Francophile Naming Guide –– Biblical Names for Boys and Girls
- Héber
- Hégaï
- Hélem
- Hémor
- Hénoc
- Hérode
- Hérodion
- Iddo
Origin:
Hebrew and ArabicMeaning:
"to evaporate and to be mighty"Description:
This Old Testament name, also translated as Ido, is well-used in the modern Middle East but nearly unknown in the US. The Biblical Iddo was a minor prophet who lived in the time of Solomon.
- Isaac
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"laughter"Description:
Isaac has shaved off his biblical beard and leaped into the upper echelon of popular boys' names, outrunning cousin Isaiah. A favorite of the Puritans, Isaac has never dipped below Number 400 on the US list of top boy names.
- Isaï
Description:
Isaï is a masculine name representing a variation of Isaiah, which comes from Hebrew origins meaning 'salvation of God' or 'God is salvation.' The name holds biblical significance as Isaiah was a major prophet in the Old Testament. This particular spelling, with the diaeresis over the 'i', reflects French or other European linguistic influences. Isaï maintains the spiritual depth of its biblical roots while offering a more distinctive international flair. The name has a melodic, flowing quality despite its brevity. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, Isaï enjoys more recognition in French-speaking regions and among families seeking names with religious significance but contemporary appeal. The name conveys spirituality, wisdom, and cultural richness.
- Ismaël
Description:
Ismaël is the French and Arabic form of Ishmael, a name with deep biblical and Quranic significance. Derived from Hebrew origins, it means 'God will hear' or 'God has heeded.' In Islamic tradition, Ismaël is revered as the son of Ibrahim (Abraham) and is considered an important prophet. The name carries spiritual weight across multiple religions and cultures. The diaeresis over the 'e' distinguishes this variant, common in French-speaking regions and parts of the Middle East and North Africa. Ismaël has maintained consistent popularity in Muslim communities worldwide and in France, where it represents both religious heritage and multicultural identity. The name evokes themes of divine attention, spiritual legacy, and cultural richness.
- Immer
- Imri
- Irad
- Iru
- Israël
- Ithiel
- Jacques
Origin:
French variation of James and JacobMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
Regal and ancient feeling, Jacques has been declining in popularity in its native France, but in the UK, it saw a surprising revival in 2022. Jumping from somewhere around the #2500 mark straight to #600, it was seven times more popular than in 2021.
- Japhet
Description:
Japhet is a masculine name with biblical origins, appearing in the Old Testament as one of Noah's three sons (alongside Shem and Ham). The name derives from Hebrew, with possible meanings including 'enlarged,' 'beautiful,' or 'may God enlarge.' In biblical tradition, Japhet's descendants were said to have populated the coastlands and European regions. While never extremely common in English-speaking countries, the name maintains usage particularly in religious communities and has variants including Japheth and Yafet. The name carries historical gravitas and religious significance while offering a distinctive alternative to more common biblical names. Japhet combines ancient heritage with a relatively accessible pronunciation. In some African countries, particularly in East Africa, the name enjoys more widespread use, often associated with qualities of expansion and growth.
- Jareb
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"he will struggle"Description:
Unfortunately, everyone will just hear Jared.