Melchior
/ˈmɛl.ki.ɔːr/noun
A traditional name for one of the three Magi who visited the infant Jesus.
Did you know?Melchior is not named in the Gospel of Matthew; his identity as one of the three Magi emerged in later Christian tradition, along with the names Caspar and Balthazar.
Etymological Timeline
Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew
מַלְכִּי־אוֹר (malkī-ʾōr)
“Usually interpreted as “my king is light,” combining malkī, “my king,” with ʾōr, “light”; this proposed origin is not certain.”
Late Antiquity
Greek
Μελχιώρ (Melchiōr)
“A name assigned to one of the Magi in later Christian traditions, rather than a name supplied by the Gospel itself.”
6th Century
Latin
Melchior
“The Latin form used in Western Christian writings and devotional tradition for one of the Magi.”
Middle English
English
Melchior
“A traditional personal name and the name of one of the Three Kings in medieval English Christianity.”
Modern English
English
Melchior
“A proper name, especially referring to the Magus traditionally portrayed as an elderly king who brought gold.”
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