Origin and Meaning of Ebenezer

Stone of Help

Origin: Hebrew - The name comes from the Hebrew phrase 'ebhen ezer', which literally translates to 'stone of help'. It appears in the Bible in 1 Samuel 7:12 where Samuel set up a stone to commemorate God's assistance in battle.

• Ebenezer is often associated with the biblical account where the Prophet Samuel erected a stone as a reminder of God's help in defeating the Philistines.
• The name gained significant popularity during the 19th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, partly due to its biblical origins.
• Ebenezer is famously associated with Ebenezer Scrooge, the main character in Charles Dickens' novella 'A Christmas Carol,' representing a character who undergoes significant transformation.
• Although less common in contemporary times, Ebenezer experienced peaks in popularity throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries; it has become a somewhat vintage name.
• Variations of Ebenezer include Eban and Eby, and it has inspired numerous cultural references beyond Dickens, often used in literature and film as a symbol of redemption.