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Meaning, origin and etymology of the name Irad


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Irad Irad

Irad is the son of Enoch, son of Cain.

The meaning of the name Irad is disputed since there is no such word in the Hebrew language. It may be a combination (or rather a contraction) of two words.

Jones derives Irad from two words: ir (ir 1615) meaning city, as a permanent settlement without reference to size or claims. And ud (ud 1576) meaning return, repeat; derivatives: continuance, witness, testimony, bear witness. So doing Jones concludes that Irad means City Of Witness.

NOBSE thinks differently and goes with an unused root ir ('yr 1616), which means according to cognates (says BDB) to go away, escape through sprightliness. Derivative ir (ayir 1616a) means male donkey. (The male donkey was apparently known as a runner-offer.) So doing NOBSE concludes that Irad means Fugitive, but fails to explain the letter daleth upon which the name ends.

Other words of interest are yarad (yarad 909), go down, descend, decline. And ir ('ir 1587a), excitement.

The name Irad may mean City Of Witness, Fugitive On A Rebound, Declining Escapee, and even Jolly Decline.



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