60 Biblical Baby Names with Meanings

Evidence-based, parent-tested. References guidelines from the AAP, CDC, and WHO.

Informational only, not medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician about your baby's specific needs.

Biblical names have endured for thousands of years, carrying deep spiritual significance and timeless elegance. Whether drawn from the Old Testament or the New Testament, these names connect children to stories of faith, courage, and devotion that have shaped Western civilization. Parents across cultures and denominations continue to choose biblical names for their powerful meanings and classic appeal. From the Hebrew roots of the Old Testament to the Greek and Aramaic influences of the New Testament, scripture offers a vast treasury of names that feel both ancient and fresh.

📌 Key Takeaway: Biblical baby names carry profound spiritual meanings rooted in thousands of years of tradition. Many remain among the most popular names worldwide, offering timeless appeal with deep significance. Names like Elijah, Naomi, and Gabriel consistently rank in top baby name lists year after year. Read our dedicated guides to top biblical names like the name Elijah, the name Noah, and the name Benjamin.

For more faith-inspired naming, explore our lists of baby names meaning hope and baby names meaning love.

Baby with a peaceful expression

Boy Names

Name	Meaning	Pronunciation
Aaron	High mountain; exalted	AIR-un
Abel	Breath; son	AY-bul
Abraham	Father of many nations	AY-bruh-ham
Asher	Happy; blessed	ASH-er
Benjamin	Son of the right hand	BEN-juh-min
Caleb	Faithful; whole-hearted	KAY-leb
Daniel	God is my judge	DAN-yul
David	Beloved	DAY-vid
Elijah	My God is Yahweh	eh-LYE-juh
Ephraim	Fruitful	EE-free-um
Ethan	Strong; firm	EE-thun
Ezra	Helper	EZ-ruh
Gabriel	God is my strength	GAY-bree-ul
Gideon	Mighty warrior; feller of trees	GID-ee-un
Isaac	He will laugh	EYE-zik
Isaiah	God is salvation	eye-ZAY-uh
Jacob	Supplanter; held by the heel	JAY-kub
Jeremiah	God will uplift	jair-uh-MY-uh
Jesse	Gift; wealthy	JEH-see
Joel	Yahweh is God	JOHL
Jonah	Dove	JOH-nuh
Joshua	God is salvation	JOSH-oo-uh
Josiah	God supports; God heals	joh-SYE-uh
Levi	Joined; attached	LEE-vye
Lucas	Light-giving	LOO-kus
Malachi	My messenger	MAL-uh-kye
Micah	Who is like God	MY-kuh
Nathan	He gave	NAY-thun
Noah	Rest; comfort	NOH-uh
Samuel	God has heard	SAM-yoo-ul
Seth	Appointed	SETH
Silas	Of the forest	SYE-lus
Solomon	Peaceful	SOL-uh-mun
Timothy	Honoring God	TIM-uh-thee
Tobias	God is good	toh-BYE-us

Girl Names

Name	Meaning	Pronunciation
Abigail	Father’s joy	AB-ih-gayl
Anna	Grace; favor	AN-uh
Bethany	House of figs	BETH-uh-nee
Chloe	Young green shoot	KLOH-ee
Damaris	Gentle; calf	DAM-uh-ris
Deborah	Bee; industrious	DEB-uh-ruh
Delilah	Delicate; languishing	deh-LYE-luh
Dinah	Judged; vindicated	DYE-nuh
Eden	Delight; paradise	EE-den
Elizabeth	God is my oath	eh-LIZ-uh-beth
Esther	Star; hidden	ES-ter
Eve	Life; living	EEV
Hannah	Grace; favor	HAN-uh
Joanna	God is gracious	joh-AN-uh
Judith	Woman of Judea; praised	JOO-dith
Leah	Weary; delicate	LEE-uh
Lydia	From Lydia; noble one	LID-ee-uh
Martha	Lady; mistress	MAR-thuh
Mary	Beloved; bitter	MAIR-ee
Miriam	Wished-for child; sea of bitterness	MEER-ee-um
Naomi	Pleasantness; delight	nay-OH-mee
Phoebe	Bright; radiant	FEE-bee
Rachel	Ewe; gentle	RAY-chul
Rebecca	To bind; captivating	reh-BEK-uh
Ruth	Friend; companion	ROOTH
Sarah	Princess	SAIR-uh
Selah	Pause; reflection	SEE-luh
Tabitha	Gazelle	TAB-ih-thuh
Tamar	Palm tree	TAY-mar
Zipporah	Bird	zih-POR-uh

Unisex Names

Several biblical names work beautifully for either boys or girls in modern usage:

Name	Meaning	Pronunciation
Eden	Delight; paradise	EE-den
Jordan	To flow down	JOR-dun
Micah	Who is like God	MY-kuh
Ariel	Lion of God	AIR-ee-ul
Shiloh	Peaceful; tranquil	SHY-loh

Naming Traditions in Biblical Culture

Biblical naming practices held extraordinary significance in ancient Hebrew culture. A name was not merely a label but a declaration of identity, destiny, and relationship with the divine. Parents often chose names based on the circumstances of a child’s birth, a prophetic vision, or a prayer answered. When Eve named her son Seth, it reflected her belief that God had granted her another child. When Hannah named her son Samuel, she proclaimed that God had heard her plea.

Name changes in the Bible often signaled a transformational moment in a person’s life. Abram became Abraham when God established a covenant with him, expanding his name to mean “father of many nations.” Jacob became Israel after wrestling with an angel, marking his new identity as one who had struggled with God and prevailed. These changes underscore how deeply names were intertwined with spiritual purpose.

The New Testament continued this tradition with names drawn from Greek and Aramaic as well as Hebrew. Names like Timothy, meaning “honoring God,” and Chloe, meaning “young green shoot,” reflect the early Christian community’s multicultural character. The apostle Paul himself underwent a name change from Saul, symbolizing his radical transformation on the road to Damascus.

Today, biblical names remain among the most popular choices for parents worldwide. Their enduring appeal lies in their combination of historical weight, spiritual depth, and phonetic beauty. Whether parents choose them for religious devotion or simply for their timeless sound, biblical names carry an unmistakable sense of gravitas and meaning that transcends any single era or culture.

💡 Tip: The most popular biblical baby names right now include Noah, Elijah, and Ethan for boys, and Naomi, Hannah, and Abigail for girls. If you want a biblical name that stands out, consider lesser-known gems like Asher, Selah, or Tobias. Use our Name Generator to find the perfect match, or check Name Trends to see how these names have ranked over the decades.

FAQ

Are biblical names only for religious families?

Not at all. While many families choose biblical names for their spiritual significance, these names have become mainstream choices appreciated for their timeless sound, strong meanings, and cultural familiarity. Names like Noah, Hannah, and Ethan are widely used by families of all backgrounds and beliefs. The historical depth of these names gives them a classic quality that transcends any single religious tradition.

What is the most popular biblical baby name?

As of recent years, Noah has consistently ranked as the most popular biblical boy name in the United States, while for girls, Abigail and Hannah remain perennial favorites. Elijah, Levi, and Asher have surged in popularity for boys, reflecting a trend toward Old Testament names with strong, distinctive sounds.

Can I use a biblical name with a modern middle name?

Absolutely. Pairing a biblical first name with a modern or trendy middle name is a popular approach that balances tradition with contemporary style. Combinations like Elijah James, Naomi Rose, or Asher Kai blend the gravitas of a scripture-inspired name with a fresh, current feel. This approach lets parents honor their heritage while giving their child a name that feels perfectly at home in the modern world.

References

Behind the Name (2026). “Biblical Names.” behindthename.com
Nameberry (2026). “Biblical Baby Names.” nameberry.com
Bible Gateway (2026). “Name Meanings in the Bible.” biblegateway.com
Social Security Administration (2025). “Popular Baby Names.” ssa.gov

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your pediatrician or healthcare provider with any questions about your baby's health.

Written by

Vega Lin

Founder & Editor — Mother of 2 (Taiwan)

Vega writes Baby Care Guide from the intersection of evidence-based research (AAP, CDC, WHO) and real parenting experience. Completing her Master's in Digital Innovation at Tunghai University. Read more →