Osnat
OS-NAHT
Osnat is the Hebrew form of Asenath, a name from both Hebrew and ancient Egyptian origins. In the Torah and Old Testament, Osnat was the Egyptian wife given to Joseph by Pharaoh, and she became the mother of Ephraim and Manasseh, two of the twelve tribes of Israel. The name may derive from an Egyptian root meaning belonging to the goddess Neith, though Jewish tradition has interpreted it as meaning belonging to God or one who is devoted. It is a name of remarkable historical depth, bridging the cultures of ancient Egypt and ancient Israel.
At a glance
A rare and distinguished Hebrew biblical name with ancient Egyptian roots, borne by the wife of Joseph in the Torah, quietly used in Israel today.
Etymology & History
Osnat is the Hebrew rendering of the Egyptian name Asenath, which appears in Genesis as the name of Joseph's wife. Scholars debate the Egyptian etymology: one widely cited interpretation derives it from the Egyptian ns-Nt, meaning she belongs to Neith, referring to the Egyptian goddess of war and weaving. Hebrew tradition later reinterpreted the name as connected to the roots for belonging to God or a treasury or storehouse. The name passed into Hebrew scriptural tradition through the Joseph narratives and has been used by Jewish communities ever since, particularly in Israel where the biblical form Osnat is preferred over the anglicised Asenath.
Cultural Significance
In Jewish tradition, Osnat holds a quietly significant role as the matriarch who, as wife of Joseph and mother of Ephraim and Manasseh, helped forge the connection between the Israelite and Egyptian worlds. The Midrash elaborates extensively on her story, in some traditions depicting her as the daughter of Dinah. In modern Israel, Osnat is used as a given name that honours biblical heritage while remaining distinctive and elegant. It is rarely used in the diaspora outside of observant Jewish communities, but in Israel it maintains steady, quiet usage among families who value deep scriptural roots.
Famous people named Osnat
Osnat (Asenath) in the Torah
Biblical figure, wife of Joseph and daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, who became the mother of Ephraim and Manasseh.
Osnat Beit-Hallahmi
Israeli actress known for her work in Israeli theatre and television.
Frequently Asked Questions
Names like Osnat
Einat
“Spring of water”
Einat comes from the Hebrew word 'ein', meaning a spring or natural source of water, with a feminine suffix. In the arid landscape of the ancient Near East, a spring of fresh water was of profound importance, representing life, sustenance, and divine blessing. The name evokes freshness, vitality, and natural abundance, and carries the gentle, life-giving quality of a spring that flows without ceasing.
Naomi
“Pleasantness”
Naomi derives from the Hebrew word 'na'omi,' meaning 'my pleasantness,' 'my delight,' or 'my sweetness.' It is a name that radiates warmth and gentle joy, expressing the happiness a child brings into the lives of those around them.
Sigalit
“Violet flower”
Sigalit comes from the Hebrew word 'sigal' or 'sigalit', meaning violet, the small purple wildflower that blooms across the Israeli landscape each spring. It is a distinctly Israeli botanical name, popular in Israel during the mid-twentieth century. The violet symbolises modesty and delicate beauty, making Sigalit a name rich in natural imagery.
Tamar
“Date palm”
Tamar is a Hebrew name meaning 'date palm,' a tree revered in ancient cultures for its beauty, resilience, and fruitfulness. The name appears multiple times in the Hebrew Bible, carried by women of remarkable strength and significance.
Where you'll find Osnat
Osnat shows up in these curated collections across Namekin.