Choosing a baby's name is a big decision.

For Christian parents, a biblical baby name can carry something extra: a story, a connection with Scripture, a reminder of God's faithfulness or a meaning you hope will speak into your child's life.

Some biblical names have remained popular for generations. Noah, Elijah, Hannah, Samuel, Abigail and Isaac feel as at home today as they have for centuries.

Others are being rediscovered. Names such as Ezra, Asher, Micah, Selah, Tirzah, Boaz and Keziah have deep biblical roots while feeling distinctive and contemporary.

And then there are hundreds of names hidden in genealogies, prophetic books, family stories and the early Church that many parents have never encountered.

So we've brought them together.

This guide contains more than 500 biblical and Bible-inspired baby names for boys and girls, including:

• Popular biblical baby names
• Strong biblical names
• Modern biblical names
• Rare and unusual Bible names
• Short biblical names
• Hebrew and Greek names
• Old Testament names
• New Testament names
• Names connected with prophets, kings and women of faith
• Names organised by meaning
• Established international and modern forms of biblical names

For names that appear directly in Scripture, we've included a Bible reference to help you discover the person behind the name.

And because a biblical name is more than a meaning, we'll also look at something baby-name lists sometimes overlook:

What story comes with the name?

Before You Choose: A Note About Biblical Name Meanings

Baby-name meanings aren't always as straightforward as they appear online.

Many biblical names come from ancient Hebrew, Aramaic or Greek, and scholars do not always agree about their exact derivation.

Some popular meanings are traditional interpretations rather than certain translations.

Aaron (a personal favourite of mine for obvious reasons!), for example, is often said to mean “exalted” or “high mountain”, but its original etymology is uncertain.

Mary is another famous example. Several meanings have been proposed, and there is no universally agreed translation.

So where a meaning is uncertain or disputed, we've tried to say so rather than presenting one interpretation as unquestionable fact.

A name can still be meaningful even when its precise ancient etymology remains uncertain.

Biblical Boy Names A–Z

These names are borne by men in Scripture or are established biblical forms.

A

Aaron

Origin: Hebrew, possibly ultimately Egyptian
Meaning: Uncertain; traditionally associated with exalted or high
Bible: Exodus 4:14
Moses' brother and Israel's first high priest.

Abda

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Servant
Bible: 1 Kings 4:6

Abdeel

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Servant of God
Bible: Jeremiah 36:26

Abdiel

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Servant of God
Bible: 1 Chronicles 5:15

Abdon

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Servant or service
Bible: Judges 12:13

Abednego

Origin: Babylonian
Meaning: Servant of Nego/Nebo
Bible: Daniel 1:7
The Babylonian name given to Azariah.

Abiathar

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Father of abundance/excellence
Bible: 1 Samuel 22:20

Abidan

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: My father is judge
Bible: Numbers 1:11

Abiel

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: My father is God
Bible: 1 Samuel 9:1

Abiezer

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: My father is help
Bible: Judges 6:11

Abihu

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: He is my father
Bible: Exodus 6:23

Abijah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The Lord is my father
Bible: 1 Kings 14:31

Abimelech

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: My father is king
Bible: Genesis 20:2

Abinadab

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: My father is noble/willing
Bible: 1 Samuel 7:1

Abinoam

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: My father is pleasantness
Bible: Judges 4:6

Abiram

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: My father is exalted
Bible: Numbers 16:1

Abishai

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Meaning uncertain; possibly my father is a gift
Bible: 1 Samuel 26:6

Abner

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Father of light / my father is a lamp
Bible: 1 Samuel 14:50

Abraham

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Father of a multitude
Bible: Genesis 17:5

Abram

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Exalted father
Bible: Genesis 11:26

Absalom

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Father of peace
Bible: 2 Samuel 3:3

Achaicus

Origin: Greek
Meaning: From Achaia
Bible: 1 Corinthians 16:17

Achim

Origin: Hebrew/Greek biblical form
Meaning: Possibly God establishes
Bible: Matthew 1:14

Adam

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Man; connected with earth/ground
Bible: Genesis 2:20

Adalia

Origin: Persian
Meaning: Meaning uncertain
Bible: Esther 9:8

Adin

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Delicate, refined
Bible: Ezra 2:15

Adlai

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Meaning uncertain
Bible: 1 Chronicles 27:29

Adnah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Pleasure, delight
Bible: 2 Chronicles 17:14

Adonijah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The Lord is my master
Bible: 2 Samuel 3:4

Adonikam

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: My lord has risen
Bible: Ezra 2:13

Adriel

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Flock of God
Bible: 1 Samuel 18:19

Agabus

Origin: Greek biblical name
Meaning: Uncertain
Bible: Acts 11:28

Agrippa

Origin: Latin
Meaning: Ancient Roman family name; meaning uncertain
Bible: Acts 25:13

Ahab

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Father's brother / uncle
Bible: 1 Kings 16:28

Ahaz

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: He has grasped
Bible: 2 Kings 16:1

Ahaziah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The Lord has grasped
Bible: 1 Kings 22:40

Ahijah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Brother of the Lord / the Lord is my brother
Bible: 1 Kings 11:29

Ahikam

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: My brother has risen
Bible: 2 Kings 22:12

Ahimaaz

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: My brother is anger/strength; interpretation uncertain
Bible: 2 Samuel 15:27

Ahimelech

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: My brother is king
Bible: 1 Samuel 21:1

Ahio

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Brotherly / his brother
Bible: 2 Samuel 6:3

Ahira

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Brother of evil; etymology uncertain
Bible: Numbers 1:15

Ahisamach

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: My brother supports
Bible: Exodus 31:6

Ahithophel

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Brother of folly; exact sense debated
Bible: 2 Samuel 15:12

Aholiab

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Father's tent
Bible: Exodus 31:6

Alexander

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Defender of men
Bible: Mark 15:21; Acts 19:33

Alphaeus

Origin: Aramaic/Greek
Meaning: Meaning uncertain
Bible: Matthew 10:3

Amariah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The Lord has promised/spoken
Bible: 1 Chronicles 6:7

Amasa

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Burden
Bible: 2 Samuel 17:25

Amasai

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Burdensome or strong; uncertain
Bible: 1 Chronicles 12:18

Amaziah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The Lord is strong
Bible: 2 Kings 14:1

Amminadab

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: My kinsman is noble
Bible: Exodus 6:23

Ammiel

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: People of God / God is my kinsman
Bible: Numbers 13:12

Amnon

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Faithful
Bible: 2 Samuel 3:2

Amos

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Burden or burden-bearer
Bible: Amos 1:1

Amram

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Exalted people
Bible: Exodus 6:18

Ananias

Origin: Greek form of Hebrew Hananiah
Meaning: The Lord is gracious
Bible: Acts 9:10

Andrew

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Manly, brave
Bible: Matthew 4:18

Andronicus

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Victory of a man/warrior
Bible: Romans 16:7

Apelles

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Meaning uncertain
Bible: Romans 16:10

Apollos

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Connected with Apollo
Bible: Acts 18:24

Aquila

Origin: Latin
Meaning: Eagle
Bible: Acts 18:2

Aram

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Highland/exalted region; uncertain
Bible: Matthew 1:3–4

Archelaus

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Ruler of the people
Bible: Matthew 2:22

Archippus

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Master of horses
Bible: Colossians 4:17

Areli

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Lion of God / heroic
Bible: Genesis 46:16

Aristarchus

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Best ruler
Bible: Acts 19:29

Aristobulus

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Best counsellor
Bible: Romans 16:10

Asa

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Possibly healer
Bible: 1 Kings 15:9

Asahel

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God has made
Bible: 2 Samuel 2:18

Asaph

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Gatherer
Bible: 1 Chronicles 6:39

Asher

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Happy, blessed
Bible: Genesis 30:13

Ashbel

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Meaning uncertain
Bible: Genesis 46:21

Azariah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The Lord has helped
Bible: Daniel 1:6

Azel

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Noble/reserved; uncertain
Bible: 1 Chronicles 8:37

Azor

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Helper
Bible: Matthew 1:13

B

Baasha

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Meaning uncertain
Bible: 1 Kings 15:33

Balaam

Origin: Hebrew/Semitic
Meaning: Meaning uncertain
Bible: Numbers 22:5

Barak

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Lightning
Bible: Judges 4:6

Bartholomew

Origin: Aramaic
Meaning: Son of Talmai
Bible: Matthew 10:3

Bartimaeus

Origin: Aramaic/Greek
Meaning: Son of Timaeus
Bible: Mark 10:46

Baruch

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Blessed
Bible: Jeremiah 32:12

Bela

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Meaning uncertain
Bible: Genesis 46:21

Belshazzar

Origin: Babylonian
Meaning: Bel, protect the king
Bible: Daniel 5:1

Benaiah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The Lord has built
Bible: 2 Samuel 23:20

Benjamin

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Son of the right hand / son of the south
Bible: Genesis 35:18

Beor

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Burning/torch; uncertain
Bible: Numbers 22:5

Bezalel

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: In the shadow/protection of God
Bible: Exodus 31:2

Bildad

Origin: Ancient Semitic
Meaning: Uncertain
Bible: Job 2:11

Boaz

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Traditionally associated with strength; exact derivation uncertain
Bible: Ruth 2:1

C

Caiaphas

Origin: Aramaic
Meaning: Meaning uncertain
Bible: Matthew 26:3

Cain

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Acquired/produced
Bible: Genesis 4:1

Cainan

Origin: Biblical Greek form
Meaning: Possession; uncertain
Bible: Luke 3:36

Caleb

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Etymology debated; traditionally associated with wholehearted faithfulness
Bible: Numbers 13:6

Carmi

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: My vineyard
Bible: Genesis 46:9

Cephas

Origin: Aramaic
Meaning: Rock
Bible: John 1:42

Chenaniah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The Lord establishes
Bible: 1 Chronicles 15:22

Chephunneh

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Meaning uncertain
Bible: Numbers 13:6

Chuza

Origin: Uncertain
Meaning: Uncertain
Bible: Luke 8:3

Claudius

Origin: Latin
Meaning: Ancient Roman family name
Bible: Acts 11:28

Clement

Origin: Latin
Meaning: Merciful, gentle
Bible: Philippians 4:3

Cornelius

Origin: Latin
Meaning: Ancient Roman family name
Bible: Acts 10:1

Cush

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Meaning uncertain; associated with the region of Cush
Bible: Genesis 10:6

Cyrus

Origin: Persian
Meaning: Meaning uncertain; traditionally connected with sun or young
Bible: Isaiah 44:28

D

Dan

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Judge / he judged
Bible: Genesis 30:6

Daniel

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God is my judge
Bible: Daniel 1:6

Darius

Origin: Persian
Meaning: Possessing goodness / maintaining possessions
Bible: Daniel 5:31

Dathan

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Meaning uncertain
Bible: Numbers 16:1

David

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Beloved
Bible: 1 Samuel 16:13

Demas

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Possibly popular/of the people
Bible: Colossians 4:14

Demetrius

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Devoted to Demeter
Bible: Acts 19:24

Dionysius

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Devoted to Dionysus
Bible: Acts 17:34

E

Eber

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Beyond/across
Bible: Genesis 10:21

Ebed

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Servant
Bible: Ezra 8:6

Ehud

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Meaning uncertain
Bible: Judges 3:15

Eli

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: High, elevated; also “my God” in some contexts
Bible: 1 Samuel 1:9

Eliab

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: My God is father
Bible: 1 Samuel 16:6

Eliakim

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God establishes
Bible: 2 Kings 18:18

Eliam

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God is my people / God of the people
Bible: 2 Samuel 11:3

Eliezer

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God is my help
Bible: Exodus 18:4

Elihu

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: He is my God
Bible: Job 32:2

Elijah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The Lord is my God
Bible: 1 Kings 17:1

Elimelech

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: My God is king
Bible: Ruth 1:2

Eliphaz

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God is fine gold / God is strength; debated
Bible: Job 2:11

Elisha

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God is salvation
Bible: 1 Kings 19:16

Elishama

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God has heard
Bible: Numbers 1:10

Elishaphat

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God has judged
Bible: 2 Chronicles 23:1

Elkanah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God has acquired/created
Bible: 1 Samuel 1:1

Elon

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Oak
Bible: Judges 12:11

Enoch

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Dedicated
Bible: Genesis 5:18

Enos

Origin: Greek form of Enosh
Meaning: Man/mortal
Bible: Luke 3:38

Ephraim

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Fruitful
Bible: Genesis 41:52

Er

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Possibly watchful
Bible: Genesis 38:3

Erastus

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Beloved
Bible: Romans 16:23

Esau

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Traditionally associated with hairy
Bible: Genesis 25:25

Ethan

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Enduring, firm
Bible: 1 Kings 4:31

Eutychus

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Fortunate
Bible: Acts 20:9

Ezekiel

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God strengthens
Bible: Ezekiel 1:3

Ezra

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Help
Bible: Ezra 7:1

F

Felix

Origin: Latin
Meaning: Happy, fortunate
Bible: Acts 23:24

Festus

Origin: Latin
Meaning: Festive, joyful
Bible: Acts 24:27

Fortunatus

Origin: Latin
Meaning: Fortunate, blessed
Bible: 1 Corinthians 16:17

G

Gabriel

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God is my strength / mighty man of God
Bible: Daniel 8:16; Luke 1:26

Gad

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Fortune, good luck
Bible: Genesis 30:11

Gaius

Origin: Latin
Meaning: Meaning uncertain
Bible: Romans 16:23

Gallio

Origin: Latin
Meaning: Roman family name
Bible: Acts 18:12

Gamaliel

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God is my reward
Bible: Acts 5:34

Gedaliah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The Lord is great
Bible: 2 Kings 25:22

Gershom

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: A sojourner there / stranger
Bible: Exodus 2:22

Gideon

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Hewer/cutter
Bible: Judges 6:11

Gilead

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Meaning uncertain; biblical personal and place name
Bible: Numbers 26:29

H

Habakkuk

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Meaning uncertain; traditionally “embrace”
Bible: Habakkuk 1:1

Haggai

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Festive
Bible: Haggai 1:1

Ham

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Meaning uncertain
Bible: Genesis 5:32

Hanani

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Gracious
Bible: Nehemiah 1:2

Hananiah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The Lord is gracious
Bible: Daniel 1:6

Haran

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Meaning uncertain
Bible: Genesis 11:26

Heber

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Companion/association; sometimes another form of Eber
Bible: Judges 4:11

Heman

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Faithful
Bible: 1 Chronicles 6:33

Hezekiah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The Lord strengthens
Bible: 2 Kings 18:1

Hilkiah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: My portion is the Lord
Bible: 2 Kings 22:4

Hiram

Origin: Phoenician/Hebrew tradition
Meaning: Meaning uncertain; often interpreted “exalted brother”
Bible: 1 Kings 5:1

Hobab

Origin: Hebrew/Midianite
Meaning: Beloved
Bible: Numbers 10:29

Hosea

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Salvation
Bible: Hosea 1:1

Hur

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Meaning uncertain
Bible: Exodus 17:10

Hushai

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Meaning uncertain
Bible: 2 Samuel 15:32

I

Ichabod

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: No glory / where is the glory?
Bible: 1 Samuel 4:21

Ira

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Watchful
Bible: 2 Samuel 20:26

Isaac

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: He laughs / laughter
Bible: Genesis 21:3

Isaiah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The Lord is salvation
Bible: Isaiah 1:1

Ishmael

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God hears
Bible: Genesis 16:11

Issachar

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Meaning associated with reward/wages
Bible: Genesis 30:18

Ithamar

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Island/coast of palms; uncertain
Bible: Exodus 6:23

J

Jabez

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Associated with pain/sorrow
Bible: 1 Chronicles 4:9

Jair

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: He shines
Bible: Judges 10:3

James

Origin: English form of Jacob
Meaning: Traditionally “supplanter”; etymology debated
Bible: Matthew 4:21

Jamin

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Right hand / south
Bible: Genesis 46:10

Jared

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Descent
Bible: Genesis 5:18

Jason

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Healer
Bible: Acts 17:5

Jedidiah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Beloved of the Lord
Bible: 2 Samuel 12:25

Jehoash

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The Lord has given
Bible: 2 Kings 11:21

Jehoiachin

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The Lord establishes
Bible: 2 Kings 24:6

Jehoiakim

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The Lord raises up
Bible: 2 Kings 23:34

Jehoram

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The Lord is exalted
Bible: 2 Kings 8:16

Jehoshaphat

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The Lord has judged
Bible: 1 Kings 22:41

Jehu

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The Lord is he
Bible: 2 Kings 9:2

Jephthah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: He opens
Bible: Judges 11:1

Jeremiah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The Lord exalts/appoints; interpretation debated
Bible: Jeremiah 1:1

Jeroboam

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The people increase/contend; uncertain
Bible: 1 Kings 11:26

Jesse

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Meaning uncertain; traditionally gift
Bible: 1 Samuel 16:1

Jethro

Origin: Hebrew/Midianite
Meaning: Excellence, abundance
Bible: Exodus 3:1

Joab

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The Lord is father
Bible: 2 Samuel 2:13

Joash

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The Lord has given
Bible: Judges 6:11

Job

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Meaning uncertain
Bible: Job 1:1

Joel

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The Lord is God
Bible: Joel 1:1

John

Origin: Hebrew via Greek
Meaning: The Lord is gracious
Bible: Luke 1:13

Jonah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Dove
Bible: Jonah 1:1

Jonathan

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The Lord has given
Bible: 1 Samuel 13:2

Joram

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The Lord is exalted
Bible: 2 Kings 8:16

Joseph

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: He will add
Bible: Genesis 30:24

Joshua

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The Lord saves
Bible: Exodus 17:9

Josiah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The Lord supports/heals; interpretation debated
Bible: 2 Kings 22:1

Jotham

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The Lord is perfect
Bible: Judges 9:5

Judah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Praise
Bible: Genesis 29:35

Jude

Origin: Form of Judah/Judas
Meaning: Praise
Bible: Jude 1:1

Justus

Origin: Latin
Meaning: Just, righteous
Bible: Acts 1:23

K–L

Kenan

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Meaning uncertain
Bible: Genesis 5:9

Kish

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Meaning uncertain
Bible: 1 Samuel 9:1

Korah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Baldness/ice; uncertain
Bible: Numbers 16:1

Laban

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: White
Bible: Genesis 24:29

Lamech

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Meaning uncertain
Bible: Genesis 4:18

Lazarus

Origin: Greek form of Eleazar
Meaning: God has helped
Bible: John 11:1

Lemuel

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Belonging/devoted to God
Bible: Proverbs 31:1

Levi

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Joined, attached
Bible: Genesis 29:34

Linus

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Meaning uncertain
Bible: 2 Timothy 4:21

Lot

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Meaning uncertain; possibly covering
Bible: Genesis 11:27

Luke

Origin: Greek/Latin
Meaning: Traditionally “from Lucania”
Bible: Colossians 4:14

M

Malachi

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: My messenger
Bible: Malachi 1:1

Malchus

Origin: Semitic/Greek form
Meaning: King
Bible: John 18:10

Manaen

Origin: Hebrew/Greek form
Meaning: Comforter
Bible: Acts 13:1

Manasseh

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Causing to forget
Bible: Genesis 41:51

Mark

Origin: Latin
Meaning: Traditionally connected with Mars
Bible: Acts 12:12

Mattaniah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Gift of the Lord
Bible: 2 Kings 24:17

Matthew

Origin: Hebrew via Greek
Meaning: Gift of the Lord
Bible: Matthew 9:9

Matthias

Origin: Hebrew via Greek
Meaning: Gift of the Lord
Bible: Acts 1:23

Melchizedek

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: King of righteousness
Bible: Genesis 14:18

Menahem

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Comforter
Bible: 2 Kings 15:17

Meshach

Origin: Babylonian
Meaning: Meaning uncertain
Bible: Daniel 1:7

Micah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Who is like the Lord?
Bible: Micah 1:1

Micaiah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Who is like the Lord?
Bible: 1 Kings 22:8

Michael

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Who is like God?
Bible: Daniel 10:13

Mordecai

Origin: Persian/Babylonian context
Meaning: Possibly connected with Marduk
Bible: Esther 2:5

Moses

Origin: Egyptian/Hebrew tradition
Meaning: Biblical wordplay connects it with “drawn out”
Bible: Exodus 2:10

N

Nahum

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Comfort
Bible: Nahum 1:1

Naphtali

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: My struggle/wrestling
Bible: Genesis 30:8

Nathan

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: He gave
Bible: 2 Samuel 7:2

Nathanael

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God has given
Bible: John 1:45

Nehemiah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The Lord comforts
Bible: Nehemiah 1:1

Nereus

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Name associated with the sea
Bible: Romans 16:15

Nicanor

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Victorious
Bible: Acts 6:5

Nicodemus

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Victory of the people
Bible: John 3:1

Nicolas

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Victory of the people
Bible: Acts 6:5

Noah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Rest, comfort
Bible: Genesis 5:29

O–P

Obadiah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Servant of the Lord
Bible: Obadiah 1:1

Obed

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Servant
Bible: Ruth 4:17

Omri

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Meaning uncertain
Bible: 1 Kings 16:16

Onesimus

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Useful, beneficial
Bible: Philemon 1:10

Onesiphorus

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Bringing profit/help
Bible: 2 Timothy 1:16

Othniel

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Lion/strength of God; interpretation debated
Bible: Judges 3:9

Paul

Origin: Latin
Meaning: Small, humble
Bible: Acts 13:9

Perez

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Breach, breakthrough
Bible: Genesis 38:29

Peter

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Rock, stone
Bible: Matthew 16:18

Philemon

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Affectionate, loving
Bible: Philemon 1:1

Philip

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Lover of horses
Bible: John 1:43

Phinehas

Origin: Egyptian/Hebrew usage
Meaning: Meaning uncertain
Bible: Exodus 6:25

R–S

Rehoboam

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The people are enlarged
Bible: 1 Kings 11:43

Reuben

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: See, a son
Bible: Genesis 29:32

Rufus

Origin: Latin
Meaning: Red-haired, red
Bible: Romans 16:13

Samson

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Sun-like / little sun
Bible: Judges 13:24

Samuel

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Traditionally “God has heard”; etymology debated
Bible: 1 Samuel 1:20

Saul

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Asked for
Bible: 1 Samuel 9:2

Seth

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Appointed, placed
Bible: Genesis 4:25

Shealtiel

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: I asked of God
Bible: Ezra 3:2

Shem

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Name
Bible: Genesis 5:32

Silas

Origin: Greek/Latin biblical name
Meaning: Etymology uncertain
Bible: Acts 15:22

Simeon

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: He has heard
Bible: Genesis 29:33

Simon

Origin: Hebrew/Greek
Meaning: He has heard
Bible: Matthew 4:18

Solomon

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Peaceful
Bible: 2 Samuel 12:24

Stephen

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Crown
Bible: Acts 6:5

T–Z

Tertius

Origin: Latin
Meaning: Third
Bible: Romans 16:22

Thaddeus

Origin: Aramaic/Greek
Meaning: Meaning uncertain
Bible: Matthew 10:3

Theophilus

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Friend of God / loved by God
Bible: Luke 1:3

Timothy

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Honouring God
Bible: Acts 16:1

Titus

Origin: Latin
Meaning: Meaning uncertain
Bible: 2 Corinthians 2:13

Tobiah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The Lord is good
Bible: Nehemiah 2:10

Tychicus

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Fortunate
Bible: Acts 20:4

Uriah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The Lord is my light
Bible: 2 Samuel 11:3

Uzziah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The Lord is my strength
Bible: 2 Kings 15:13

Zacchaeus

Origin: Hebrew via Greek
Meaning: Pure, innocent
Bible: Luke 19:2

Zadok

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Righteous
Bible: 2 Samuel 8:17

Zebadiah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The Lord has given
Bible: 1 Chronicles 8:15

Zebedee

Origin: Hebrew via Greek
Meaning: Gift of the Lord
Bible: Matthew 4:21

Zechariah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The Lord remembers
Bible: Zechariah 1:1

Zedekiah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The Lord is righteousness
Bible: 2 Kings 24:17

Zephaniah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The Lord has hidden/protected
Bible: Zephaniah 1:1

Zerah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Rising, dawn
Bible: Genesis 38:30

Zerubbabel

Origin: Babylonian/Hebrew context
Meaning: Traditionally “seed/offspring of Babylon”
Bible: Ezra 2:2

Zophar

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Meaning uncertain
Bible: Job 2:11

Biblical Girl Names A–Z

Scripture records fewer women's names than men's, but the women who are named include matriarchs, queens, prophets, disciples, businesswomen, courageous outsiders and leaders.

A

Abigail

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: My father's joy
Bible: 1 Samuel 25:3
Known for wisdom, courage and diplomacy.

Abihail

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: My father is strength
Bible: Esther 2:15
A name used for both men and women in Scripture.

Abishag

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Meaning uncertain
Bible: 1 Kings 1:3

Abital

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: My father is dew
Bible: 2 Samuel 3:4

Achsah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Anklet
Bible: Joshua 15:16

Adah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Ornament
Bible: Genesis 4:19

Ahinoam

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: My brother is pleasantness
Bible: 1 Samuel 14:50

Aholibamah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Tent of the high place
Bible: Genesis 36:2

Anna

Origin: Greek form related to Hannah
Meaning: Grace, favour
Bible: Luke 2:36

Apphia

Origin: Greek/Phrygian
Meaning: Meaning uncertain
Bible: Philemon 1:2

Asenath

Origin: Egyptian
Meaning: Devoted to Neith; traditional interpretation
Bible: Genesis 41:45

Atarah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Crown
Bible: 1 Chronicles 2:26

Athaliah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The Lord is exalted
Bible: 2 Kings 8:26

B–D

Basemath

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Fragrance
Bible: Genesis 26:34

Bathsheba

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Traditionally daughter of the oath; interpretation debated
Bible: 2 Samuel 11:3

Bernice

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Bringing victory
Bible: Acts 25:13

Bilhah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Meaning uncertain
Bible: Genesis 29:29

Chloe

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Green shoot, blooming
Bible: 1 Corinthians 1:11

Claudia

Origin: Latin
Meaning: Feminine form of Claudius
Bible: 2 Timothy 4:21

Cozbi

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Meaning uncertain
Bible: Numbers 25:15

Damaris

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Possibly calf/gentle; uncertain
Bible: Acts 17:34

Deborah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Bee
Bible: Judges 4:4

Delilah

Origin: Hebrew/Semitic
Meaning: Traditionally delicate/languishing; uncertain
Bible: Judges 16:4

Dinah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Judged/vindicated
Bible: Genesis 30:21

Dorcas

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Gazelle
Bible: Acts 9:36

Drusilla

Origin: Latin
Meaning: Roman family name
Bible: Acts 24:24

E–H

Elizabeth

Origin: Hebrew via Greek
Meaning: My God is an oath
Bible: Luke 1:5

Esther

Origin: Persian
Meaning: Meaning debated; often associated with star
Bible: Esther 2:7

Eunice

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Good victory
Bible: 2 Timothy 1:5

Eve

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Life/living
Bible: Genesis 3:20

Gomer

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Complete; interpretation uncertain
Bible: Hosea 1:3

Hagar

Origin: Egyptian/Semitic
Meaning: Meaning uncertain; traditionally flight/stranger
Bible: Genesis 16:1

Hadassah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Myrtle
Bible: Esther 2:7

Haggith

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Festive
Bible: 2 Samuel 3:4

Hannah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Grace, favour
Bible: 1 Samuel 1:2

Hazelelponi

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Meaning uncertain
Bible: 1 Chronicles 4:3

Helah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Meaning uncertain
Bible: 1 Chronicles 4:5

Hephzibah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: My delight is in her
Bible: 2 Kings 21:1

Herodias

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Feminine form connected with Herod
Bible: Matthew 14:3

Hodesh

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: New moon/month
Bible: 1 Chronicles 8:9

Hoglah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Partridge
Bible: Numbers 26:33

Huldah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Weasel/mole; traditional etymology
Bible: 2 Kings 22:14

J–K

Jael

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Ibex/mountain goat
Bible: Judges 4:17

Jedidah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Beloved
Bible: 2 Kings 22:1

Jehoaddan

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The Lord delights
Bible: 2 Kings 14:2

Jehosheba

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The Lord is an oath
Bible: 2 Kings 11:2

Jemima

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Dove
Bible: Job 42:14

Jerusha

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Possession/inheritance
Bible: 2 Kings 15:33

Joanna

Origin: Hebrew via Greek
Meaning: The Lord is gracious
Bible: Luke 8:3

Jochebed

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The Lord is glory
Bible: Exodus 6:20

Judith

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Jewish woman / woman of Judah
Bible: Genesis 26:34

Julia

Origin: Latin
Meaning: Roman family name
Bible: Romans 16:15

Junia

Origin: Latin
Meaning: Roman family name
Bible: Romans 16:7

Keren-Happuch

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Horn/container of eye paint
Bible: Job 42:14

Keturah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Incense
Bible: Genesis 25:1

Keziah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Cassia
Bible: Job 42:14

L–M

Leah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Meaning uncertain; traditionally weary
Bible: Genesis 29:16

Lois

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Meaning uncertain; traditionally better/desirable
Bible: 2 Timothy 1:5

Lydia

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Woman from Lydia
Bible: Acts 16:14

Maacah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Meaning uncertain
Bible: 1 Kings 15:2

Mahalath

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Meaning uncertain; possibly sickness or melody
Bible: Genesis 28:9

Mahlah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Meaning uncertain
Bible: Numbers 26:33

Mara

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Bitter
Bible: Ruth 1:20
Naomi used Mara to describe the bitterness of her circumstances.

Martha

Origin: Aramaic
Meaning: Lady, mistress
Bible: Luke 10:38

Mary

Origin: Hebrew/Aramaic via Greek
Meaning: Disputed
Bible: Luke 1:27

Mehetabel

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God makes happy/good
Bible: Genesis 36:39

Merab

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Increase
Bible: 1 Samuel 14:49

Michal

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Meaning uncertain
Bible: 1 Samuel 14:49

Milcah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Queen
Bible: Genesis 11:29

Miriam

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Disputed
Bible: Exodus 15:20

N–R

Naamah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Pleasant
Bible: Genesis 4:22

Naomi

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Pleasant, delightful
Bible: Ruth 1:2

Noadiah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: The Lord has met/appointed
Bible: Nehemiah 6:14

Orpah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Traditionally back of the neck; uncertain
Bible: Ruth 1:4

Peninnah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Pearl/coral
Bible: 1 Samuel 1:2

Persis

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Persian woman
Bible: Romans 16:12

Phoebe

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Bright, radiant
Bible: Romans 16:1

Priscilla

Origin: Latin
Meaning: Ancient/venerable
Bible: Acts 18:2

Puah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Meaning uncertain
Bible: Exodus 1:15

Rachel

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Ewe
Bible: Genesis 29:6

Rahab

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Broad, spacious
Bible: Joshua 2:1

Rebekah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Meaning debated; possibly to bind/tie
Bible: Genesis 24:15

Rhoda

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Rose
Bible: Acts 12:13

Rizpah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Hot stone/glowing coal
Bible: 2 Samuel 3:7

Ruth

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Meaning uncertain; traditionally friend/companion
Bible: Ruth 1:4

S–Z

Salome

Origin: Hebrew/Aramaic via Greek
Meaning: Peace
Bible: Mark 15:40

Sapphira

Origin: Greek/Aramaic
Meaning: Sapphire
Bible: Acts 5:1

Sarah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Princess
Bible: Genesis 17:15

Sarai

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: My princess
Bible: Genesis 11:29

Serah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Meaning uncertain; often interpreted abundance
Bible: Genesis 46:17

Shelomith

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Peaceful
Bible: Leviticus 24:11

Sherah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Meaning uncertain
Bible: 1 Chronicles 7:24

Shiphrah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Beautiful/fair
Bible: Exodus 1:15

Susanna

Origin: Hebrew via Greek
Meaning: Lily
Bible: Luke 8:3

Tabitha

Origin: Aramaic
Meaning: Gazelle
Bible: Acts 9:36

Tamar

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Date palm
Bible: Genesis 38:6

Taphath

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Drop
Bible: 1 Kings 4:11

Timna

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Restraint/portion; uncertain
Bible: Genesis 36:12

Tirzah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Delight, pleasantness
Bible: Numbers 26:33

Tryphena

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Delicate
Bible: Romans 16:12

Tryphosa

Origin: Greek
Meaning: Delicate
Bible: Romans 16:12

Vashti

Origin: Persian
Meaning: Traditionally beautiful/excellent
Bible: Esther 1:9

Zebidah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Gift
Bible: 2 Kings 23:36

Zeresh

Origin: Persian
Meaning: Meaning uncertain
Bible: Esther 5:10

Zeruiah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Meaning uncertain
Bible: 1 Samuel 26:6

Zibiah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Gazelle
Bible: 2 Kings 12:1

Zillah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Shade/shadow
Bible: Genesis 4:19

Zilpah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Meaning uncertain
Bible: Genesis 29:24

Zipporah

Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Bird
Bible: Exodus 2:21

Bible-Inspired and International Forms

The Bible has been translated and read across cultures for centuries, so many biblical names have developed familiar forms in different languages.

These names may not appear in an English Bible in exactly this form, but they derive from established biblical names.

Including them gives parents a much wider choice without pretending that every spelling belongs to a separate Bible character.

Forms of Aaron

Aharon — Hebrew form of Aaron
Aron — European form of Aaron
Aarón — Spanish form of Aaron
Harun — Arabic form related to Aaron

Forms of Abraham

Avraham — Hebrew form
Abram — biblical earlier form
Abrahamo — rare international form
Bram — traditional short form

Forms of Adam

Adan — Spanish form
Adem — Turkish/Balkan form
Adamo — Italian form

Forms of Alexander

Alejandro — Spanish
Alessandro — Italian
Alexandre — French/Portuguese
Aleksander — Scandinavian/Slavic form
Aleksandr — Slavic form
Alex — short form
Xander — short modern form
Sander — Northern European short form

Forms of Andrew

Andreas — Greek/Germanic form
Andre — French/Portuguese form
André — French form
Anders — Scandinavian form
Andrei — Romanian/Russian form
Andrej — Slavic form
Drew — English short form

Forms of Benjamin

Benyamin — Hebrew-related form
Ben — traditional short form
Benny — short form
Benji — modern short form
Benjamín — Spanish form

Forms of Daniel

Daniyel — Hebrew-related form
Dániel — Hungarian form
Daniele — Italian form
Daniël — Dutch form
Dan — short form
Danny — familiar form
Dane — related modern form

Forms of David

Dawid — Polish form
Dávid — Hungarian form
Davide — Italian form
Davi — Portuguese form
Davy — familiar English form

Forms of Elijah

Elias — Greek/New Testament form
Eliyahu — Hebrew form
Elia — Italian form
Élie — French form
Ilya — Slavic form traditionally derived from Elijah
Ilija — South Slavic form

Forms of Gabriel

Gavriel — Hebrew form
Gabriele — Italian form
Gabriel — international form
Gabe — short form
Gabi — short form

Forms of Isaac

Yitzhak — Hebrew form
Isaak — Germanic/Slavic spelling
Izaak — Dutch/Polish spelling
Ike — traditional short form
Izaac — variant spelling

Forms of Isaiah

Yeshayahu — Hebrew form
Isaias — Spanish/Portuguese form
Isaías — accented Spanish/Portuguese form
Izaiah — modern spelling

Forms of Jacob

Jakob — German/Scandinavian form
Jacques — French development
Jaakob — Finnish/Estonian form
Giacomo — Italian development
Jaime — Spanish form related historically to James/Jacob
Jake — English short form
Jaco — short form
Kobe — modern short form derived from Jacob in some usage

Forms of James

Jaime — Spanish
Jamie — English/Scottish
Seamus — Irish form
Hamish — Scottish Gaelic form
Jacques — French cognate through Jacob
Giacomo — Italian cognate
Jimmy — familiar form

Forms of John

Johann — German
Johannes — German/Dutch/Scandinavian
Johan — Scandinavian/Dutch
Jean — French
Juan — Spanish
João — Portuguese
Giovanni — Italian
Ivan — Slavic
Ian — Scottish
Sean — Irish
Evan — Welsh form traditionally related to John
Jack — traditional English development
Jon — short form

Forms of Joseph

Josef — German/Scandinavian/Slavic
José — Spanish/Portuguese
Giuseppe — Italian
Yosef — Hebrew
Józef — Polish
Joe — short form
Joey — familiar form

Forms of Joshua

Yehoshua — Hebrew form
Yeshua — later Hebrew/Aramaic form
Josué — French/Spanish/Portuguese
Josh — short form

Forms of Luke

Lucas — related Latin form
Luca — Italian form
Luka — Slavic form
Lukas — European form
Luc — French form

Forms of Matthew

Matthias — related biblical form
Matteo — Italian
Mateo — Spanish
Mateus — Portuguese
Matthieu — French
Matěj — Czech
Matt — short form
Matty — familiar form

Forms of Michael

Michaël — French/Dutch
Mikhail — Russian
Mikael — Scandinavian
Miguel — Spanish/Portuguese
Michele — Italian masculine form
Mihai — Romanian
Misha — Slavic familiar form
Mike — English short form
Mikey — familiar form

Forms of Moses

Moshe — Hebrew
Moisés — Spanish/Portuguese
Moïse — French
Mose — traditional short form

Forms of Nathaniel

Nathanael — biblical form
Nathaniel — English form
Natanael — European form
Nate — short form
Nat — short form

Forms of Noah

Noé — French/Spanish
Noach — Hebrew/Germanic spelling
Noak — Scandinavian form

Forms of Paul

Paolo — Italian
Pablo — Spanish
Paulo — Portuguese
Pavel — Slavic
Pál — Hungarian
Paweł — Polish

Forms of Peter

Pedro — Spanish/Portuguese
Pierre — French
Pietro — Italian
Pieter — Dutch
Piotr — Polish
Petar — South Slavic
Petr — Czech
Pete — short form

Forms of Samuel

Samu'el — Hebrew-related form
Samuele — Italian
Samvel — Armenian form
Sam — short form
Sammy — familiar form

Forms of Simon

Simeon — related biblical form
Simón — Spanish
Simone — Italian masculine form
Szymon — Polish
Shimon — Hebrew form
Si — short form

Forms of Stephen

Steven — English variant
Stefan — Germanic/Slavic form
Stefano — Italian
Esteban — Spanish
Étienne — French
Steve — short form

Forms of Thomas

Tomás — Spanish/Portuguese
Tomas — European spelling
Tomasz — Polish
Tommaso — Italian
Tom — short form
Tommy — familiar form

Forms of Timothy

Timotheus — Greek/Latin form
Timothée — French
Timoteo — Italian/Spanish
Timofey — Russian
Tim — short form

Bible-Inspired Girl Name Variants

Forms of Abigail

Abigale — spelling variant
Abigayle — spelling variant
Abby — familiar form
Abbey — familiar spelling
Abbie — familiar form
Gail — traditional short form

Forms of Anna and Hannah

Ana — international form
Anne — French/English form
Ann — English form
Annie — familiar form
Hanna — spelling variant
Hana — international form
Anya — related Slavic form
Anika — diminutive/related form in several traditions

Forms of Deborah

Debra — modern English form
Debbie — familiar form
Deb — short form
Devorah — Hebrew form

Forms of Elizabeth

Elisabeth — international spelling
Elisabet — Scandinavian form
Elisabetta — Italian
Isabel — historical form
Isabella — expanded form
Isobel — Scottish form
Eliza — short form
Elise — French-derived form
Elsie — traditional short form
Beth — short form
Betsy — traditional familiar form
Betty — traditional familiar form
Liz — short form
Lizzie — familiar form
Liza — short form
Lilibet — traditional diminutive

Forms of Esther

Estera — European form
Ester — international form
Estée — modern French-associated form
Hester — traditional English form

Forms of Eve

Eva — international form
Evie — familiar form
Evelina — extended form traditionally associated with Eve
Eveline — related traditional form

Forms of Joanna

Johanna — international form
Joanne — English/French form
Joan — English form
Jane — traditional English development of John/Joanna family
Janet — diminutive
Jan — short form
Giovanna — Italian feminine form
Juana — Spanish feminine form

Forms of Judith

Judit — European form
Judy — familiar form
Judi — spelling variant
Judie — familiar form

Forms of Lydia

Lidia — international spelling
Lidija — Slavic form

Forms of Martha

Marta — international form
Marthe — French form
Marty — occasional familiar form

Forms of Mary and Miriam

Maria — international form
Marie — French form
María — Spanish form
Maryam — Semitic form
Mariam — traditional form
Miriam — biblical Hebrew form
Marielle — French-derived form
Marietta — diminutive
Marita — diminutive
Molly — traditional English form
Polly — traditional English form
Minnie — historical diminutive

Forms of Naomi

Noemi — Italian/Spanish form
Noémie — French form
Noemy — spelling variant

Forms of Phoebe

Phebe — historical spelling
Febe — international form

Forms of Priscilla

Prisca — New Testament form
Priscila — Spanish/Portuguese form
Priska — European form

Forms of Rachel

Rachael — spelling variant
Rachelle — French form
Raquel — Spanish/Portuguese
Rakel — Scandinavian form
Rachele — Italian

Forms of Rebekah

Rebecca — common English form
Rebeca — Spanish/Portuguese form
Rebecka — Scandinavian form
Rebekka — Germanic/Scandinavian form
Becca — familiar form
Becky — familiar form

Forms of Ruth

Ruthie — familiar form
Ruta — Baltic/international form

Forms of Sarah

Sara — international spelling
Sarai — biblical earlier name
Sára — European spelling
Sally — traditional diminutive
Sadie — traditional diminutive

Forms of Susanna

Susannah — English spelling
Suzanna — spelling variant
Suzanne — French form
Susan — English form
Susanne — European form
Suki — occasional modern diminutive
Zanna — short form

Forms of Tabitha

Tabatha — variant spelling
Tabby — familiar form

Biblical and Bible-Inspired Unisex Names

Some biblical names and biblical words have become genuinely unisex in modern naming.

Ariel

Meaning: Lion of God
Bible: Ezra 8:16; also used poetically of Jerusalem in Isaiah 29

Eden

Meaning: Delight
Bible: Genesis 2:8
Originally a biblical place name rather than a person's name.

Jordan

Meaning: Connected with the River Jordan; traditionally “to descend”
Bible: Joshua 3
A biblical place name widely used as a personal name.

Shiloh

Meaning: Debated
Bible: Genesis 49:10; Joshua 18:1
A significant biblical place and term.

Zion

Meaning: Meaning uncertain
Bible: 2 Samuel 5:7
Originally a place designation that became a rich biblical symbol.

Selah

Meaning: Uncertain
Bible: Especially Psalms
A musical or liturgical term rather than a biblical person's name.

Salem

Meaning: Peace
Bible: Genesis 14:18
The ancient place associated with Melchizedek.

Moriah

Meaning: Meaning uncertain
Bible: Genesis 22:2
A biblical place name now used personally.

Carmel

Meaning: Garden/orchard/vineyard
Bible: 1 Samuel 25:2; 1 Kings 18:19
Both a biblical place and personal name.

Galilee

Meaning: District/region
Bible: Matthew 2:22
A modern place-inspired choice.

Popular Biblical Baby Names

If you want a name that is immediately recognisable but still grounded in Scripture, consider:

Boys

Noah
Oliver isn't biblical — so don't assume every traditional name is.
Instead look at:

Noah
Jacob
Isaac
Elijah
Joshua
Samuel
Daniel
David
Joseph
Benjamin
Levi
Ezra
Asher
Caleb
Micah
Luke
Matthew
John
James
Thomas

Girls

Hannah
Sarah
Abigail
Rachel
Naomi
Esther
Elizabeth
Rebecca
Leah
Ruth
Eve
Lydia
Phoebe
Anna
Miriam
Martha
Mary
Joanna
Tabitha
Chloe

Modern Biblical Baby Names

One reason biblical names endure is that many don't feel old-fashioned at all.

Modern Biblical Boy Names

Ezra

Short, distinctive and increasingly familiar.

Asher

A warm contemporary sound paired with the positive meaning “happy” or “blessed”.

Levi

Compact, recognisable and easy to use internationally.

Micah

Soft in sound but rooted in the prophetic tradition.

Jude

Understated and simple.

Eli

Just three letters, with an unmistakable biblical connection.

Jonah

Gentle-sounding with one of Scripture's most memorable stories.

Silas

A New Testament missionary name with a polished modern feel.

Asa

Short, rare and attached to a king remembered for religious reform.

Boaz

Distinctive, biblical and connected with one of Scripture's most admired stories of loyalty and integrity.

Modern Biblical Girl Names

Eden

Simple, natural and immediately biblical.

Selah

A striking word from the Psalms that has increasingly been used as a girl's name.

Keziah

A fragrant biblical name that feels both ancient and contemporary.

Tirzah

Rare but accessible, with the attractive meaning “delight”.

Lydia

A traditional name that has never lost its freshness.

Phoebe

Bright and energetic, associated with a trusted woman in the early Church.

Naomi

Ancient, international and still very wearable.

Chloe

One of the most familiar New Testament names.

Eve

Simple, timeless and just three letters long.

Junia

Distinctive and firmly rooted in the New Testament.

Strong and Powerful Biblical Boy Names

If “strong” describes the kind of name you're looking for, consider:

Caleb — associated with wholehearted faithfulness
Joshua — the Lord saves
Gideon — Israel's judge and military leader
David — shepherd, warrior and king
Samson — remembered for extraordinary physical strength
Benaiah — one of David's mighty warriors
Othniel — Israel's first judge
Nehemiah — courageous rebuilder of Jerusalem's walls
Daniel — steadfast under pressure
Elijah — fearless prophet
Josiah — reforming king
Hezekiah — king who trusted God in crisis
Boaz — strength combined with generosity and integrity
Michael — the archangel whose name asks, “Who is like God?”
Uzziah — the Lord is my strength

Strong Biblical Girl Names

Strength in Scripture isn't always physical.

It appears as courage, wisdom, faithfulness, leadership, endurance and trust.

Consider:

Deborah — prophet and judge
Esther — queen who risked her life for her people
Jael — decisive figure in Judges
Abigail — courageous and wise peacemaker
Ruth — loyalty and faithfulness
Rahab — courageous outsider welcomed into Israel's story
Hannah — persistent prayer and trust
Miriam — prophet and leader
Phoebe — trusted servant/supporter of the early Church
Priscilla — teacher and ministry partner
Lydia — businesswoman and early European convert
Shiphrah — midwife who defied Pharaoh's murderous command
Puah — courageously protected Hebrew children
Tirzah — one of Zelophehad's daughters who sought justice for their inheritance

Rare and Unusual Biblical Boy Names

Want something well beyond Noah and Daniel?

Try:

Benaiah
Abner
Asahel
Azariah
Baruch
Bezalel
Elkanah
Gamaliel
Gedaliah
Hilkiah
Jabez
Jair
Jedidiah
Lemuel
Micaiah
Nahum
Obadiah
Othniel
Tobiah
Zadok
Zebadiah
Zephaniah
Zerah
Theophilus
Fortunatus

For even more, see our dedicated guide to Rare and Unique Biblical Boy Names.

Rare and Unusual Biblical Girl Names

Consider:

Achsah
Atarah
Hadassah
Hephzibah
Hoglah
Huldah
Jael
Jemima
Keturah
Keziah
Mahlah
Mehetabel
Milcah
Noadiah
Persis
Rhoda
Serah
Sherah
Shiphrah
Tirzah
Tryphena
Tryphosa
Zibiah
Zillah
Zipporah

Short Biblical Baby Names

Three- and Four-Letter Boy Names

Eli
Asa
Dan
Gad
Levi
Joel
John
Luke
Mark
Paul
Seth
Shem
Saul
Job
Jude
Amos
Ezra
Micah
Noah

Short Girl Names

Eve
Ruth
Leah
Anna
Mary
Mara
Adah
Jael
Julia
Chloe
Sarah
Tamar

Old Testament Baby Names

The Old Testament provides the majority of directly biblical personal names.

Popular choices include:

Adam
Noah
Abraham
Isaac
Jacob
Joseph
Moses
Aaron
Joshua
Caleb
Gideon
Samuel
David
Solomon
Elijah
Elisha
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Ezekiel
Daniel
Ezra
Nehemiah

For girls:

Eve
Sarah
Rebekah
Rachel
Leah
Miriam
Deborah
Hannah
Abigail
Ruth
Naomi
Esther
Tamar
Jael
Zipporah
Keturah
Keziah
Tirzah

New Testament Baby Names

New Testament Boys

Andrew
Bartholomew
James
John
Matthew
Peter
Philip
Simon
Thomas
Paul
Timothy
Titus
Luke
Mark
Silas
Stephen
Nathanael
Nicodemus
Lazarus
Theophilus

New Testament Girls

Anna
Elizabeth
Mary
Martha
Joanna
Susanna
Tabitha
Lydia
Phoebe
Priscilla
Junia
Chloe
Lois
Eunice
Damaris
Rhoda
Claudia
Julia
Persis

Biblical Names Connected With God

Many Hebrew names contain a shortened form of a Hebrew title or name for God.

Names Beginning or Ending in “El”

Daniel — God is my judge
Gabriel — God is my strength
Michael — Who is like God?
Elijah — The Lord is my God
Elisha — God is salvation
Eliezer — God is my help
Elihu — He is my God
Elkanah — God has acquired/created
Nathanael — God has given
Gamaliel — God is my reward
Ammiel — God is my kinsman/people

Names Referring to the Lord

Isaiah — the Lord is salvation
Joshua — the Lord saves
Jeremiah — the Lord exalts/appoints
Zechariah — the Lord remembers
Nehemiah — the Lord comforts
Obadiah — servant of the Lord
Zephaniah — the Lord protects/hides
Uriah — the Lord is my light
Uzziah — the Lord is my strength
Hezekiah — the Lord strengthens
Tobiah — the Lord is good
Hananiah — the Lord is gracious

Biblical Names Meaning Gift, Blessing or God's Provision

If the meaning matters especially to you, consider:

Matthew — gift of the Lord
Matthias — gift of the Lord
Mattaniah — gift of the Lord
Jonathan — the Lord has given
Nathanael — God has given
Zebadiah — the Lord has given
Zebedee — gift of the Lord
Asher — happy, blessed
Baruch — blessed
Zebidah — gift

Biblical Names Connected With Joy

Asher — happy, blessed
Abigail — my father's joy
Isaac — laughter
Festus — festive, joyful
Haggai — festive
Haggith — festive
Mehetabel — God makes happy/good

Biblical Names Connected With Peace

Solomon — peaceful
Salome — peace
Shelomith — peaceful
Absalom — father of peace
Salem — peace

Biblical Names Connected With Light

Uriah — the Lord is my light
Abner — father of light / my father is a lamp
Jair — he shines
Phoebe — bright, radiant
Zerah — rising/dawn

Biblical Names Connected With Strength

Meanings should never be stretched simply to fit a theme, but several biblical names have genuine connections with strength:

Gabriel — God is my strength
Uzziah — the Lord is my strength
Amaziah — the Lord is strong
Abihail — my father is strength
Ezekiel — God strengthens
Hezekiah — the Lord strengthens

Other names are connected with strong biblical characters rather than literally meaning “strong”, including:

Caleb
Joshua
Gideon
David
Daniel
Deborah
Esther
Jael
Ruth

Names of Biblical Prophets

For parents drawn to prophetic names:

Amos
Daniel
Elijah
Elisha
Ezekiel
Habakkuk
Haggai
Hosea
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Joel
Jonah
Malachi
Micah
Nahum
Obadiah
Samuel
Zechariah
Zephaniah

And among women:

Deborah — prophet
Huldah — prophet
Miriam — prophet
Anna — prophet

Biblical Kings and Leaders

Names connected with kingship and leadership include:

David
Solomon
Josiah
Hezekiah
Uzziah
Asa
Jehoshaphat
Jotham
Joash
Cyrus
Joshua
Caleb
Gideon
Nehemiah
Ezra

Not every biblical king was a good example.

That brings us to an important consideration.

Is Every Biblical Name a Good Christian Baby Name?

Not necessarily.

Something can be a biblical name simply because it appears in the Bible.

That doesn't automatically mean the person who carried it is presented positively.

Scripture includes:

• Heroes and villains
• Faithful people and deeply flawed people
• Kings who worshipped God and kings who rejected Him
• Disciples and opponents
• People whose lives changed dramatically

So before choosing an unfamiliar biblical name, read the person's story.

For example, names such as Ahab, Cain and Delilah genuinely belong to biblical characters, but their biblical associations are very different from names such as Ruth, Caleb or Samuel.

That doesn't mean Christians are forbidden from using a particular name.

It simply means the story is worth knowing.

A useful question isn't only:

“What does this name mean?”

Also ask:

“What will this name remind us of?”

What's the Difference Between a Biblical Name and a Christian Name?

The two overlap, but they aren't identical.

A biblical name is a name found in, derived from or strongly connected with Scripture.

A Christian name can be broader.

For example, a Christian family might choose:

• A biblical name
• The name of a historical Christian
• A virtue name such as Faith, Grace or Hope
• A name associated with a Christian family member
• A name whose meaning reflects something important to their faith

So every biblical baby name can reasonably be described as part of the Christian naming tradition, but not every Christian baby name has to appear in Scripture.

Are Virtue Names Biblical Names?

Names such as:

Faith
Grace
Hope
Joy
Charity

express strongly biblical ideas but are not generally the names of biblical characters.

We'd describe these as Christian or Bible-inspired names, rather than claiming they are names borne by people in Scripture.

Other Bible-inspired word names include:

Eden
Selah
Zion
Shiloh
Jordan
Salem
Moriah

Again, the distinction matters.

They're rooted in biblical language and places, but aren't all personal names in the original story.

How to Choose a Biblical Baby Name

With hundreds of possibilities, how do you narrow the list down?

1. Start With the Sound

You will say your child's name thousands of times.

Say the full name aloud.

Does it work naturally with the surname?

Try:

First name + surname

then:

First name + middle name + surname

And don't forget the initials.

2. Look at the Meaning

A beautiful meaning can make a name particularly special.

But don't choose a name purely because a website gives it an attractive translation.

Name meanings can be debated.

Use the meaning as one part of the story rather than treating it as a prophecy over your child's life.

3. Read the Biblical Story

This is perhaps the most important difference between choosing a biblical name and simply choosing an ancient one.

Read about the person.

What did they do?

What did they learn?

What part did they play in God's story?

4. Consider How Familiar You Want the Name to Be

Would you prefer something immediately recognisable?

Try:

Noah
Daniel
Samuel
Hannah
Sarah
Abigail

Want something familiar but less common?

Consider:

Ezra
Micah
Asher
Silas
Lydia
Phoebe
Naomi

Want something genuinely distinctive?

Look at:

Benaiah
Othniel
Zadok
Tobiah
Tirzah
Keziah
Achsah
Keturah

5. Think About Nicknames

Some biblical names naturally shorten:

Benjamin → Ben
Samuel → Sam
Matthew → Matt
Jonathan → Jon
Elizabeth → Beth, Eliza or Lizzie
Abigail → Abby

Decide whether you like both the full form and the nickname.

6. Think Beyond the Baby Years

Imagine the name belonging to:

a baby,

a teenager,

an adult,

and an older person.

A name has to travel a long way through life.

Biblical Baby Name FAQs

What Are the Most Popular Biblical Baby Names?

Long-standing favourites include names such as Noah, Elijah, Jacob, Isaac, Samuel, Daniel, Benjamin, Hannah, Abigail, Sarah and Elizabeth.

Popularity changes over time and varies between countries, so parents who care about current rankings should check the latest official baby-name statistics.

What Are Some Modern Biblical Boy Names?

Strong contemporary choices include:

Ezra
Levi
Asher
Micah
Jude
Eli
Silas
Jonah
Asa
Boaz

What Are Some Modern Biblical Girl Names?

Consider:

Eden
Selah
Keziah
Phoebe
Lydia
Naomi
Chloe
Junia
Eve
Tirzah

What Are Some Rare Biblical Names?

For boys:

Benaiah
Othniel
Zadok
Elkanah
Micaiah
Tobiah

For girls:

Achsah
Tirzah
Keziah
Keturah
Shiphrah
Atarah

Which Biblical Boy Name Means “Gift of God”?

Matthew and Matthias both come from a Hebrew name meaning gift of the Lord.

Nathanael means God has given.

What Biblical Name Means “God Is My Strength”?

Gabriel is traditionally understood as God is my strength or mighty man of God.

Uzziah means the Lord is my strength.

Which Biblical Names Mean “God Has Heard”?

Names with that idea include Elishama, while Ishmael means “God hears”.

Samuel is traditionally interpreted as “God has heard”, although its precise etymology is debated.

What Biblical Girl Name Means Grace?

Hannah means grace or favour.

Anna is the Greek New Testament form related to Hannah.

What Biblical Girl Name Means Princess?

Sarah means princess.

Her earlier name, Sarai, means “my princess”.

What Biblical Name Means Peace?

Solomon is connected with the Hebrew word for peace.

Salome and Salem are also connected with peace.

What Biblical Name Means Joy?

Abigail means “my father's joy”.

Asher means happy or blessed.

Isaac's name is connected with laughter.

Are All Hebrew Names Biblical?

No.

Hebrew is a living language with thousands of names that do not appear in Scripture.

Similarly, a name can have a Hebrew origin without being the name of a biblical character.

Are All Names in the Bible Hebrew?

No.

The Bible reflects many languages and cultures.

Old Testament names are predominantly Hebrew or other ancient Near Eastern names.

The New Testament includes Greek, Latin, Aramaic and Hebrew-derived names.

Names such as Andrew, Philip, Lydia and Phoebe are Greek.

Paul, Claudia and Rufus are Latin.

Is Eden a Biblical Baby Name?

Eden is certainly a Bible-derived name.

In Genesis, Eden is the location of the garden rather than a person's name.

It has since become a popular personal name.

Is Selah a Biblical Name?

Selah appears repeatedly in Psalms and also in Habakkuk.

Its precise meaning is uncertain. It may have functioned as a musical or liturgical instruction.

It was not originally the name of a biblical woman, so it's best described as a Bible-inspired word name.

Is Shiloh a Biblical Name?

Shiloh is certainly biblical, though its use is complicated.

It appears as a significant place name in the Old Testament and also in the difficult-to-translate passage of Genesis 49:10.

Today it is widely used as a personal name.

More Biblical Boy Names

If you're specifically looking for a son's name, our dedicated Biblical Boy Names and Meanings guide goes deeper into the strongest classic and contemporary choices.

And if you want something much less common, explore our guide to Rare and Unique Biblical Boy Names.

More Biblical Girl Names

For a more focused shortlist, visit our complete Biblical Girl Names and Meanings guide.

You can also explore Rare and Unique Biblical Girl Names if you're looking beyond familiar names such as Hannah, Sarah and Abigail.

More Than a Name

Names matter throughout Scripture.

Sometimes a name remembers something God has done.

Sometimes it expresses a parent's hope.

Sometimes God gives someone a new name as their story enters a new chapter.

Abram becomes Abraham.

Sarai becomes Sarah.

Jacob becomes Israel.

Simon becomes Peter.

But the Bible also reminds us that a name is not a destiny.

A child named after a great biblical hero still has their own story to live.

And a name doesn't have to be unusual, complicated or overtly religious to be meaningful.

The best biblical baby name is not necessarily the rarest one.

It isn't necessarily the most fashionable one either.

It is a name that your family can give with love, knowing the meaning and the story it carries.

So take your time.

Say the names aloud.

Read the stories behind them.

Shortlist the ones you keep returning to.

And perhaps one of these ancient names will become part of a brand-new story in your family.

If you aren’t sure which Bible to get, there are a few ways we can help.

1. Try the Bible Finder: We’ve put together a simple way to filter down to the perfect Bible for you. Just choose a translation, pick the features you want and select a comfortable text size. You can try the Bible Finder here.
2. Read more from the Blog: We are always adding new guides, insights and articles that explore ways of understanding the different Bibles available today, as well as how to make your decision. Read our Bible posts today
3. Read our Book: Over the years, we’ve explored hundreds of topics and questions about knowing which Bible to get. We’ve compiled all that information into an easy-to-read eBook that is completely free to download. Download our book “How to Choose Your Bible” today.