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ArchivesRe: origin of the name Sabian
in reply to a message by Sabian
Sabian came from the Arabic Sabagha, Chaldean Saba'i, meaning 'dyers, baptists'. Seems a strange leap - dye to baptism - until you understand that the Greek baptismos meant 'tincture, dye, immersion' and it's the immersion aspect that connects the two. The term was used for the followers of John the Baptist, among others and was mentioned in the Quran 3 times. The root can be seen in the Arabic occupational surname al-Sabi as well as the given names Sabi and Saba.
There was also a Hebrew word Saba which meant 'army' if you would prefer a Judeo-Christian origin to the Arabic. This has been presented by some scholars as an origin of the term Sabian in connection with the religious followers. Though an unlikely etymology for the word it would make a perfectly acceptable alternative meaning & origin for the name as you used it.
As a mom of four I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. I hope this info helps in some small way.
Devon
There was also a Hebrew word Saba which meant 'army' if you would prefer a Judeo-Christian origin to the Arabic. This has been presented by some scholars as an origin of the term Sabian in connection with the religious followers. Though an unlikely etymology for the word it would make a perfectly acceptable alternative meaning & origin for the name as you used it.
As a mom of four I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. I hope this info helps in some small way.
Devon
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