Jocasta Name Meaning & Details
Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Jocasta
Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name JOCASTA. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.
Name
Jocasta
Gender
Female
Origin
Greek
Lucky Number
6
Meaning of the Name
Jocasta is a name from Greek mythology, known as the mother and wife of Oedipus, often associated with tragic fate and complex family dynamics.
Complete Numerology Analysis
Your Numerology Number
Based on Pythagorean Numerology System
Ruling Planet
Venus
Positive Nature
Harmonious, responsible, caring, and artistic.
Negative Traits
Overly idealistic, superficial, possessive, or jealous.
Lucky Colours
Pink, turquoise.
Lucky Days
Friday.
Lucky Stones
Diamond, turquoise.
Harmony Numbers
2, 3, 9.
Best Suited Professions
Artists, musicians, teachers, healthcare workers.
What People Like About You
Warmth, nurturing nature, artistic flair.
Famous People Named Jocasta
Jocasta of Thebes
Mythological Queen
Central figure in Sophocles' Oedipus cycle, representing tragic irony in Greek mythology
Jocasta Innes
Author and Designer
Pioneered the DIY movement with her bestselling book 'The Pauper's Cookbook'
Jocasta Nu
Jedi Archivist
Chief Librarian of the Jedi Archives in Star Wars lore, known for her vast knowledge
Jocasta Cameron
Fictional Character
Strong female character in Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series, known for resilience
Name Variations & International Equivalents
Click on blue names to explore their detailed meanings. Gray names with will be available soon.
Cultural & Historical Significance
Beyond classical literature, Jocasta's cultural impact extends to modern psychology, feminist reinterpretations, and contemporary adaptations. Feminist scholars have re-examined her character as a victim of patriarchal structures rather than simply a tragic figure. Her story continues to inspire modern retellings in theater, film, and literature, demonstrating the enduring power of her narrative. The name serves as a cultural touchstone for discussions about maternal love, family dynamics, and the ways in which societal expectations can shape individual destinies, making it one of the most psychologically complex and culturally rich names from classical antiquity.
Extended Personality Analysis
The name Jocasta evokes a personality marked by regal composure, deep emotional intelligence, and a complex inner world. Those bearing this name are often perceived as possessing ancient wisdom and maternal strength, combined with a tragic awareness of life's complexities. They tend to be protective figures who value family above all else, yet may struggle with the weight of family secrets or inherited patterns. Jocastas typically demonstrate remarkable resilience in the face of adversity, maintaining their dignity even during personal crises. Their emotional depth makes them excellent confidantes and counselors, though they may sometimes sacrifice their own happiness for the sake of others.
In social settings, Jocastas often project an air of classical sophistication and intellectual depth. They are frequently drawn to literature, psychology, and the arts, finding resonance in stories that explore human complexity. While they can be warm and nurturing, there's often a layer of melancholy or world-weariness beneath the surface. Their strength lies in their ability to face difficult truths with courage, even when those truths are painful. The name suggests someone who understands that love and tragedy are often intertwined, and who possesses the emotional fortitude to navigate this challenging terrain with grace and wisdom.
Modern Usage & Popularity
In contemporary naming practices, Jocasta occupies a unique niche as a classical name that remains distinctive without being completely obscure. While it has never achieved widespread popularity, it maintains a steady presence among parents seeking names with literary depth and mythological significance. The name saw a minor resurgence in the early 21st century, possibly influenced by popular culture references like Jocasta Nu in the Star Wars prequels and Jocasta Cameron in the Outlander series. Modern usage tends to be concentrated among educated, literary-minded families, particularly those with backgrounds in classics, literature, or psychology. The name's rarity makes it an attractive choice for parents wanting something unique but culturally substantial. It's more commonly found in the United Kingdom and other English-speaking countries with strong classical education traditions than in the United States, where it remains quite uncommon. Current trends suggest it may see increased usage as parents continue to seek meaningful, historically rich names that stand out from more common classical choices.
Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings
Symbolically, Jocasta represents one of the most profound and complex archetypes in Western culture - the tragic mother figure whose love becomes entangled with fate's cruel designs. The name embodies the painful intersection of maternal devotion and societal taboo, serving as a powerful metaphor for the ways in which family secrets can unravel lives. It symbolizes the tension between protection and truth, as Jocasta's attempts to shield her family from painful knowledge ultimately contribute to their destruction. The name carries connotations of royal dignity maintained amid personal catastrophe, representing the human capacity to endure unimaginable circumstances with grace. In psychological terms, Jocasta symbolizes the mother archetype in its most complicated manifestation - nurturing yet doomed, loving yet destructive when societal boundaries are crossed. The name serves as a reminder that some truths, once revealed, cannot be unseen, and that the purest intentions can lead to the most tragic outcomes when they conflict with fundamental social structures and moral codes.