873+ Names That Mean God
- Mattea
Origin:
Italian, from HebrewMeaning:
"gift of God"Description:
This pretty, international feminization of Matthew was chosen by Mira Sorvino for her daughter, Mattea Angel. As the Spanish Mateo and the Italian Matteo become more popular for baby boys throughout Europe, the English-speaking world, and the Americas, Mattea is sure to get wider recognition. And as Theo and Thea have become fashionable names, Teo and Tea are rising too.
- Thijs
Origin:
Dutch short form of MatthijsMeaning:
"gift of God"Description:
Pronounced to rhyme with nice, Thijs is a popular Dutch name short for that country's form of Matthew. Matt Lauer's half-Dutch son is called Thijs.
- Rivka
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"to tie, bind"Description:
A traditional name still used in Orthodox families. Rivka is the original form of Rebekah or Rebecca, today used far more widely than the original. Rifka is a variation.
- Yohan
Origin:
Variation of JohanMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Variation of Johan that may simplify pronunciation for English speakers.
- Dev
Origin:
SanskritMeaning:
"god"Description:
This name has recently come on the radar via rising actor Dev Patel, who made his mark in Slumdog Millionaire and then in Lion and is also the name of the lead character played by Aziz Ansari in his sitcom Master of None. It could catch on here, at a time when parents are importing other three-letter names like Liv.
- Elisheva
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Elisheva was the original name of Aaron's wife in the Book of Exodus; Elisheva gains strength and distinction via the v sound.
- Elliott
Origin:
Variation of ElliotMeaning:
"Jehovah is God"Description:
While Elliott and Elliot are well-established for boys, parents are now considering both these boy names for girls, too.
- Mikhail
Origin:
Russian variation of MichaelMeaning:
"who is like God"Description:
One of the most familiar Russian names in the West, thanks to ballet great Mikhail Baryshnikov and state head Mikhail Gorbachev.
- Remiel
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"the Thunder of God"Description:
Variation of Ramiel.
- Maciej
Origin:
Polish variation of Matthew, HebrewMeaning:
"gift of God"Description:
The pronunciation barrier looms large, but Maciej has such a pleasant sound, we think it deserves a second look.
- Ilse
Origin:
Dutch variation of IlsaMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Pronounced with two syllables, as if spelled Ilsa, Ilse is popular in The Netherlands and may rise here with cousin Elsa.
- Jeriah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"taught by God"Description:
Biblical name from the Old Testament, Jeriah is one of the remaining rare names that just might catch on. Maybe about the time Jerry is ready for a comeback.
- Mikaela
Origin:
Swedish and Finnish variation of Michaela, HebrewMeaning:
"who is like God"Description:
Variation of Michaela often used in Scandinavian countries. Mikaela is a Top 20 name in Puerto Rico.
- Amedeo
Origin:
Italian form of AmadeusMeaning:
"lover of God"Description:
This euphonious Italian Italian name for boys, often associated with the painter Modigliani, makes a recommended creative choice. The Spanish tend to spell it Amadeo.
- Tad
Origin:
Diminutive of Thaddeus, AramaicMeaning:
"gift of God"Description:
An approachable mini name that could go on the birth certificate, but may work best as a nickname. Full name options include Thaddeus, Theodore, and Thomas, which was the given name of Abe's son Tad Lincoln. Taddy is a rare alternative to Teddy.
- Othello
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"he has the sound of God"Description:
Shakespeare's moor has exclusive ownership of this name.
- Zephaniah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"God has hidden"Description:
A minor prophet who has his own Book, Zephaniah is another Old Testament gem waiting to be rediscovered now that Noah and Abraham are becoming too trendy.
- Elior
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"My God is my light"Description:
This appealing Hebrew name is heard in Israel, and would fit in well with all the popular El-starting names for boys, such as Elliot and Ellery. It was given to just five American boys in 2015. Also worth considering is the pretty female version, Eliora.
- Elsbeth
Origin:
German variation of ElizabethMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
Although they could be easily confused, Elsbeth is a fairly unusual contracted German version of Elizabeth, while cousin Elspeth hails from Scotland. With its 'beth' ending, Elsbeth feels closer to the mother name.
- Jeanne
Origin:
French variation of JeanMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Pronounced just like Jean in the English-speaking world, but as the more unusual zhahn in France, this has sailed away with the first wave of French favorites: Denise, Michelle, et soeurs.