Pascha: a female name of Hebrew origin meaning "This name derives from the Latin “Paschalis or Pashalis” which means “passage, relating to Easter,” from the Latin “pascha -ālis,” from the Ancient Greek “páskha (πάσχα),” from the Aramaic “pasḥā,” which in turn derives from the Hebrew “pésakh,” which means “to be born on, or to be associated with, Passover day".It derives from the Hebrew word "pésakh > pasḥā > páskha� > pascha -ālis > paschalis".
In Hebrew tradition, Pascha holds special significance as a feminine name representing This name derives from the Latin “Paschalis or Pashalis” which means “passage, relating to Easter,” from the Latin “pascha -ālis,” from the Ancient Greek “páskha (πάσχα),” from the Aramaic “pasḥā,” which in turn derives from the Hebrew “pésakh,” which means “to be born on, or to be associated with, Passover day. 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 Pascha
Quick facts about Pascha
Origin
Hebrew
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 Latin “Paschalis or Pashalis” which means “passage, relating to Easter,” from the Latin “pascha -ālis,” from the Ancient Greek “páskha (πάσχα),” from the Aramaic “pasḥā,” which in turn derives from the Hebrew “pésakh,” which means “to be born on, or to be associated with, Passover day.” Since the Hebrew holiday Passover coincides closely with the later Christian holiday of Easter, the Latin word came to be used for both occasions. 1) Mysterii Paschalis is the incipit of an apostolic letter issued “motu proprio” by Pope Paul VI on 14 February 1969. It reorganized the liturgical year of the Roman Rite and revised the liturgical celebrations of Jesus Christ and the saints in the General Roman Calendar. 2) Pope Saint Paschal I (Latin: Paschalis I; †824) was Pope from 25 January 817 to his death in 824. His mother was the renowned religious, the Lady Theodora.
Pascha is predominantly used in middle french speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.
middle french
Name Relationships
Pascha is a variant form of Pasca, Pascale, developed through regional pronunciation differences and linguistic evolution. This variation preserves the essential meaning while offering a unique sound.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pascha
What does the name Pascha mean?
Pascha means "This name derives from the Latin “Paschalis or Pashalis” which means “passage, relating to Easter,” from the Latin “pascha -ālis,” from the Ancient Greek “páskha (πάσχα),” from the Aramaic “pasḥā,” which in turn derives from the Hebrew “pésakh,” which means “to be born on, or to be associated with, Passover day.” Since the Hebrew holiday Passover coincides closely with the later Christian holiday of Easter, the Latin word came to be used for both occasions. 1) Mysterii Paschalis is the incipit of an apostolic letter issued “motu proprio” by Pope Paul VI on 14 February 1969. It reorganized the liturgical year of the Roman Rite and revised the liturgical celebrations of Jesus Christ and the saints in the General Roman Calendar. 2) Pope Saint Paschal I (Latin: Paschalis I; †824) was Pope from 25 January 817 to his death in 824. His mother was the renowned religious, the Lady Theodora.". The name comes from pésakh > pasḥā > páskha� > pascha -ālis > paschalis. In its original form, the name derives from páskha (πάσχα)� pésakh (פסח) pasḥā (פסחא). This hebrew name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Pascha for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Latin “Paschalis or Pashalis” which means “passage, relating to Easter,” from the Latin “pascha -ālis,” from the Ancient Greek “páskha (πάσχα),” from the Aramaic “pasḥā,” which in turn derives from the Hebrew “pésakh,” which means “to be born on, or to be associated with, Passover day.” Since the Hebrew holiday Passover coincides closely with the later Christian holiday of Easter, the Latin word came to be used for both occasions. 1) Mysterii Paschalis is the incipit of an apostolic letter issued “motu proprio” by Pope Paul VI on 14 February 1969. It reorganized the liturgical year of the Roman Rite and revised the liturgical celebrations of Jesus Christ and the saints in the General Roman Calendar. 2) Pope Saint Paschal I (Latin: Paschalis I; †824) was Pope from 25 January 817 to his death in 824. His mother was the renowned religious, the Lady Theodora." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Pascha's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance. The name is associated with qualities like RELIGION (POPES), reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Pascha?
Pascha is a hebrew name. The name traces back to pésakh > pasḥā > páskha� > pascha -ālis > paschalis. The original form páskha (πάσχα)� pésakh (פסח) pasḥā (פסחא) shows the name's roots in its native language. The name remains closely tied to middle french naming traditions while occasionally appearing in other cultures. The hebrew meaning "This name derives from the Latin “Paschalis or Pashalis” which means “passage, relating to Easter,” from the Latin “pascha -ālis,” from the Ancient Greek “páskha (πάσχα),” from the Aramaic “pasḥā,” which in turn derives from the Hebrew “pésakh,” which means “to be born on, or to be associated with, Passover day.” Since the Hebrew holiday Passover coincides closely with the later Christian holiday of Easter, the Latin word came to be used for both occasions. 1) Mysterii Paschalis is the incipit of an apostolic letter issued “motu proprio” by Pope Paul VI on 14 February 1969. It reorganized the liturgical year of the Roman Rite and revised the liturgical celebrations of Jesus Christ and the saints in the General Roman Calendar. 2) Pope Saint Paschal I (Latin: Paschalis I; †824) was Pope from 25 January 817 to his death in 824. His mother was the renowned religious, the Lady Theodora." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared. Pascha developed as a form of Pasca, Pascale, adapting over time while keeping its connection to the original name.
Is Pascha a boy or girl name?
Pascha 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, Pascha has historically been given to girls. The meaning "This name derives from the Latin “Paschalis or Pashalis” which means “passage, relating to Easter,” from the Latin “pascha -ālis,” from the Ancient Greek “páskha (πάσχα),” from the Aramaic “pasḥā,” which in turn derives from the Hebrew “pésakh,” which means “to be born on, or to be associated with, Passover day.” Since the Hebrew holiday Passover coincides closely with the later Christian holiday of Easter, the Latin word came to be used for both occasions. 1) Mysterii Paschalis is the incipit of an apostolic letter issued “motu proprio” by Pope Paul VI on 14 February 1969. It reorganized the liturgical year of the Roman Rite and revised the liturgical celebrations of Jesus Christ and the saints in the General Roman Calendar. 2) Pope Saint Paschal I (Latin: Paschalis I; †824) was Pope from 25 January 817 to his death in 824. His mother was the renowned religious, the Lady Theodora." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Pascha?
Pascha is pronounced "/ˈpæʃə/". This pronunciation follows he language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Pascha is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with hebrew names, listening to a native speaker say Pascha can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root pésakh > pasḥā > páskha� > pascha -ālis > paschalis influences how Pascha sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Pascha?
Pascha is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Pascha offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Pascha'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 Latin “Paschalis or Pashalis” which means “passage, relating to Easter,” from the Latin “pascha -ālis,” from the Ancient Greek “páskha (πάσχα),” from the Aramaic “pasḥā,” which in turn derives from the Hebrew “pésakh,” which means “to be born on, or to be associated with, Passover day.” Since the Hebrew holiday Passover coincides closely with the later Christian holiday of Easter, the Latin word came to be used for both occasions. 1) Mysterii Paschalis is the incipit of an apostolic letter issued “motu proprio” by Pope Paul VI on 14 February 1969. It reorganized the liturgical year of the Roman Rite and revised the liturgical celebrations of Jesus Christ and the saints in the General Roman Calendar. 2) Pope Saint Paschal I (Latin: Paschalis I; †824) was Pope from 25 January 817 to his death in 824. His mother was the renowned religious, the Lady Theodora." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Pascha holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
What are variations of the name Pascha?
Pascha is a form of Pasca, Pascale. Over time, Pasca, Pascale developed into several variations, with Pascha emerging as a distinct form used in certain regions or languages. In hebrew tradition, these variations allow the core name to work across different contexts while maintaining its character. All variations preserve the meaning "This name derives from the Latin “Paschalis or Pashalis” which means “passage, relating to Easter,” from the Latin “pascha -ālis,” from the Ancient Greek “páskha (πάσχα),” from the Aramaic “pasḥā,” which in turn derives from the Hebrew “pésakh,” which means “to be born on, or to be associated with, Passover day.” Since the Hebrew holiday Passover coincides closely with the later Christian holiday of Easter, the Latin word came to be used for both occasions. 1) Mysterii Paschalis is the incipit of an apostolic letter issued “motu proprio” by Pope Paul VI on 14 February 1969. It reorganized the liturgical year of the Roman Rite and revised the liturgical celebrations of Jesus Christ and the saints in the General Roman Calendar. 2) Pope Saint Paschal I (Latin: Paschalis I; †824) was Pope from 25 January 817 to his death in 824. His mother was the renowned religious, the Lady Theodora.", so choosing between them comes down to sound preference and cultural fit rather than different meanings. Parents drawn to Pascha might also consider these related forms, especially if they want options for siblings or prefer a more traditional or modern feel. In middle french, Pascha may be more or less common than its variations, depending on local naming customs.
Where is the name Pascha commonly used?
Pascha is used primarily in middle french naming traditions. Though hebrew in origin, Pascha found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "This name derives from the Latin “Paschalis or Pashalis” which means “passage, relating to Easter,” from the Latin “pascha -ālis,” from the Ancient Greek “páskha (πάσχα),” from the Aramaic “pasḥā,” which in turn derives from the Hebrew “pésakh,” which means “to be born on, or to be associated with, Passover day.” Since the Hebrew holiday Passover coincides closely with the later Christian holiday of Easter, the Latin word came to be used for both occasions. 1) Mysterii Paschalis is the incipit of an apostolic letter issued “motu proprio” by Pope Paul VI on 14 February 1969. It reorganized the liturgical year of the Roman Rite and revised the liturgical celebrations of Jesus Christ and the saints in the General Roman Calendar. 2) Pope Saint Paschal I (Latin: Paschalis I; †824) was Pope from 25 January 817 to his death in 824. His mother was the renowned religious, the Lady Theodora." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Pascha into their naming traditions. A child named Pascha 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, Pascha is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Pascha?
Pascha carries associations with RELIGION (POPES). 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 Latin “Paschalis or Pashalis” which means “passage, relating to Easter,” from the Latin “pascha -ālis,” from the Ancient Greek “páskha (πάσχα),” from the Aramaic “pasḥā,” which in turn derives from the Hebrew “pésakh,” which means “to be born on, or to be associated with, Passover day.” Since the Hebrew holiday Passover coincides closely with the later Christian holiday of Easter, the Latin word came to be used for both occasions. 1) Mysterii Paschalis is the incipit of an apostolic letter issued “motu proprio” by Pope Paul VI on 14 February 1969. It reorganized the liturgical year of the Roman Rite and revised the liturgical celebrations of Jesus Christ and the saints in the General Roman Calendar. 2) Pope Saint Paschal I (Latin: Paschalis I; †824) was Pope from 25 January 817 to his death in 824. His mother was the renowned religious, the Lady Theodora." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In hebrew culture, where Pascha 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 Pascha sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Pascha often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In middle french 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.