Biblical Name Ideas for Your Baby
Biblical baby names are some of the most enduring of all time. From the names of ordinary people to those of prophets and kings, the Bible can be a great source of inspiration. Many of the biblical boy names and girl names you'll find represent strength and virtue. This could make a biblical name a great fit for your baby.
If you've already pored over other baby name lists, like our unique baby names for boys and girls, and still haven't found the name you're looking for, explore some of the biblical names on our list. Many of these names are time-tested classics that have been loved for generations. If you find a name you’d like to know more about, simply click on it to reveal more about its unique history and legacy.
Biblical Boy Names
Abel: Abel is a relatively rare name that means “breath” in Hebrew and calls to mind your little one’s first breaths. Reminiscent of the word “able,” Abel also conjures images of strength, reliability, competence, and readiness.
Abraham: This ancient name has had a long run of popularity throughout history. Abraham, originally Abram, means “father of multitudes” in Hebrew. The name gets its connotation of strength and leadership from its Old Testament namesake and from the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. Popular nicknames for Abraham include Abram, Abe, and Bram.
Benjamin: If a timeless name is what you’re looking for, Benjamin may already be on your radar. From the Hebrew word meaning “son of the right hand,” this name can be found in the Old Testament. Other famous people with this name include Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s founding fathers, and actors Ben Affleck and Ben Stiller. If you love the name but are interested in a shorter version, Ben, Benny, and Benji are a few great choices.
Elijah: This Hebrew name has a lovely musical quality to it, thanks to that long, lilting second syllable. Even though Elijah is an ancient name going back to the Old Testament prophet, it still feels fresh and youthful. It is often considered a natural, wholesome-sounding name with that sought-after contemporary edge. As if all that weren’t enough, the name Elijah crops up in Christian, Jewish, and Muslim texts, giving it a more universal appeal. It also shortens to the irresistible Eli.
Elon: Meaning “oak tree” in Hebrew, this uncommon name is a unique variation on the more common names Ethan and Ian. Elon, one of the earliest judges of Israel some 3,000 years ago, is remembered today for his conviction and wisdom. Tesla founder Elon Musk and North Carolina’s Elon University are famous namesakes.
Gabriel: Gabriel, which means “God is my strength” in Hebrew, appears in Christian, Jewish, and Muslim holy books. In both the Old and New Testaments, Gabriel serves as God’s messenger. This popular boy’s name is often shortened to Gabe. Notable Gabriels include novelist Gabriel García Márquez and actor Gabriel Byrne.
Isaac: This name has quite a joyous meaning. In Hebrew, the name means “laugh” and “rejoice.” And, if you like science or mathematics, what better namesake than revolutionary scientist Sir Isaac Newton himself! Some Isaacs go by Ike or Zac for short, or even Izzy, if the mood strikes.
Moses: The name Moses conveys the strength of the biblical leader and prophet who led the Jewish people out of Egypt. Meaning “drawn from the water” in Hebrew, the name also has Egyptian origins. For short, try Moe or Mose.
Peter: From the Greek word meaning “rock,” Peter is a classic English name that’s been popular for generations. There are many international variations of this timeless name, including Pierce, which is popular in the United Kingdom, and Pedro and Pierre, popular in Spanish- and French-speaking countries. The name conveys unwavering strength. It also appears frequently in literature, popping up in everything from Shakespeare to children’s stories like Peter Rabbit.
Samson: Samson’s biblical namesake was known for his incredible physical strength. The name means “sun” or “son” in Hebrew. Sam or Sammy make great nicknames for this familiar classic.
Saul: The name Saul comes from the Hebrew for “asked for” or “prayed for,” and its Latin version is Silas. Possibly derived from the Roman god of forests, Sylvanus, this name also means “of the forest” in Latin. It is also the name of the first king of Israel.
Seth: Seth, Hebrew for the “appointed one,” was the third son of Adam and Eve. This name was first used in England in the Middle Ages. It later became popular among the Puritans after the Protestant Reformation. In ancient Egypt, Seth was the god of the desert.
Simon: This classic name has both Greek and Hebrew origins. It means “the listener” or “he has heard.” There are a few interesting variants and nicknames for Simon, like Si and Sim. The name Simon has a large number of international variations ranging from the Bulgarian Simeon to the Finnish Simo.
Zacharias: The more modern Zachary has become popular recently, but Zacharias has strong biblical roots. It means “God remembered” in Hebrew. The name Zacharias comes with a variety of options for spellings and nicknames, such as Zac, Zack, Zach, and even Zeke.
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Biblical Girl Names
Abigail: This classically stylish name has enjoyed major staying power. It’s particularly popular in English-speaking countries and in Europe, where spellings tend to vary. Derived from Hebrew, Abigail means “the father’s joy,” which is sure to appeal to many dads-to-be out there. Charming nicknames include Abby and Gail—a pair of sweet options for your little Abigail.
Ada: Derived from the German for “noble” or “nobility,” Ada is also one of the first female names to pop up in the Bible. There are a variety of international alternatives to Ada, including Adele, Adela, and even Adelaide.
Anna: Meaning “grace” in Hebrew, the name Anna is a derivative of Hannah. There are many varieties of Anna to choose from, including Ann, Anne, Ana, or even Annie. This classic name is short and sweet, and it enjoys superstar status as a favorite in both Europe and the United States.
Chloe: Looking for a name that sounds like springtime? You’re in luck. This exquisite name evokes blossoms and new life. In ancient Greek, it means “young green shoot,” and it is used as another name for the Greek goddess of the harvest and fertility, Demeter. In the New Testament, Chloe is mentioned in 1 Corinthians.
Delilah: This name means “delicate” in Hebrew. It can also be shortened to the fresh and whimsical Lila. In the Old Testament, Delilah was the lover of the great Samson. Today, this recognizable name is popular due to its connotation of female strength.
Esther: The name Esther comes from the biblical story of an ordinary girl who became queen of Persia and, ultimately, saved her people. Risking her own life, Esther helped save the Jews from persecution, leaving a legacy of strength and fortitude. The name is thought to mean “star” in Persian. Some charming nickname options include Essie, Ettie, and Estée.
Hannah: Hannah is a version of the name Anna, which means “grace” in Hebrew. This is a timeless name with global appeal—it's known and loved from Europe to Asia, as well as in Middle Eastern cultures.
Mary: The familiar name Mary is actually the English version of the Latin Maria and the Hebrew Myriam. The name has a long and interesting history that goes back to Jesus’ mother Mary, Mary Magdalene, and other biblical Marys. The variations Maria and Maya may be slightly trendier, but Mary has enjoyed a solid run, making it the most-used female name in history. Impressive!
Naomi: This name has roots in both the Hebrew and Japanese cultures. Naomi comes from the Hebrew word for “pleasantness,” and its Japanese roots bring several other meanings to it, namely “straight” and “beautiful.” Some contemporary Naomis you may have heard of? Supermodel Naomi Campbell and actress Naomi Watts, of course.
Rachel: Meaning “ewe” in Hebrew, the name Rachel has been around for millennia. It calls to mind the beauty and gentleness of the biblical Rachel, the wife of Jacob and sister of Leah. For a lovely twist on this classic name, try its Spanish variant: Raquel.
Rebecca: This name means “servant of God” in Hebrew. In the Bible, Rebecca is the wife of Isaac and the mother of Esau and Jacob. The historical or biblical spelling is Rebekah. If you choose Rebecca for your little one, you can also use nicknames like Bec, Becky, or Becca.
Ruth: In the Old Testament, loyal Ruth was devoted to her mother-in-law, Naomi. The name, which means “compassionate friend” in Hebrew, enjoyed widespread popularity around the turn of the 20th century, and it could be set to make a comeback. Ruth is also a popular choice in Germany and Scandinavia, and many parents find the nickname Ruthie irresistible.
Tirzah: Meaning “delightful” in Hebrew, Tirzah doesn’t have any near-American equivalents, except possibly Theresa, which is itself derived from the Greek and Latin Thersa. Tirzah is mentioned in the Old Testament as one of the five daughters of Zelophehad.
Still need inspiration to find the best-fitting name for your baby? Have some fun with our Baby Name Generator. You can use a variety of filters to mix and match categories to find a name that suits not only your baby, but also you, your partner, and your family.
Do you have a biblical name in your family that you’re thinking of using? Learn more about the ins and outs of naming your child after a family member.
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