125 Divinely Inspired Biblical Baby Names With Meanings

Delving into the realm of baby names, one finds an abundance of meaning in the ancient texts of the Bible. It is a timeless source that parents have turned to for inspiration over countless generations. 

The allure of biblical names comes not just from their enduring nature but also from the profound narratives each one carries.

For parents seeking a connection to spiritual roots and cultural heritage, the timeless quality of these names makes them as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago.

Incorporating a biblical name can be a nod to family traditions, an expression of faith, or simply an appreciation for classic names that have withstood the test of time. 

Why Choose Biblical Names?

Biblical names carry a weight of history and spirituality. Parents often look to biblical names to honor their faith and pass on a legacy of religious heritage to the next generation. 

Beyond their deep spiritual significance, these names also symbolize virtues, stories of strength, trials, triumphs, and the enduring human spirit. 

Biblical names are a popular choice for those seeking to ingrain their child's identity with meaning and purpose.

For many, choosing a biblical name is not merely a trend, but an expression of enduring values and an intimate act of worship.

24 Biblical Girl Names

Abigail: of Hebrew origin, meaning “my father's joy.” She is celebrated in the Bible for her wisdom and virtuous character.

Anna: meaning “grace” or “favor,” Anna is a prophetess mentioned in the Gospel of Luke.

Chloe: mentioned in the New Testament, meaning “green shoot” or “blooming.”

Deborah: a prominent figure in the Book of Judges, meaning “bee” or “to speak kind words.”

Delilah: a biblical figure known for her role in the story of Samson and Delilah. Her name, meaning “delicate.”

Elizabeth: meaning “God is my oath” or “pledged to God,” is a significant biblical name borne by the mother of John the Baptist.

Esther: a Jewish queen in Persia, Esther meaning “star” or “hidden.”

Eve: the first woman in the biblical narrative, meaning “living” or “life-giving.”

Faith: a virtue name representing trust and belief, is a concept deeply rooted in biblical teachings.

Gabriela: a feminine form of Gabriel, meaning “God is my strength” or “God is my hero.”

Hannah: meaning “grace” or “favor,” Hannah's biblical story is told in the first book of Samuel.

Joanna: mentioned in the New Testament, meaning “Yahweh is gracious” or “gift of God.”

Judith: a biblical heroine, the name means “woman of Judea” or “Jewish woman.”

Leah: one of Jacob’s wives and a lovely name meaning “weary.”

Martha: mentioned in the New Testament, meaning “lady” or “mistress.”

Mary: one of the most significant names in the Bible, meaning “bitter” or “beloved.”

Naomi: meaning “pleasant” or “sweetness,” is a central character in the Book of Ruth.

Phoebe: mentioned in the New Testament, meaning “bright” or “radiant.”

Rachel: meaning “ewe” or “innocence,” was one of the wives of Jacob.

Rebecca: a significant figure in the Old Testament, meaning “to tie” or “to bind.”

Ruth: meaning “compassionate friend” or “companion,” is a central figure in the Book of Ruth.

Sarah: meaning “princess” or “noblewoman,” is a foundational figure as Abraham’s wife and mother of Isaac.

Susanna: mentioned in the Book of Daniel as a woman falsely accused and vindicated through the intervention of Daniel. The name means “lily” or “rose.”

Tamara: mentioned in the Old Testament, meaning “palm tree” or “date palm.”

42 Biblical Boy Names

Aaron: the brother of Moses, is a key figure in the Old Testament and the first high priest of Israel. The name means “bearer of light” or “exalted.”

Abraham: a central figure in the Old Testament and the patriarch of the Israelites, meaning “father of a multitude” or “father of many nations.”

Adam: meaning “man” or “earth,” is the first human created by God in the biblical narrative.

Andrew: of Greek origin, Andrew is one of the twelve apostles and means “manly” or “brave.”

Asher: meaning “happy” or “blessed,” is one of the twelve sons of Jacob.

Benjamin: meaning “son of the right hand,” Benjamin is the youngest son of Jacob and is associated with the tribe of Benjamin in the Old Testament.

Caleb: mentioned in the Old Testament, meaning “faithful” or “devotion.”

Daniel: meaning “God is my judge,” is a prominent figure in the Bible known for his wisdom and courage.

David: one of the most prominent figures in the Bible, known as King David, meaning “beloved” or “darling.”

Elijah: meaning “my God is Yahweh,” was a prophet in the Old Testament known for his powerful miracles and confrontations with false prophets.

Eli: Eli, a high priest and judge in the Old Testament, meaning “ascension” or “my God.”

Ethan: with Hebrew roots meaning “strong,” Ethan is credited with wise sayings.

Gabriel: meaning “God is my strength” or “God is my hero,” is an archangel who plays a crucial role in delivering divine messages throughout the Bible.

Isaac: meaning “laughter” or “he will laugh,” is a pivotal figure in the Old Testament, symbolizing the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and Sarah.

Isaiah: a major prophet in the Old Testament, meaning “Yahweh is salvation” or “salvation of Yahweh.”

Jacob: meaning “supplanter” or “holder of the heel,” and known for his transformation into Israel.

James: The name James belongs to several figures in the New Testament and means “supplanter.”

Jared: mentioned in the genealogies of the Old Testament, meaning “descent” or “to descend.”

Jeremiah: Jeremiah, also known as Jehoram, meaning “Yahweh exalts” or “exalted by Yahweh.”

Jeremy: means “God's exaltation” or “exalted by God.”

John: a name borne by several figures in the Bible, meaning “Yahweh is gracious.”

Jonathan: meaning “gift of Jehovah” or “Yahweh has given,” is celebrated in the Bible for his deep friendship with David.

Joseph: a central figure in the Old Testament, meaning “may he add” or “increase.”

Joshua: a prominent figure in the Old Testament, meaning “Yahweh is salvation” or “Yahweh saves.”

Levi: meaning “attached” or “joined,” is one of the twelve sons of Jacob and is associated with the priestly tribe of Levi in the Old Testament.

Luke: from Latin origin, a name associated with the Gospel writer and companion of Paul, meaning “from Lucania” or “light-giving.”

Mark: associated with the Gospel writer and companion of Peter, meaning “polite” or “shining.”

Matthew: of German origin, Matthew is one of the twelve apostles and the author of the Gospel of Matthew. The name means “gift of God.”

Micah: a prophet in the Old Testament, meaning “who is like Yahweh” or “who is like God.”

Michael: meaning “who is like God,” is an archangel mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the book of Daniel and the book of Revelation.

Nathan/Nathanael: a prophet in the Old Testament, meaning “given” or “gift of God.”

Noah: From the book of Genesis, Noah is associated with the biblical character who built the ark to save humanity and animals from the Great Flood. The name means “rest” or “repose.”

Paul: originally known as Saul, is a central figure in the New Testament. The name means “small” or “humble.”

Peter: originally known as Simon, was a prominent disciple of Jesus and a leader in the early Christian community. The name means “rock” or “stone.”

Philip: mentioned in the New Testament, meaning “lover of horses” or “fond of horses.”

Reuben: one of the twelve sons of Jacob, meaning “behold, a son” or “vision of a son.”

Samuel: a significant figure in the Old Testament, meaning “heard by God” or “name of God.”

Seth: mentioned in the Old Testament, meaning “appointed” or “substitute.”

Thomas: one of the apostles known for doubting Jesus' resurrection, meaning “twin” or “double.”

Timothy: a companion of Paul and a young leader in the early Christian community, meaning “honoring God” or “honored by God.”

Tobias: known for his piety and acts of kindness in the Old Testament, meaning “Yahweh is good” or “God is good.

Zachariah or Zachary: meaning “Yahweh remembers” or “remembered by God,” Zachariah was a priest and the father of John the Baptist.

12 Biblical Names From Places

Abilene: a geographical region mentioned in the New Testament, known for its pastoral beauty.

Bethany: a village near Jerusalem, meaning “house of figs” or “house of misery.”

Canaan: mentioned in the Old Testament, meaning “lowland” or “submissive.”

Eden: a beautiful biblical name and a geographical location in the Bible, meaning “delight” or “paradise.”

Ivah: a city associated with idolatry. The name's meaning is not explicitly defined, but its biblical context may be connected to themes of spiritual challenges and moral choices.

Jordan: the Jordan River holds significance in biblical events, meaning “descender” or “flowing down.”

Lydia: a Greek name mentioned in the New Testament, meaning “woman from Lydia” or “noble one.”

Magdalene: associated with Mary Magdalene in the New Testament, meaning “from Magdala” or “tower.”

Persis: mentioned in the New Testament, meaning “Persian woman” or “from Persia.”

Sharon: a geographical region in the Bible, meaning “a plain” or “a place of rest.”

Shiloh: a biblical place name associated with peace and tranquility.

Zion: mentioned in the Old Testament, meaning “sunny” or “parched place.”

47 Unique Biblical Baby Names

Abel: the son of Adam and Eve, means “breath” or “vanity.”

Adah/Ada: the name of two women in the Bible, meaning “adornment” or “ornament.”

Adriel: mentioned in the Old Testament, meaning “flock of God” or “follower of God.”

Bartholomew: mentioned in the New Testament, meaning “son of Talmai” or “son of the furrows.”.

Bela: the name of one of Esau's grandsons, meaning “destruction” or “devouring.”

Boaz: a key figure in the Book of Ruth, meaning “strength” or “swiftness.”

Cain: a figure in the Old Testament, meaning “acquired” or “possession.”

Claudia: mentioned in the New Testament, meaning “lame” or “limping.”

Cornelius: a significant figure in Acts 10, where his conversion to Christianity by the apostle Peter marks a pivotal moment in early Christian history. The name means “horn” or “warrior.”

Dareios/Darius: King Darius is featured in the Book of Daniel. The name means “possessor” or “upholder.”

Demetrius: referenced in the Book of Acts for his opposition to Paul's preaching in Ephesus, meaning “devoted to Demeter” or “follower of Demeter.”

Drusilla: mentioned in the New Testament, meaning “fruitful” or “dewy-eyed.”

Edna: mentioned in the Old Testament, meaning “pleasure” or “rejuvenation.” The name carries positive connotations, aligning with biblical themes of joy and renewal.

Eliana: derived from the Hebrew name “Eliyahu,” meaning “My God has answered.”

Elon: recognized as a judge of Israel and is noted for his role in delivering the people from oppression, meaning “oak” or “terebinth tree.”

Emmanuel: a significant prophetic title and is explicitly associated with the birth of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. The name means “God is with us.”

Esther: from the biblical book Esther, where she becomes Queen Esther, meaning “hide.”

Ezekiel: a biblical prophet known for his visions and messages of restoration and hope. The name means “God strengthens” or “Yahweh is my strength.

Ezra: a scribe and priest who played a key role in restoring Israel after the Babylonian exile. Ezra means “help” or “helper.”

Genesis: though not a personal name in the Bible, it is the title of the first book in the Old Testament. It means “origin” or “birth.’

Gideon: a judge and military leader in the Old Testament, meaning “hewer” or “mighty warrior.”

Hiram: played a crucial role in the construction of Solomon's Temple. The name means “exalted brother” or “brother of the lofty one.”

Ira: mentioned in the Old Testament, meaning “watchful” or “city watchman.”

Jada: mentioned in the Old Testament, meaning “wise” or “he knows.”

Jethro: Jethro, also known as Reuel, was Moses's father-in-law. The name means “excellence” or “abundance.”

Jezebel: a notorious biblical figure known for her wickedness and opposition to the prophet Elijah, meaning “to exalt,” or “to dwell.”

Jonah/Jonas: meaning “dove” or “peaceful,” he is a prophet known for his reluctance, divine intervention, and his mission to Nineveh.

Judah, Judas, or Jude: associated with the tribe of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, meaning “praised” or “thanks.”

Josiah: meaning “Yahweh supports” or “Yahweh heals,” was a righteous king of Judah in the Old Testament.

Keturah: Keturah, the second wife of Abraham in the Old Testament, means “incense” or “fragrance.” The name symbolizes pleasantness and may reflect the biblical character's qualities.

Lazarus: known for being raised from the dead by Jesus and means “God is my helper” or “whom God has helped.”

Malachi: in the last book of the Old Testament, and means “my messenger” or “messenger of God.”

Mara: meaning “bitter” or “sorrow,” is mentioned in the Book of Ruth.

Miriam: the sister of Moses and Aaron who played a significant role in the Exodus story. The name means “beloved” or “drop of the sea.”

Moses: led the Israelites out of Egypt and received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. The name means “drawn out” or “son.”

Omar: mentioned in the genealogies of the Old Testament, the name means “eloquent” or “fluent speaker.”

Rufus: a Latin name mentioned in the New Testament, particularly in the context of Simon of Cyrene, who carried the cross for Jesus. The name means “red-haired” or “red complexion.”

Samson: a classic Old Testament name that means “sun” or “brightness.” Samson was a judge of Israel known for his extraordinary strength and leadership.

Sapphira: Sapphira, mentioned in the New Testament, means “sapphire” or “beautiful.”

Saul: the first king of Israel and means “asked for” or “prayed for.”

Silas: known for his companionship with Paul and involvement in early Christian missions. Silas means “forest” or woods.”

Simon: is a common name among the apostles, meaning “hearing” or “listening.”

Solomon: the son of David and Bathsheba, was a renowned king known for his wisdom. The name means “peace” or “peaceful.”

Stephen: one of the first deacons in the early Christian community and the first Christian martyr. The name means “crown” or “garland.”

Tabitha: Tabitha, also known as Dorcas, was a charitable woman in the early Christian community. The name means “gazelle” or “deer.”

Thaddeus: one of the apostles, the name means “courageous heart” or “heartfelt.”

Thaddeus: Thaddeus, mentioned in the New Testament, means “courageous heart” or “heartfelt.” Thaddeus was one of the apostles who symbolized devotion and inner strength.

Rooted in Faith: Concluding the Exploration of Old and New Testament Names

Exploring biblical baby names is a fascinating journey through the rich tapestry of Old and New Testament narratives. From the timeless elegance of Old Testament names to the profound significance of New Testament names associated with the life and teachings of Jesus Christ; each name carries a unique story. 

As parents consider naming their children, the Bible provides a timeless source of divine inspiration, offering not only unique baby names but also a profound connection to the spiritual heritage of the Judeo-Christian tradition. 

This article was originally published and syndicated by Motherhood Truth.