873+ Names That Mean God

  1. Gadiel
    • Origin:

      Hebrew, Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "God is my fortune"
    • Description:

      A lesser-known archangel, but the name is probably best known today on comedian Gadiel Del Orte. Thanks to him, and the trend for biblical-sounding names, Gadiel has been rising in recent years.
  2. Rivka
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "to tie, bind"
    • Description:

      A traditional name still used in Orthodox families. Rivka is the original form of Rebekah or Rebecca, today used far more widely than the original. Rifka is a variation.
  3. Dev
    • Origin:

      Sanskrit
    • Meaning:

      "god"
    • Description:

      This name has recently come on the radar via rising actor Dev Patel, who made his mark in Slumdog Millionaire and then in Lion and is also the name of the lead character played by Aziz Ansari in his sitcom Master of None. It could catch on here, at a time when parents are importing other three-letter names like Liv.
  4. Yohan
    • Origin:

      Variation of Johan
    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"
    • Description:

      Variation of Johan that may simplify pronunciation for English speakers.
  5. Thijs
    • Origin:

      Dutch short form of Matthijs
    • Meaning:

      "gift of God"
    • Description:

      Usually pronounced to rhyme with nice — though others may rhyme it with Jace — Thijs is a popular Dutch name short for that country's form of Matthew. Matt Lauer's half-Dutch son is called Thijs.
  6. Elisheva
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"
    • Description:

      Elisheva was the original name of Aaron's wife in the Book of Exodus; Elisheva gains strength and distinction via the v sound.
  7. Elliott
    • Origin:

      Variation of Elliot
    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah is God"
    • Description:

      While Elliott and Elliot are well-established for boys, parents are now considering both these boy names for girls, too.
  8. Ilse
    • Origin:

      Dutch variation of Ilsa
    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"
    • Description:

      Pronounced with two syllables, as if spelled Ilsa, Ilse is popular in The Netherlands and may rise here with cousin Elsa.
  9. Mikhail
    • Origin:

      Russian variation of Michael
    • Meaning:

      "who is like God"
    • Description:

      One of the most familiar Russian names in the West, thanks to ballet great Mikhail Baryshnikov and state head Mikhail Gorbachev.
  10. Remiel
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "the Thunder of God"
    • Description:

      Variation of Ramiel.
  11. Maciej
    • Origin:

      Polish variation of Matthew, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "gift of God"
    • Description:

      The pronunciation barrier looms large, but Maciej has such a pleasant sound, we think it deserves a second look.
  12. Othello
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "he has the sound of God"
    • Description:

      Shakespeare's moor has exclusive ownership of this name.
  13. Jeriah
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "taught by God"
    • Description:

      Biblical name from the Old Testament, Jeriah is one of the remaining rare names that just might catch on. Maybe about the time Jerry is ready for a comeback.
  14. Amedeo
    • Origin:

      Italian form of Amadeus
    • Meaning:

      "lover of God"
    • Description:

      This euphonious Italian Italian name for boys, often associated with the painter Modigliani, makes a recommended creative choice. The Spanish tend to spell it Amadeo.
  15. Mikaela
    • Origin:

      Swedish and Finnish variation of Michaela, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "who is like God"
    • Description:

      Variation of Michaela often used in Scandinavian countries. Mikaela is a Top 20 name in Puerto Rico.
  16. Tad
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Thaddeus, Aramaic
    • Meaning:

      "gift of God"
    • Description:

      An approachable mini name that could go on the birth certificate, but may work best as a nickname. Full name options include Thaddeus, Theodore, and Thomas, which was the given name of Abe's son Tad Lincoln. Taddy is a rare alternative to Teddy.
  17. Elsbeth
    • Origin:

      German variation of Elizabeth
    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"
    • Description:

      Although they could be easily confused, Elsbeth is a fairly unusual contracted German version of Elizabeth, while cousin Elspeth hails from Scotland. With its 'beth' ending, Elsbeth feels closer to the mother name.
  18. Elior
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "My God is my light"
    • Description:

      This appealing Hebrew name is heard in Israel, and would fit in well with all the popular El-starting names for boys, such as Elliot and Ellery. It was given to just five American boys in 2015. Also worth considering is the pretty female version, Eliora.
  19. Zephaniah
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "God has hidden"
    • Description:

      A minor prophet who has his own Book, Zephaniah is another Old Testament gem waiting to be rediscovered now that Noah and Abraham are becoming too trendy.
  20. Natania
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "gift of God"
    • Description:

      This female form of Nathan can be pronounced with three syllables or four.