390+ Biblical Names (with Meanings and Popularity)
- Penuel
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"facing God"Description:
Biblical name from the Old Testament.
- Goliath
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"exile"Description:
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.
- Perez
Origin:
Spanish from HebrewMeaning:
"to blossom"Description:
The newest surname names move beyond the Waspy, and this is an excellent example, associated these days with gossip blogger Perez (born Mario) Hilton.
- Heli
Origin:
Latin variation of Eli, BiblicalDescription:
Latin variation of Eli used in the Old and New Testament.
- Ishvi
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"he resembles me"Description:
In the Old Testament, Ishvi is the name of one of Asher's sons.
- Jawad
Origin:
ArabicMeaning:
"generous; steed"Description:
A common Arabic name also spelt Jaouad, Javad or Javadd (the middle name of One Direction> band member Zayn Malik).
- Abba
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"father"Description:
Double exposure: 1970s rock sensation (Mamma Mia) and scholar/diplomat name in Israel.
- Pallu
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"distinguished"Description:
Quirky Old Testament name.
- Haran
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"hill, mountain"Description:
Abraham's brother and Caleb's son in the Old Testament, also known as Aran. Haran is one simple and virtually unused Biblical name.
- Gilead
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"a camel hump"Description:
Like Bethany and Shiloh, a meaningful biblical place-name.
- Azubah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"desolation"Description:
Azubah is one of those unique baby names from the Bible that is both uncommon and usable, especially given that trendy letter Z in the middle. Azubah's sad meaning may be a strike against it. There were two figures named Azubah in the Bible, one the wife of Caleb and the other the mother of Jehoshaphat (as in Jumping).
- Mahlah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"weak, sick; dance"Description:
In the Bible, Mahlah was one of five daughters of Zelophehad. The others were Noa, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. Noa is popular, Tirzah is sometimes used, and Mahlah has a much better chance of modern revival than Hoglah.
- Havilah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"to dance"Description:
Old Testament male name and biblical place name.
- Talmai
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"furrowed"Description:
Talmai is the name of several minor characters in the Old Testament, including the father of Maacah, the wife of King David, and one of Anak’s three giant sons.
- Jeconiah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"God will establish"Description:
Intriguing alternative to Jedediah.
- Hodiah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"majesty of God"Description:
Biblical name from the Old Testament.
- Hagar
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"flight, forsaken"Description:
Hagar is an Old Testament name with an unfortunate association with comic strip character "Hagar the Horrible."
- Abidan
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"my father is judge"Description:
In the Old Testament, Abidan was indeed a judge, head of the tribe of Benjamin and a leader at the time of the Exodus. Dan and Ab could work as nicknames. In 2015, there were only five boys in the US given the name.
- Tryphena
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"softness, delicacy"Description:
Greek name found in the New Testament makes for one of the unique baby names still undiscovered from the Bible.
- Haman
Origin:
PersianMeaning:
"illustrious"Description:
Whatever its merits as a name, Haman is a Biblical villain, a member of the Persian king's court who plotted to slaughter the Jews. His plan was foiled by Queen Esther and Haman was hanged. Not a role model you want for your child.