Hebe

Hebe is a name with multiple notable uses in mythology, botany, and astronomy.

In ancient Greek religion, Hebe is the goddess of youth and the cupbearer to the Olympian gods. She is the daughter of Zeus and Hera and is often depicted as a young maiden holding a pitcher or cup. In Roman tradition she is identified with Juventas.

Hebe is a genus of evergreen shrubs in the family Plantaginaceae, native to New Zealand and nearby regions. The genus was formerly placed in Scrophulariaceae. Plants have opposite leaves and dense flower spikes, with colors ranging from white to purple. They are popular as ornamentals in gardens with well-drained soil and partial sun. There are many cultivars, such as Hebe 'Emerald Gem' and Hebe 'Great Orme'.

6 Hebe is a large asteroid in the main belt. Discovered in 1847 by Karl Ludwig Hencke, it is named after the Greek goddess Hebe and is among the larger bodies of the early asteroid discoveries.

As a given name, Hebe is used in various cultures and may carry associations with youth due to the goddess’s role.