Moïse

Meaning & Etymology

Drawn from the water, referring to the biblical story of Moses

Drawn from the water, referring to the biblical story of Moses

Etymology

Derived from the biblical name Moses, which comes from the Hebrew ‘Moshe’ (מֹשֶׁה), meaning ‘drawn out’.

Linguistic family: Niger-Congo > Atlantic-Congo > Volta-Congo > Benue-Congo > Bantoid > Bantu > Luba

Cultural context

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly among the Luba people, the name Moïse is a popular Christian name, reflecting the influence of biblical names due to missionary activity and widespread Christianity.

Symbolism

The name symbolises the idea of being chosen or called for a special purpose, drawing on the biblical narrative of Moses being selected by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.

Religious reference

Exodus 2:10 (Moses being drawn from the water)

Related names

• Musa (Arabic)
• Moussa (French)
• Mose (German)