873+ Names That Mean God

  1. Mattea
    • Origin:

      Italian, from Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  2. Thijs
    • Origin:

      Dutch short form of Matthijs
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  3. Rivka
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  4. Yohan
    • Origin:

      Variation of Johan
    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"
    • Description:

      Variation of Johan that may simplify pronunciation for English speakers.
  5. Dev
    • Origin:

      Sanskrit
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  6. Elisheva
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  7. Elliott
    • Origin:

      Variation of Elliot
    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah is God"
    • Description:

      While Elliott and Elliot are well-established for boys, parents are now considering both these boy names for girls, too.
  8. Mikhail
    • Origin:

      Russian variation of Michael
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  9. Remiel
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "the Thunder of God"
    • Description:

      Variation of Ramiel.
  10. Maciej
    • Origin:

      Polish variation of Matthew, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "gift of God"
    • Description:

      The pronunciation barrier looms large, but Maciej has such a pleasant sound, we think it deserves a second look.
  11. Ilse
    • Origin:

      Dutch variation of Ilsa
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  12. Jeriah
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  13. Mikaela
    • Origin:

      Swedish and Finnish variation of Michaela, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "who is like God"
    • Description:

      Variation of Michaela often used in Scandinavian countries. Mikaela is a Top 20 name in Puerto Rico.
  14. Amedeo
    • Origin:

      Italian form of Amadeus
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  15. Tad
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Thaddeus, Aramaic
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  16. Othello
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "he has the sound of God"
    • Description:

      Shakespeare's moor has exclusive ownership of this name.
  17. Zephaniah
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  18. Elior
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  19. Elsbeth
    • Origin:

      German variation of Elizabeth
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  20. Jeanne
    • Origin:

      French variation of Jean
    • Meaning:

      "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.