Akkadian “Bēl-šarra-uṣur” (Hebrew: Bêlsha’tstsar; Arabic: Blsẖạṣr), meaning “god, the Lord protects the king, bel protect the king".It derives from the Akkadian word "Bēl-šarra-uṣur > bêlsha'tstsar".
Belšazar has maintained its appeal as a masculine name in modern times while preserving its Akkadian roots. Today, parents are drawn to its meaningful essence of "This name derives from the Akkadian “Bēl-šarra-uṣur” (Hebrew: Bêlsha’tstsar; Arabic: Blsẖạṣr), meaning “god, the Lord protects the king, bel protect the king" and its cultural richness. This name bridges traditional heritage with contemporary naming trends.
Quick Facts About Belšazar
Quick facts about Belšazar
Origin
Akkadian
Gender
Boy name
Popularity
Uncommon
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 Akkadian “Bēl-šarra-uṣur” (Hebrew: Bêlsha’tstsar; Arabic: Blsẖạṣr), meaning “god, the Lord protects the king, bel protect the king.” Belshazzar was a 6th century BC prince of Babylon, the son of Nabonidus and the last king of Babylon according to the Book of Daniel in the Hebrew Bible. In Daniel 5 and 8, Belshazzar is the King of Babylon before the advent of the Medes and Persians. The Midrash literature enters into the details of Belshazzar’s death. Thus the later tradition states that Cyrus and Darius were employed as doorkeepers of the royal palace. Belshazzar’s Feast is a painting by Rembrandt van Rijn created around 1635.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
Bēl-šarra-uṣur > bêlsha'tstsar
How to Pronounce Belšazar
Belšazar is pronounced /bɛlˈʃɑː.zɑːr/
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Belšaz-ar
Say it like: "BELŠAZ-AR"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
Usage & Popularity
Belšazar is predominantly used in croatian speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.
croatian
Frequently Asked Questions About Belšazar
What does the name Belšazar mean?
Belšazar means "This name derives from the Akkadian “Bēl-šarra-uṣur” (Hebrew: Bêlsha’tstsar; Arabic: Blsẖạṣr), meaning “god, the Lord protects the king, bel protect the king.” Belshazzar was a 6th century BC prince of Babylon, the son of Nabonidus and the last king of Babylon according to the Book of Daniel in the Hebrew Bible. In Daniel 5 and 8, Belshazzar is the King of Babylon before the advent of the Medes and Persians. The Midrash literature enters into the details of Belshazzar’s death. Thus the later tradition states that Cyrus and Darius were employed as doorkeepers of the royal palace. Belshazzar’s Feast is a painting by Rembrandt van Rijn created around 1635.". The name comes from Bēl-šarra-uṣur > bêlsha'tstsar. In its original form, the name derives from bêlsha'tstsar (בֵּלְשַׁאצַּר) blsẖạṣr (بلشاصر). This akkadian name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Belšazar for boys often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Akkadian “Bēl-šarra-uṣur” (Hebrew: Bêlsha’tstsar; Arabic: Blsẖạṣr), meaning “god, the Lord protects the king, bel protect the king.” Belshazzar was a 6th century BC prince of Babylon, the son of Nabonidus and the last king of Babylon according to the Book of Daniel in the Hebrew Bible. In Daniel 5 and 8, Belshazzar is the King of Babylon before the advent of the Medes and Persians. The Midrash literature enters into the details of Belshazzar’s death. Thus the later tradition states that Cyrus and Darius were employed as doorkeepers of the royal palace. Belshazzar’s Feast is a painting by Rembrandt van Rijn created around 1635." as a quality they hope to see in their child. Belšazar offers a distinctive option for parents who want a name with clear meaning that stands apart from more common choices. The name is associated with qualities like BIBLICAL, reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Belšazar?
Belšazar is a akkadian name. The name traces back to Bēl-šarra-uṣur > bêlsha'tstsar. The original form bêlsha'tstsar (בֵּלְשַׁאצַּר) blsẖạṣr (بلشاصر) shows the name's roots in its native language. The name remains closely tied to croatian naming traditions while occasionally appearing in other cultures. The akkadian meaning "This name derives from the Akkadian “Bēl-šarra-uṣur” (Hebrew: Bêlsha’tstsar; Arabic: Blsẖạṣr), meaning “god, the Lord protects the king, bel protect the king.” Belshazzar was a 6th century BC prince of Babylon, the son of Nabonidus and the last king of Babylon according to the Book of Daniel in the Hebrew Bible. In Daniel 5 and 8, Belshazzar is the King of Babylon before the advent of the Medes and Persians. The Midrash literature enters into the details of Belshazzar’s death. Thus the later tradition states that Cyrus and Darius were employed as doorkeepers of the royal palace. Belshazzar’s Feast is a painting by Rembrandt van Rijn created around 1635." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Belšazar a boy or girl name?
Belšazar is a boy's name. The name has been used for boys across many generations, maintaining its masculine character through different eras and cultures. In akkadian tradition, Belšazar has historically been given to boys. The meaning "This name derives from the Akkadian “Bēl-šarra-uṣur” (Hebrew: Bêlsha’tstsar; Arabic: Blsẖạṣr), meaning “god, the Lord protects the king, bel protect the king.” Belshazzar was a 6th century BC prince of Babylon, the son of Nabonidus and the last king of Babylon according to the Book of Daniel in the Hebrew Bible. In Daniel 5 and 8, Belshazzar is the King of Babylon before the advent of the Medes and Persians. The Midrash literature enters into the details of Belshazzar’s death. Thus the later tradition states that Cyrus and Darius were employed as doorkeepers of the royal palace. Belshazzar’s Feast is a painting by Rembrandt van Rijn created around 1635." carries well for a son, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Belšazar?
Belšazar is pronounced "/bɛlˈʃɑː.zɑːr/". This pronunciation follows ak language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Belšazar is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with akkadian names, listening to a native speaker say Belšazar can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root Bēl-šarra-uṣur > bêlsha'tstsar influences how Belšazar sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Belšazar?
Belšazar is less common but not rare. As a less common choice, Belšazar gives a child a name that stands out. Most people will encounter it rarely, making it memorable when they do. Belšazar's popularity may vary between akkadian communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Akkadian “Bēl-šarra-uṣur” (Hebrew: Bêlsha’tstsar; Arabic: Blsẖạṣr), meaning “god, the Lord protects the king, bel protect the king.” Belshazzar was a 6th century BC prince of Babylon, the son of Nabonidus and the last king of Babylon according to the Book of Daniel in the Hebrew Bible. In Daniel 5 and 8, Belshazzar is the King of Babylon before the advent of the Medes and Persians. The Midrash literature enters into the details of Belshazzar’s death. Thus the later tradition states that Cyrus and Darius were employed as doorkeepers of the royal palace. Belshazzar’s Feast is a painting by Rembrandt van Rijn created around 1635." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among boys' names, Belšazar holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Belšazar commonly used?
Belšazar is used primarily in croatian naming traditions. Though akkadian in origin, Belšazar found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "This name derives from the Akkadian “Bēl-šarra-uṣur” (Hebrew: Bêlsha’tstsar; Arabic: Blsẖạṣr), meaning “god, the Lord protects the king, bel protect the king.” Belshazzar was a 6th century BC prince of Babylon, the son of Nabonidus and the last king of Babylon according to the Book of Daniel in the Hebrew Bible. In Daniel 5 and 8, Belshazzar is the King of Babylon before the advent of the Medes and Persians. The Midrash literature enters into the details of Belshazzar’s death. Thus the later tradition states that Cyrus and Darius were employed as doorkeepers of the royal palace. Belshazzar’s Feast is a painting by Rembrandt van Rijn created around 1635." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Belšazar into their naming traditions. A child named Belšazar 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, Belšazar is given to boys, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Belšazar?
Belšazar carries associations with BIBLICAL. 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 Akkadian “Bēl-šarra-uṣur” (Hebrew: Bêlsha’tstsar; Arabic: Blsẖạṣr), meaning “god, the Lord protects the king, bel protect the king.” Belshazzar was a 6th century BC prince of Babylon, the son of Nabonidus and the last king of Babylon according to the Book of Daniel in the Hebrew Bible. In Daniel 5 and 8, Belshazzar is the King of Babylon before the advent of the Medes and Persians. The Midrash literature enters into the details of Belshazzar’s death. Thus the later tradition states that Cyrus and Darius were employed as doorkeepers of the royal palace. Belshazzar’s Feast is a painting by Rembrandt van Rijn created around 1635." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In akkadian culture, where Belšazar 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 Belšazar sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Belšazar often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In croatian 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.