Jotham

Jotham is a masculine given name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew יֹותָם (Yōtham/Yotam), commonly interpreted as “Yahweh is upright” or “Yahweh establishes.” In biblical usage, the most prominent bearer is Jotham, king of Judah.

Jotham (Yotam) was the son of Uzziah (Azariah) and Jerusha, daughter of Zadok. He became king of Judah after his father’s death and reigned for sixteen years in Jerusalem, roughly in the mid-8th century BCE. The biblical books of 2 Chronicles 27 and 2 Kings 15 describe him as having done what was right in the eyes of the LORD. He is noted for strengthening Judah’s fortifications and supporting public works, including building projects and the maintenance of the temple precincts; he is described as prospering during his reign. The Chronicles also indicate that he did not remove the high places, a common pattern among some kings of the period. He died and was succeeded by his son Ahaz.

Beyond the biblical figure, Jotham is used as a given name in Jewish and Christian communities and occasionally in modern secular naming. Variants include Jotam and Ioatham in ancient Greek renditions.

The name Jotham appears primarily in religious texts and in genealogical and historical discussions related to the kingdom of Judah, and is occasionally encountered in contemporary personal naming.