Joachim

Codex St Peter perg 7 10v

Friesach - Dominikanerkirche - Hochaltar - Hl Joachim

Joachim is a given name that has its origins in the Hebrew name יְהוֹיָקִים (Yehoyaqim), which means "raised by Yahweh" or "established by Yahweh". Over the centuries, the name has been adopted in various forms across different cultures and languages, including English, French, German, Polish, and Portuguese, among others. This article explores the significance, variations, and notable individuals bearing the name Joachim.

Etymology

The name Joachim derives from the Hebrew name Yehoyaqim, which is composed of two elements: יְהוֹ (Yeho), a shortened form of יְהוָה (Yahweh, the name of the God in the Hebrew Bible), and יָקִים (yaqim), meaning "to establish" or "to raise". Thus, Joachim can be interpreted as "Yahweh has established" or "raised by Yahweh".

Variations

Joachim has several variations across different languages and cultures:

• Joaquim (Portuguese)
• Joachim (French, English, German)
• Jochim (Low German)
• Joakim (Scandinavian, Serbian)
• Gioacchino (Italian)
• Joaquín (Spanish)
• Yehoyakim (Biblical Hebrew)

Religious Significance

In Christianity, Joachim is revered as the father of the Virgin Mary, making him the grandfather of Jesus Christ. Although not mentioned in the canonical Bible, his story and that of his wife, Saint Anne, are recounted in the Gospel of James, an apocryphal text. Saint Joachim is honored in various Christian denominations, including the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Anglican Communion.

Notable People Named Joachim

Several notable individuals throughout history have borne the name Joachim, including:

• Joachim Gauck, a former President of Germany.
• Joachim von Ribbentrop, the Foreign Minister of Nazi Germany.
• Joachim Löw, a German football manager and former player.
• Joachim Murat, a Marshal of France and King of Naples during the Napoleonic Wars.
• Joachim Peiper, a commander in the Waffen-SS during World War II.

In Popular Culture

The name Joachim has also been used in literature, film, and music, often evoking its historical or biblical associations. Characters named Joachim appear in various works, highlighting the name's enduring presence in popular culture.

See Also

• List of biblical names starting with J
• Saint Anne
• Virgin Mary

This disambiguation page lists articles associated with the title Joachim.