Athalie

The name Athalie is derived from the ancient Greek name Ἀθαλία (Athalía), which itself is believed to be of Phoenician origin. The name is thought to have roots in the Phoenician phrase meaning "fire of Jehovah" or "the one burned by Jehovah."

Athalie was the name of a controversial queen of Judah who reigned from around 842 to 835 BC. She is mentioned in the biblical books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles as seizing the throne and attempting to wipe out the royal line of David. Her story is a notable one in religious texts.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Athalie is Athaliah herself, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel who became queen of Judah after her husband's death. She was eventually overthrown by supporters of the royal line.

In the 12th century, the French playwright Jean Racine wrote a tragedy called "Athalie" about the biblical queen. This helped popularize the name in French culture.

Notable people named Athalie throughout history include Athalie Henriette Amalie of Anhalt-Bernburg-Schaumburg-Hoym (1718-1799), a German princess. There was also Athalie Burr Robertson (1858-1954), an American educator and activist for women's suffrage.

Athalie Hunt Tanner (1856-1947) was an American author and clubwoman active in literary circles in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Athalie Marguerite Berengere Duchess of Parma (1899-1973) was a member of the French royal family who became Duchess of Parma through marriage.

Athalie Melita Hunter (1926-2008) was a Canadian politician who served in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1981 to 1987, representing the riding of Brant. She was one of the first female cabinet ministers in Ontario.