Names That Mean Father

Julisa is an unusual variation of the Latin American Julissa or the international ancient Julia, taken from Julius.

Moab is a Biblical name and an ancient place name. In the Old Testament, Moab was the son of Lot. The Kingdom of Moab, in modern-day Jordan, was Biblically significant for often being in conflict with Israel.

Abijah, which you might think of as Abigail with rhythm, is the name of both female and male personages in the Bible. A biblical Queen Abijah was the daughter, wife, and mother of kings. The name is pronounced with a long i, to rhyme with Elijah.

Variant of Julian or Julianne

Abital is popular for boys as well as girls in Israel, but we rarely hear it here. In the Old Testament, Abital was one of King David's wives and the mother of his fifth son.

The Biblical Abijah might be temporarily lost to time, but this antiquated short form could move with it into the modern era.

Though Abigail has long been a very popular girls' name in the US, modern Hebrew form Avigail is rare here but among the Top 10 girls' names in Israel.

A Roman name deriving from Julius, a Roman nomen (family name). Its origin is shrouded in history, but possible roots include Latin iuvenis, meaning "youthfu"; Greek ioulos, meaning "downy-bearded"; or Jovis, a form of Jupiter, which means "sky father".

Variant of Julianne

A softer, more feminine variation of Abijah.

Whether you're looking for an unexpected nickname for the imposing Abraham or a fresh spin on the Biblical classic, this highly unusual variation might appeal to namers with a sense of adventure.

Rava was a Babylonian rabbi, born Abba ben Joseph bar Ḥama.

Much less intimidating than the formal form, Aaprahami.

Juliet and its French version Juliette have become more popular in the US in recent years, which means that more international variations are coming to light.

The name of a son of Aaron in the Old Testament. Abihu is a variant form.

The name of one of King David's heroes in the Old Testament. A variant form is Avishai.