Jill Duggar Dillard and husband Derick Dillard didn’t follow in her 19 Kids and Counting family’s “J” baby name footsteps. Her first son, who was born last night, was given the name Israel David!
Israel is a place name, of course, but before it became the name of the Middle Eastern country, it was a common boys’ name that means “he who struggles with God.” In the Old Testament, God gave Jacob that name after he tangled with an angel. It’s been in the top 500 baby names in the U.S. since the 1960s.
David is a timeless pick, and given the family’s devout religious faith, it’s not too surprising that it’s another Biblical name. David means beloved, and has been in the top 50 for the past century and a half. There are numerous namesakes, including the Old Testament king, rock legend David Bowie, and the protagonist of Charles’ Dickens’ classic David Copperfield, just to mention a few.
All in all, Israel David is a name that speaks to their family’s strong religious traditions, and gives them plenty of room to pick lots of other “I” names, if they choose to follow the family tradition of giving all of their kids the same first initial. (I’m loving the idea of Israel coupled with Isadora and Ignatius!)
Tell us: What do you think of the name Israel David? Are either of those picks on your short list?
If you’re looking for the perfect baby name, check out our Baby Name Finder, or email me at lamilbrand@gmail.com for advice. (You could find your question answered here!) And don’t forget to like In Name Only on Facebook to keep up with the very latest in baby names!
Image: Derick and Jill Dillard/Facebook