Baldassare

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A male given name of Italian origin associated with historical and cultural significance
2. A personal name commonly representing distinguished individuals in Italian literature or history
3. A name that can often be found within artistic and literary contexts in Italy

Etymology: Behind this Italian name lies a Babylonian royal name, "Bel, protect the king," which the Hebrew Bible rendered as Belshazzar, the monarch who sees the writing on the wall in the Book of Daniel. Greek and Latin writers shortened it to Balthasar, and in medieval Christian tradition that form became the name of one of the three Magi who visited the infant Jesus. Italian reshaped it into Baldassare, and the form spread widely among Italian families. The name was carried into Italian culture by real people. Baldassare Castiglione, the diplomat whose "Book of the Courtier" (published 1528) defined Renaissance ideals of refined conduct, is the most famous bearer, and the architect Baldassarre Peruzzi and the composer Baldassare Galuppi were also prominent in their fields. Italians used the name for generations, which helps explain its strong association with cultured figures.