Divinename

Divinename is a term used in religious studies to denote the proper name of a deity that is considered sacred, powerful, or ineffable within a tradition. It is more than a mere label; in many contexts the divine name embodies the deity’s presence and authority, and its utterance or writing may carry ritual or magical significance.

Usage and reverence around divinames vary widely. In some traditions, the divine name is recited or invoked in worship and prayer; in others, it is treated as dangerous to pronounce outside of highly restricted contexts. When utterance is restricted, practitioners often substitute with titles or epithets (such as “the Lord,” “the Most High,” or other honorifics) or with circumlocutions that convey reverence without direct pronunciation. Names may be transmitted through careful copying, memorization, or ritual protection to avoid profanation or loss of power.

Examples across traditions illustrate the range of approaches. In Judaism, the Tetragrammaton YHWH is traditionally considered ineffable and is read indirectly as Adonai or HaShem. In Islam, the name Allah is widely used and revered, with other divine names and attributes appearing in devotional contexts. Hinduism features a multitude of names for the divine, such as Krishna, Shiva, or Vishnu, each invoking different aspects of the ultimate reality. In ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian contexts, specific divine epithets and names functioned in cultic practice and temple rites.

Scholarly study of divinames combines philology, anthropology, and religious history to explore how sacred names arise, evolve, and shape ritual authority, memory, and identity across cultures.