873+ Names That Mean God

Still very Old European, conjuring up the image of a classical composer. But surprisingly, it's now been in the Top 600 in the U.S. since the turn of the 21st century, largely thanks to Heidi Klum and Seal's young son.

This particular spelling was chosen by Will Ferrell for his son, brother to Magnus. These names are both popular in Sweden, birthplace of their mother, Viveca Paulin.

Pleasing crossover possibility.

Zuri is one of the trendiest names in recent years, so it is no wonder that this elaborated form is seeing more use as well. Zurielle may be a feminization of the male Biblical name Zuriel, or an elaboration of the African name Zuri.

The meaning of this rare Irish name is not fully known. It may mean "man of god", or else derive from an element meaning "smoke". In Irish mythology, this was the name of a warrior who was killed by his friend Cúchulainn. Vikings actor Ferdia Walsh-Peelo is a famous bearer.

A handsome and romantic-sounding European option.

A respelling of Giovanni which makes the Italian pronunciation – three syllables, rather than four – more clear. Jovani and its variant Jovanni were both Top 1000 picks for the first decade and a half of the 20th century. They are particularly popular in the US's Latino community.

Rida is a name indirectly mentioned in the Quran. While it can be used for both girls and boys, in English-speaking countries its similarity to the more common Rita makes it more appropriate for girls.

Jothan or Jotham was both a son of Gideon and a king of Judah in the Bible. One of the biblical boys' names that's still obscure -- though like so many others in this class, it could be rediscovered.

A name mentioned multiple times in the Old Testament.

Despite being associated with male characters in the Bible, Anaiah is much more common for girls in the US. In Puerto Rico, Anaiah ranks in the Top 100.

Form of Elisha or Eliseus, a prophet in Christianity, Judaism and Islam.

Mattis was most popular in Scandinavia in the 2000s and 2010s, and is now seeing success in Germany. In the US, it's most familiar as a surname.

The ultimate midcentury nickname, retaining a good measure of retro charm, was chosen for her son by Mira Sorvino.

Yet another offshoot of the original John, also sometimes used as Jevan or Yevan.

Biblical name from the Old Testament that was given to 25 baby boys in 2022.

The young male star Shia LaBeouf has given this name a male image, but many would consider its sound soft and feminine.

Animated Gaelic name popularized by singer Sheena Easton, also brings to mind Sheena, Queen of the Jungle, the Amazonian comic book and TV series heroine. Sine is considered to be and English equivalent of Jane or Jean.

Iraia is one of those rare names that exists as a male form in one culture -- in this case, Maori -- and in a female form with a totally different meaning and derivation. New Zealand actor Jemaine Clement, who is a descendant of the progressive Wairarapa chief Iraia Te Whaiti, named his son Sophocles Iraia.

After a century of association with horses and cows, this name just could be ready for revival by a fearless baby namer -- after all, it did happen to Jessie and Becky.