Isadora

Isadora is the feminine form of Isidore meaning “gift of Isis” from the Greek Ισιδωρος (Isidoros) in reference to the Egyptian goddess Isis. Isis itself is the Greek transliteration of the Egyptian “ȝs.t” which most etymologists believe to mean “(she who inhabits) the throne.” As the goddess of the life, rebirth, nature and magic among ancient Egyptians, Isis was commonly depicted wearing a headdress in the shape of a throne (hence her name). She was worshipped as the model wife and mother and she knew no class boundaries among her human subjects; she was revered by all levels of ancient Egyptian society including slaves and rulers, poor people and aristocrats, artisans, merchants and beggars. Her influence reached beyond the Egyptian borders, and Isis was worshipped by Greek and Roman societies, as well. See the name Isis for more information. As a masculine name, usage of Isidore was in large part inspired by an early 7th century saint, St. Isidore of Seville, often referred to as “the last scholar of the ancient world.”  St. Isidore made a massive contribution to medieval learning in his collection of writings contained in his encyclopedia Etymologiae – probably the most popular text books of the Middle Ages. Interestingly enough, in the 21st century, the Church made St. Isidore the patron saint of the Internet, programmers and computers. His name, like Isadora, is an example of a “theophoric” name (names derived from God, gods, goddesses) which was a popular naming style in Antiquity. Even after the prevailing establishment of Christianity and the Roman Church, these types of names connected to the old pagan gods and goddesses were still quite common.