In the long and fascinating history of ancient Egypt, few names stand out as prominently as Amenhotep. The name itself, meaning Amun is satisfied, was carried by several pharaohs who ruled during one of Egypt’s most prosperous and artistically rich eras. However, Amenhotep is not the only name associated with these rulers. Over time, they adopted additional titles, throne names, and even new identities, depending on religious and political changes. Understanding another name for Amenhotep and why these names changed helps us appreciate the complexity of Egyptian royal traditions and the cultural transformations that took place thousands of years ago.
The Meaning Behind the Name Amenhotep
The name Amenhotep is derived from two parts Amun, referring to the chief deity of Thebes, and hotep, meaning to be satisfied or at peace. Together, it translates roughly as Amun is satisfied. This was not only a personal name but also a spiritual statement, expressing devotion to the god Amun, who played a central role in Egyptian religion during the New Kingdom period.
Many pharaohs used the name Amenhotep as a mark of respect to the god who was believed to give them divine legitimacy. However, each Amenhotep pharaoh also held additional names, known as throne names or regnal names, which they adopted upon ascending to the throne. These names carried political, religious, or symbolic meanings that reflected their reigns and beliefs.
The Four Pharaohs Named Amenhotep
There were four pharaohs in the 18th Dynasty of Egypt who bore the name Amenhotep. Each one contributed uniquely to the nation’s culture, architecture, and governance. To understand the other names associated with Amenhotep, it’s important to look at each of these rulers individually.
Amenhotep I Djeserkare
Amenhotep I, who ruled around 1526 1506 BCE, was the second pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty. His throne name was Djeserkare, which means Holy is the Soul of Re. This name emphasized his divine connection to the sun god Ra (or Re), one of Egypt’s most important deities. As Djeserkare Amenhotep, he was celebrated for continuing the work of his father, Ahmose I, in restoring Egypt’s stability after the expulsion of the Hyksos.
Amenhotep I was also deeply associated with the development of the royal necropolis at Thebes. After his death, he was deified and worshiped as a patron of the workmen’s village at Deir el-Medina. The combination of his birth name, Amenhotep, and his throne name, Djeserkare, symbolizes both his divine authority and his enduring spiritual legacy.
Amenhotep II Aakheperure
Amenhotep II, who reigned from around 1427 1401 BCE, was known for his military strength and athleticism. His throne name was Aakheperure, meaning Great are the manifestations of Re. This title reflected the growing emphasis on solar theology and the idea that the pharaoh was a living embodiment of the sun god.
Another name for Amenhotep II, therefore, is Aakheperure, the name he used in official inscriptions and monuments. His reign was characterized by numerous military campaigns into Syria and Nubia, which reinforced Egypt’s dominance in the region. The dual use of Amenhotep and Aakheperure demonstrates how Egyptian pharaohs balanced their human identity with their divine persona.
Amenhotep III Nebmaatre
Amenhotep III, one of the most celebrated rulers of ancient Egypt, reigned from approximately 1391 1353 BCE. His throne name was Nebmaatre, which translates to The Lord of Truth is Re. This was another clear association with the sun god, reflecting both the pharaoh’s piety and his claim to divine authority.
Amenhotep III’s reign marked the height of Egypt’s power, wealth, and artistic achievement. Under his rule, monumental construction projects flourished, including the famous Colossi of Memnon and the grand temples of Luxor. Another name for Amenhotep III, Nebmaatre, appears frequently in temple inscriptions, symbolizing both his devotion to Maat (the concept of truth and cosmic order) and his connection to the divine sun.
Interestingly, Amenhotep III was sometimes referred to in later texts as the Magnificent, a title that modern historians use to reflect his accomplishments and grandeur. His multiple names, including Amenhotep, Nebmaatre, and various epithets, demonstrate the complexity of Egyptian royal identity.
Amenhotep IV Akhenaten
The most famous and controversial bearer of the name Amenhotep was Amenhotep IV, who later changed his name to Akhenaten. This transformation marks one of the most dramatic religious revolutions in Egyptian history. Early in his reign, Amenhotep IV followed the traditional worship of Amun, but later, he introduced a radical shift by promoting the worship of Aten, the sun disc, as the sole god.
To reflect this change, he abandoned the name Amenhotep, which honored Amun, and adopted the new name Akhenaten, meaning Effective for Aten or Servant of Aten. This act symbolized his rejection of the old priesthood and the establishment of a new monotheistic or henotheistic belief system centered on Aten. Thus, another name for Amenhotep IV is Akhenaten the name most people remember him by today.
Under Akhenaten’s rule, Egypt’s artistic style, architecture, and religion underwent dramatic changes. He moved the capital from Thebes to a new city called Akhetaten (modern-day Amarna), dedicated entirely to Aten worship. Although his religious reforms did not last long after his death, his legacy remains one of the most intriguing periods in Egyptian history.
Why Did Pharaohs Have Multiple Names?
In ancient Egyptian tradition, every pharaoh had more than one name. The system of royal titulary typically included five distinct names, each with a specific purpose. This practice was not only ceremonial but also reflected the ruler’s divine and earthly roles. The five names were
- Horus NameLinked the king to the falcon god Horus, symbolizing kingship and protection.
- Nebty NameAssociated with the two goddesses of Upper and Lower Egypt, representing unity.
- Golden Horus NameExpressed eternal rule and triumph over chaos.
- Throne Name (Prenomen)Adopted upon coronation, often included the god Re (Ra) to express divine legitimacy for example, Nebmaatre for Amenhotep III.
- Birth Name (Nomen)The personal name given at birth, often prefixed with Son of Re, such as Amenhotep.
This naming system allowed pharaohs to communicate their divine status, political power, and personal identity simultaneously. It’s why each Amenhotep ruler had multiple names and titles throughout their reigns.
The Legacy of the Amenhotep Dynasty
The Amenhotep line of pharaohs left an indelible mark on Egypt’s cultural and historical landscape. From the architectural achievements of Amenhotep III to the religious transformation led by Amenhotep IV (Akhenaten), their combined influence shaped the 18th Dynasty into one of the most remarkable periods of Egyptian civilization.
Even today, the name Amenhotep along with its variants and successor names symbolizes wisdom, divine favor, and cultural innovation. Temples, statues, and inscriptions bearing the names Djeserkare, Aakheperure, Nebmaatre, and Akhenaten continue to fascinate archaeologists and historians worldwide. Each of these names reveals not just a person, but an era defined by power, faith, and creativity.
When exploring another name for Amenhotep, it becomes clear that the identity of each pharaoh was far more than a single title. Names like Djeserkare, Aakheperure, Nebmaatre, and Akhenaten represent not only royal designations but also the shifting spiritual and political landscapes of ancient Egypt. The evolution from Amenhotep I to Amenhotep IV traces the transformation of Egyptian belief from traditional worship of Amun to the revolutionary focus on Aten. These names remind us that history is not static; it evolves with the ambitions, faith, and creativity of those who shape it. In the end, every Amenhotep, by whatever name he was called, contributed to the grandeur and mystery of Egypt’s enduring legacy.