Othni
Meaning and Origin
The name Othni is derived from the Hebrew root `'otn` (עוֹתְנִי), which carries the meaning 'lion of Jehovah'. This rich and evocative name combines the imagery of a lion, a symbol of strength and courage, with divine association, emphasizing its bearer as someone connected to God's power and majesty. In ancient Hebrew culture, names often reflected a person's identity or purpose, and names invoking Jehovah were particularly significant, signifying a deep relationship with God.
Name Othni in languages of the Bible
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Popularity Analysis
The name Othni has a relatively modest global presence but is found in 59 countries, with notable popularity in Tunisia, Macao, and Jordan. Its usage today often reflects a desire to honor biblical tradition or to choose a name with strong spiritual connotations. In regions with a significant Christian or Jewish population, names like Othni are sometimes revived as part of a broader trend of reclaiming ancient Hebrew names.
| Country | Variant | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Tunisia | Ouni | 703 |
| Macao | Uni | 1070 |
| Jordan | Uni | 3033 |
| Indonesia | Uni | 3426 |
| Congo, The Democratic Republic of the | Uni | 3968 |
| Malaysia | Uni | 4469 |
| Hong Kong | Uni | 4843 |
| Puerto Rico | Othni | 5135 |
| Denmark | Uni | 6290 |
| Myanmar | Uni | 6292 |
| Uganda | Ouni | 6448 |
| Algeria | Uni | 10589 |
| Honduras | Otni | 10830 |
| Japan | Otoni | 11137 |
| Bahrain | Uni | 11679 |
Showing top 15 of 59 records
Biblical and Cultural Significance
In the Bible, Othni is specifically mentioned as the son of Shemaiah, a Levite, and a gatekeeper during King David's reign (1 Chronicles 26:7). His role as a gatekeeper for the tabernacle highlights his close proximity to sacred spaces and duties, underscoring his spiritual significance. The Divine Proximity Index of 70.3/100 aligns with this, indicating a strong, though not central, association with God in scripture. This role would have involved safeguarding the holy places, a task requiring both physical and spiritual vigilance.
Biblical Context
The lone scriptural reference to Othni appears in 1 Chronicles 26:7, where he is listed among the sons of Shemaiah, all of whom served as gatekeepers for the house of the Lord. This passage underscores the importance of the Levite lineage in maintaining the sanctity of the tabernacle during King David's reign. Gatekeepers were not merely guards but were entrusted with the spiritual oversight of the temple's entrances, ensuring that only those who were ceremonially clean could enter.
Divine Proximity Metrics
Biblical References
- 1 Chronicles 26:7