100 Timeless Biblical Baby Names for Boys and Girls
Roots in ancient tales lend each choice a powerful backstory and enduring significance.
100 Bible-Inspired Baby Names for Your Boy or Girl
For centuries, parents have chosen biblical baby names to honor tradition, faith, and timeless storytelling. These classic names endure because of their rich meanings, memorable heroes and heroines, and unique cultural resonance. Whether you seek a name that celebrates grace, hope, or strength, this list spans familiar favorites and rarely-heard gems, each with a powerful history and unique meaning.
Why Choose a Biblical Baby Name?
- Rich History: Names drawn from the Bible connect your child with stories of courage, compassion, and leadership.
- Meaningful Origins: Most biblical names have significant meanings reflecting virtues or divine qualities.
- Enduring Popularity: Many names remain widely used, thanks to their strong cultural and spiritual associations.
Popular Biblical Girl Names and Their Stories
- Dinah: Meaning “God will judge.” Dinah withstood many hardships, and her story symbolizes resilience.
- Elizabeth: The mother of John the Baptist and Jesus’s maternal aunt. Means “God is my oath.” Associated with royalty and wisdom.
- Esther: Meaning “star.” Esther saved the Jewish people from peril and was renowned for her bravery and intelligence.
- Eve: Meaning “life.” As the first woman, Eve’s choices shaped the course of humanity’s story.
- Gabrielle: Feminine of Gabriel, meaning “God is my strength.” Associated with angelic protection.
- Hannah: Meaning “grace.” Hannah’s prayers and faith led to the birth of the prophet Samuel.
- Jemimah: Daughter of Job, granted beauty and inheritance. Meaning “dove,” representing peace.
- Abilene: Historical place name, used for girls. Symbolizes connection to biblical lands.
- Amal: Meaning “toiler.” While originally male, now favored for girls, notably by Amal Clooney.
- Ariel: Meaning “Lion of God.” Used for both genders and as a poetic term for Jerusalem.
- Carmel: Linked to Mount Carmel, site of Elijah’s altar. Strong, nature-inspired name for girls.
- Eden: The lush paradise created for Adam and Eve. Symbolizes a new beginning and innocence.
- Esher: From “The Scroll” in Hebrew tradition. Rarely used, but deeply spiritual.
- Genesis: First book of the Bible. Represents new beginnings and creation.
- Jordan: Fertile biblical region, symbolizing abundance and life.
- Psalm: Means “sacred song” or “hymn.” Represents joy, spirituality, and celebration.
- Shiloh: Meaning “tranquil” or “His gift.” Site where Israelites settled, signifies peace and divine presence.
- Uriah: Traditionally male but suitable for girls. Meaning “My light is Yahweh.” Represents illumination and grace.
- Zerah: Meaning “shining” or “rising.” Highlights uniqueness and brilliance.
Popular Biblical Boy Names and Their Histories
- Gabriel: Archangel who heralded the birth of Jesus. Means “God is my strength.” Presence and leadership.
- Asa: Judean king. Means “healer” in Hebrew. Wisdom and restoration.
- Asher: Jacob’s son. Can also be shortened to “Ash.” Means “happy” or “blessed.”
- Carmel: A strong name for boys, drawing from biblical geography.
- Eden: While used for girls, also a unique choice for boys.
- Gideon: Prophet, judge, and military leader. Stands for greatness and strong will.
- Jesse: David’s father. A simple yet classic name for boys.
- Jordan: Symbolizes fertility, luck, and spiritual renewal.
- Levi: Joined in harmony; also an ancestor of one of the twelve tribes. Great choice for boys with leadership qualities.
- Malachi: Means “messenger of God.” Prophet famed for spreading divine messages.
- Raphael: Archangel, means “God has healed.” Healing and compassion.
Unique and Rare Biblically-Inspired Baby Names
- Ezekiel: Meaning “God will strengthen.” Major prophet who foresaw Jerusalem’s fall and led his people to redemption.
- Jeremiah: Major prophet; authored the Book of Jeremiah and Lamentations. Renowned for perseverance.
- Abigail: Wife of King David; intelligent and diplomatic. Name means “father’s joy.”
- Amal: Rarely used, but both classic and modern thanks to Amal Clooney.
- Genesis: Poetic and powerful, evoking the idea of beginnings.
Gender-Neutral Biblical Baby Names
- Ariel: Used for both boys and girls, meaning “Lion of God.”
- Jesse: Traditionally male, but also works for girls.
- Eden: Popular as a unisex choice, representing paradise.
- Carmel: Strong geographic name for any gender.
Biblical Names Table: Name, Gender, Meaning, and Notable Story
| Name | Gender | Meaning | Biblical Story |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dinah | Girl | God will judge | Daughter of Jacob; honored by her brothers Simeon and Levi |
| Elizabeth | Girl | God is my oath | Mother of John the Baptist |
| Esther | Girl | Star | Queen who saved Jews from persecution |
| Gabriel | Boy | God is my strength | Archangel who announced Jesus’s birth |
| Hannah | Girl | Grace | Mother of Samuel, known for devout prayer |
| Levi | Boy | Joined in harmony | Ancestor of the Levites, tribe of priests |
| Ezekiel | Boy | God will strengthen | Major prophet and leader in exile |
| Abigail | Girl | Father’s joy | Wife of King David, clever in diplomacy |
| Eve | Girl | Life | The first woman in the Genesis creation story |
| Asher | Boy | Happy; blessed | Son of Jacob and ancestor of a tribe |
| Malachi | Boy | Messenger of God | Prophet who proclaimed God’s word |
| Raphael | Boy | God has healed | Archangel associated with protection |
| Shiloh | Girl/Boy | Tranquil; His gift | Site of Israelite gathering, symbol of peace |
| Zerah | Girl/Boy | Shining; rising | Name connotes brightness and uniqueness |
Trends in Biblical Baby Names
- Modern Popularity: Names like Levi, Abigail, Gabriel, and Joseph remain among the most used biblical choices in recent years.
- Revived Classics: Names that fell out of use, such as Shiloh and Dinah, are experiencing renewed interest for their rare beauty.
- Celebrity Influence: Modern figures such as Amal Clooney and Apple Martin put spotlight on unusual biblical names, transforming them into trendy choices.
- Spiritual and Virtuous Meanings: Most biblical names carry a sense of virtue—messages of faith, hope, kindness, and spiritual power.
What others are reading
Tips for Choosing a Biblical Baby Name
- Consider the meaning and story behind each name to find one that resonates with your values.
- Look up alternate spellings and diminutives for a more unique twist on classic names.
- Think about how the name sounds with your last name and if it fits with any siblings’ names.
- Draw inspiration from both popular and rare biblical figures for a name that stands out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are biblical baby names still popular today?
Yes, many biblical names such as Levi, Abigail, Gabriel, and Joseph remain highly popular, with thousands of newborns named after biblical figures every year. These names have stood the test of time and see frequent revival in modern baby-naming trends.
Can biblical names be gender-neutral?
Absolutely. Names like Ariel, Jesse, Eden, Carmel, and Shiloh can be used for both boys and girls. Many biblical names have powerful meanings that transcend traditional gender boundaries.
What are some unique biblical names for girls?
Names such as Dinah, Jemimah, Psalm, Zerah, and Carmel offer rare and beautiful options for girls. These names often carry stories of strength, beauty, or spirituality.
Are there biblical names tied to specific virtues or traits?
Yes, many biblical names reflect virtues: for instance, Hannah means “grace,” Malachi is “messenger of God,” Raphael means “God has healed,” and Esther means “star,” evoking hope and brilliance.
How can I find the meaning of unfamiliar biblical names?
Consulting resources such as baby name websites, biblical dictionaries, and faith-based literature can provide the historical context, meanings, and stories of less familiar biblical names. Many resources offer the Hebrew or Greek origins, helping you choose the right one for your child and family.
Conclusion: Celebrating Faith and Heritage Through Names
Choosing a baby name inspired by the Bible offers a deep connection to faith, tradition, and storytelling. Whether classic, unique, or gender-neutral, each name captures a legacy of spirit, courage, and love, providing a meaningful identity for your child. Explore this collection of biblical baby names to find the perfect choice for your growing family.
References
- https://www.countryliving.com/life/kids-pets/a61718799/biblical-baby-names-boys-girls/
- https://stacker.com/stories/family/most-popular-biblical-baby-names
- https://www.thebump.com/b/country-baby-names
- https://www.pampers.com/en-us/pregnancy/baby-names/article/country-boy-names
- https://www.christianitytoday.com/2025/01/the-good-book-for-baby-names/
- https://adventistreview.org/feature/10-benefits-of-country-living/
- https://momcozy.com/blogs/advice-baby-names/240-endearing-country-baby-names
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