Origin
Hebrew: מָשֶׁה (Māšeh), meaning 'drawn out', referring to the biblical story of Moses who was drawn out of the water. The name appears in the Old Testament, notably in the Book of Exodus. It has been adopted into various cultures and languages, including English-speaking countries, with its biblical roots well recognized in Christian and Jewish traditions.
Meaning
Literal meaning 'drawn out', symbolising rescue or salvation in biblical contexts. In Australian English, it carries connotations of leadership and resilience due to its biblical associations.
Pronunciation
/ˈmɑːseɪ/ (Australian English) — emphasis on the first syllable, with a long 'a' sound akin to 'maise'. First syllable stressed, second lightly unstressed.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Moses (original biblical form),
- Moshe (Hebrew variant),
- Moise (French, Spanish variants)
Nicknames
- Mase
- Seh
Name Days
- 20 March (feast of Saint Moses in the Catholic Church)
- 26 September (Feast of Saint Moses the Black in the Eastern Orthodox Church)
- No specific Australian culturally significant date, but these dates are recognised in religious calendars.
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with maseh:
- James and Maseh
- Luke and Maseh,
- Benjamin and Maseh
Fun Facts
- The name Moses (Maseh) is common among Australian Christian communities, often chosen for its biblical heritage.
- Some Australian Aboriginal communities have stories of characters with names similar to Moses, but 'Maseh' itself is not derived from Aboriginal languages.
- Maseh has been used in Australian literature and films to evoke a character of leadership and moral strength.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name maseh:
- Leadership
- Resilience
- Compassion
- Wisdom
Aesthetic Qualities
Classic and timeless, the name has an elegant biblical aesthetic. The spelling 'Maseh' offers a distinctive look compared to the more common 'Moses'. It pairs well with traditional and modern Australian first names.
Geographical Distribution
More common in regions with strong Christian or Jewish communities, notably in urban centres such as Sydney and Melbourne, especially within multicultural neighbourhoods.
Numerological Significance
Name number 7, associated with introspection, spirituality, and analytical thinking — traits valued in Australian cultural contexts for leadership roles.
Astrological Connections
No direct astrological significance, but the name's biblical roots could be associated with qualities of leadership and moral strength connected to Leo or Aries zodiac signs.
Historical Context
Maseh (Moses) is one of the most significant figures in religious history, especially in Australia’s Christian communities. The biblical Moses is also featured in Australian art and media, symbolising liberation and divine leadership.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name adapts well across languages, with variants in Hebrew, French, Spanish, and local adaptations in English-speaking countries. Its spelling and pronunciation remain relatively stable in Australia.
Famous People Named maseh
- Maseh Zayed (Australian entrepreneur)
- Maseh K and Maseh A (fictional characters in Australian literature)
- Moses (Biblical figure, widely recognised in Australian religious contexts)
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
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2016 | 1 |