Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • All Collections
      • Census & Voter Lists
      • Birth, Marriage & Death
      • Military
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2006-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Methuselah

      Origin

      Hebrew

      Meaning

      Man of the Dart or His Death Shall Bring

      Variations

      Mathusela, Gethsemane, Mathusalem
      The name Methuselah has its origins in Hebrew, where it is typically interpreted as meaning Man of the Dart or His death shall bring. The first interpretation is thought to reference the swiftness of a dart, while the second interpretation suggests a significant prophetic implication tied to his lifespan and the events surrounding it. Methuselah is noted for having lived 969 years, making him the longest-lived human figure recorded in biblical texts, and his name carries connotations of longevity and wisdom.

      In biblical history, Methuselah is mentioned in the Book of Genesis as the son of Enoch and the grandfather of Noah. His extraordinary lifespan has made him a point of interest not only in religious texts but also in various interpretations of ancient history and theology. Methuselah’s years coincide with a period leading up to the Great Flood, making his death a pivotal moment in biblical narrative, as it is often inferred that his passing heralded the onset of this great event. His legacy has influenced Jewish tradition and Christian theology, establishing him as a figure representing the intersection of human life and divine fate.

      In contemporary contexts, the name Methuselah is occasionally invoked to symbolize extreme longevity or an enduring legacy. It appears in various cultural references, including literature, film, and even scientific discussions regarding extended lifespans and aging. The term Methuselah has also been used in popular culture to refer to exceptionally old individuals, animals, or even objects, emphasizing the idea of lasting beyond typical expectations. The name continues to resonate, symbolizing not just a historical figure but also the aspirations and inquiries surrounding longevity in modern society.

      Based on our records...

      Phillips

      Phillips

      This is the most common surname associated with Methuselah.
      Mary

      Mary

      This is the most common name of those married to a Methuselah.
      Elizabeth

      Elizabeth

      This is the most common name for a child of a Methuselah.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1846 is when there were the most people born with the first name Methuselah.

      Explore the origins of another name.