Biblical Baby Names & Their Meanings: A Complete Guide

Biblical names have endured for millennia, carrying profound spiritual significance, beautiful meanings, and rich historical context. Whether you're seeking a name rooted in faith or simply drawn to these timeless choices, biblical names offer wisdom, strength, and beauty.

Popular Biblical Girl Names

Classic Favorites

• Abigail - Hebrew: "Father's joy" or "source of joy"
  Biblical context: Intelligent and beautiful wife of King David, known for her wisdom.
• Hannah - Hebrew: "Grace" or "favor"
  Biblical context: Mother of Samuel, known for her faithful prayers.
• Sarah - Hebrew: "Princess" or "noblewoman"
  Biblical context: Wife of Abraham, matriarch of Israel.
• Elizabeth - Hebrew: "God is my oath"
  Biblical context: Mother of John the Baptist, known for her faith.
• Rachel - Hebrew: "Ewe" (gentle, innocent)
  Biblical context: Beloved wife of Jacob, mother of Joseph.
• Rebecca/Rebekah - Hebrew: "To bind" or "to tie"
  Biblical context: Wife of Isaac, known for her kindness and decisiveness.
• Mary - Hebrew: "Beloved" or "wished-for child"
  Biblical context: Mother of Jesus, symbol of devotion and faith.
• Ruth - Hebrew: "Companion" or "friend"
  Biblical context: Great-grandmother of King David, known for loyalty.

Unique Biblical Girl Names

• Lydia - Greek: "From Lydia" (region in Asia Minor)
  Biblical context: Successful businesswoman and early Christian convert.
• Naomi - Hebrew: "Pleasantness"
  Biblical context: Mother-in-law of Ruth, showing resilience through hardship.
• Phoebe - Greek: "Bright" or "radiant"
  Biblical context: Deaconess in early church, helper to Paul.
• Deborah - Hebrew: "Bee"
  Biblical context: Prophetess and judge who led Israel to victory.
• Esther - Persian: "Star"
  Biblical context: Jewish queen who saved her people from destruction.
• Leah - Hebrew: "Weary" or "delicate"
  Biblical context: Wife of Jacob, mother of six tribes of Israel.
• Miriam - Hebrew: "Wished-for child" or "rebellious"
  Biblical context: Sister of Moses, prophetess and leader.
• Tabitha - Aramaic: "Gazelle"
  Biblical context: Known for acts of charity and kindness.

Popular Biblical Boy Names

Timeless Classics

• Noah - Hebrew: "Rest" or "comfort"
  Biblical context: Built the ark, saved humanity from the flood.
• Elijah - Hebrew: "My God is Yahweh"
  Biblical context: Powerful prophet known for miracles and faithfulness.
• Benjamin - Hebrew: "Son of the right hand"
  Biblical context: Youngest son of Jacob, beloved by his father.
• Samuel - Hebrew: "God has heard"
  Biblical context: Prophet who anointed Israel's first kings.
• David - Hebrew: "Beloved"
  Biblical context: Shepherd boy who became Israel's greatest king.
• Daniel - Hebrew: "God is my judge"
  Biblical context: Prophet known for wisdom and integrity.
• Matthew - Hebrew: "Gift of God"
  Biblical context: Tax collector who became an apostle and gospel writer.
• Joshua - Hebrew: "The Lord is salvation"
  Biblical context: Succeeded Moses, led Israel into the Promised Land.

Strong and Unique

• Ezra - Hebrew: "Help"
  Biblical context: Priest and scribe who led religious reforms.
• Caleb - Hebrew: "Faithful" or "wholehearted"
  Biblical context: Spy who trusted God's promises.
• Asher - Hebrew: "Happy" or "blessed"
  Biblical context: Son of Jacob, founder of one of the twelve tribes.
• Malachi - Hebrew: "My messenger"
  Biblical context: Last prophet of the Old Testament.
• Silas - Greek/Latin: "Forest" or "woods"
  Biblical context: Companion of Paul, early Christian leader.
• Jonah - Hebrew: "Dove"
  Biblical context: Prophet known for the story of the whale.
• Micah - Hebrew: "Who is like God?"
  Biblical context: Prophet who spoke of justice and humility.
• Levi - Hebrew: "Joined" or "attached"
  Biblical context: Son of Jacob, ancestor of the priestly tribe.

Names of Spiritual Virtues

Many biblical names embody spiritual qualities and virtues:

For Girls

• Faith - Trust and belief in God
• Grace - Divine favor and elegance
• Hope - Expectation and trust in God's promises
• Joy - Spiritual happiness and delight
• Mercy - Compassion and forgiveness
• Charity - Love and generosity

For Boys

• Emmanuel - "God is with us"
• Jude - "Praised"
• Solomon - "Peace"
• Isaac - "He will laugh/rejoice"
• Abel - "Breath" or "vapor"

Lesser-Known Biblical Gems

Girls

• Zipporah - "Bird" (wife of Moses)
• Keturah - "Incense" (wife of Abraham)
• Priscilla - "Ancient" (early Christian teacher)
• Damaris - "Gentle" (Athenian convert)
• Jedidah - "Beloved of the Lord"

Boys

• Boaz - "Swiftness" or "strength"
• Thaddeus - "Courageous heart"
• Barnabas - "Son of encouragement"
• Hosea - "Salvation"
• Amos - "Burden bearer"

Why Choose a Biblical Name?

1. Timeless Appeal

Biblical names have been used for thousands of years and never go out of style. They transcend cultural and generational trends.

2. Deep Meaning

Every biblical name carries significance—whether it's a virtue, a promise, or a character trait. These meanings can inspire and guide your child.

3. Rich Stories

Each name comes with a story from scripture, providing opportunities to share values and lessons with your child as they grow.

4. Cultural Recognition

Biblical names are recognized across many cultures and countries, making them both meaningful and practical choices.

5. Spiritual Connection

For families of faith, biblical names can represent a connection to religious tradition and spiritual heritage.

Tips for Choosing a Biblical Name

Research the Full Story

Don't just look at the meaning—read the biblical account of the person who bore the name. Understanding their character and story adds depth to your choice.

Consider Modern Usage

Some biblical names work beautifully in modern contexts (Noah, Hannah), while others might feel unusual (Nebuchadnezzar, Jehoshaphat). Think about how the name will serve your child today.

Think About Nicknames

Biblical names often have natural nicknames: Benjamin → Ben, Elizabeth → Lizzie/Beth, Nathaniel → Nate. Consider what shortened versions might emerge.

Pronunciation Matters

Some biblical names have multiple pronunciations or can be challenging. Choose a version that feels comfortable and clear in your cultural context.

Pairing Biblical Names

Biblical names pair beautifully with each other or with more modern names:

• Biblical first + family middle: Noah James, Sarah Rose
• Two biblical names: David Jonathan, Ruth Esther
• Biblical middle + modern first: Emma Grace, Oliver Elijah
• Complementary meanings: Faith Hope, Noah Caleb (rest and faithful)

The Lasting Impact of Biblical Names

Choosing a biblical name is more than selecting a label—it's giving your child a piece of history, a meaningful story, and potentially a spiritual compass. These names have stood the test of time for good reason: they embody timeless values, beautiful meanings, and profound significance.

Whether you choose a popular biblical name like Noah or Sarah, or opt for something more unique like Micah or Lydia, you're giving your child a name with depth, history, and enduring beauty.