IntroductionHuldah is a prophetess mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible, appearing in 2 Kings 22:14–20 and 2 Chronicles 34:22–28. The name derives from the Hebrew word ḥuldā, meaning not only "weasel" but also "mole." Despite its somewhat unusual animal meaning, Huldah is one of the few named prophetesses in the Hebrew Bible, alongside Miriam and Deborah.EtymologyThe Hebrew root ḥ-l-d gives rise to words related to burrowing animals. This meaning may have originally been descriptive (perhaps belittling) or might have been a totemic name from earlier Semitic traditions. The same root appears in the Modern Hebrew word for the mole-rat or mole—ḥulda—further emphasizing the connection to these small mammals.Biblical AccountAccording to the biblical narrative, during King Josiah's reign (c. 640–609 BCE), a “book of the Law” (likely an early version of Deuteronomy) was discovered in the Temple. Josiah, concerned about God's wrath, sent his officials including the high priest Hilkiah to consult a prophet. They approached Huldah, who was living in Jerusalem's Second District (Hebrew: ba-mišneh, often translated as “the college” or “the new quarter”). Huldah was the wife of Shallum son of Tokhath, who was a keeper of the priestly garments (wardrobe). Her utterance confirmed the fulfillment of the law's curses against an unfaithful Judah, but she also assured Josiah that he would be buried in peace due to his repentance.Cultural SignificanceRabbinic tradition highly esteems Huldah, placing her alongside Deborah as one of the two principal female prophets in the Nevi'im (the Prophets section of the Hebrew Bible). Her authoritative role—consulted directly by royals on matters of divine will—demonstrates that women could hold significant religious leadership in ancient Israel. Unlike many biblical figures, Huldah lived in the public sphere and is remembered for her wisdom. Other later traditions link her to various minor sites and wells, though these connections lack scriptural support.Notable BearersIn modern times, Hulda 2 (also spelled Hulda) has been used in Scandinavian, German, and English-speaking contexts—likely inspired by this biblical name, although its pagan origin appears in Norse mythology as a figure associated with fertility and the wild. Thus, the biblical Huldah remains the primary historical bearer.Distribution and Related FormsThe Biblical Hebrew form Chulda (a transcription preserving the Hebrew consonant ḥet) is the exact transliteration from the original language. Although Huldah is rare outside religious texts or academic discussions, it surfaces now and then within families seeking distinctive biblical women's names. Huldah never achieved the popularity of Deborah or Esther, in part due to its unusual English meaning.Key FactsMeaning: "weasel" or "mole" (Hebrew)Origin: Hebrew – Old TestamentType: Female prophetess and biblical figureUsage Regions: English Bible, Jewish communities, occasional modern revivalRelated Names: Hulda 2 (Scandinavian/Germanic), Chulda (Biblical Hebrew)