Goliath

Hebrew

"exile"

Goliath Origin and Meaning

The name Goliath is a boy's name of Hebrew origin meaning "exile".

Not a traditional biblical choice, but the Philistine giant isn't a bad character as such, just a champion fighter who lost to the underdog. He has given his name to everything from insect species to roller coasters. In a time when we're seeing more biblical names with chequered associations — Leviathan and Cain spring to mind — Goliath may appeal to some.

The name Goliath in Pop Culture

• Goliath lead character of cartoon series "Gargoyles," named in the story after the Philistine giant slain by David in the Old Testament
• Similar: Goliah Gahagan titular Irish adventurer in "The Tremendous Adventures of Major Gahagan" (1839) by W. M. Thackeray
• Goliath is a roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California, USA.