240+ Unusual Biblical Baby Names

Little-known name from the Old Testament.

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.

In the Bible this was the name of a midwife who helped deliver Moses.

Israeli-born singer Keren Ann introduced this traditional Hebrew name to this country, where it could well be mistaken for Karen.

Rarely used in the last two centuries, but might be worth dusting off and holding up to the light.

Simple Biblical name with an auspicious meaning. There are two men named Gad in the Old Testament — one the first son of Jacob and Zilpah, and the other a prophet of King David.

This variation of Iscah connects that biblical name to the Shakespearean Jessica, which it's believed to be the root of. Iscah, a niece of Abraham, is mentioned briefly in the Book of Genesis.

A potential hero name: Crispus Attucks, an African and Native American man, was the first colonist to die for independence in the Boston Massacre.

This Old Testament name feels feminine to a modern English speaker, thought the Biblical Jarah was male. In the most recent year counted, there were seven girls and five boys given the name. With the rise of Biblical boys' names that end in vowel sounds like Noah and Ezra, Jarah may have new possibilities for boys. An alternate spelling is Jarrah, which is also a distinct Arabic name. Jared and Jareth are unrelated but similar-sounding Biblical choices for boys.

In the Old Testament, Merari is one of Levi's sons.

A rare Old Testament name that, although short, is resoundingly biblical. It belonged to name the tenth king of Israel, who seized power violently and reigned from about 841 to 814 BCE.

Abiel is a biblical name (he was the grandfather of Saul) that was used by Puritans, particularly in Massachusetts, so it has a long pedigree. Parents are increasingly looking for underused traditional names, and this name, with the great nickname option of Abe, is ripe for more use!

Greek name found in the New Testament makes for one of the unique baby names still undiscovered from the Bible.

Think of this as the Hebrew equivalent of Benedict or Benito; best for observant Jews.

Intriguing alternative to Jedediah.

Name of a king featured in the Old Testament.

A name used in the Old Testament, as well as a variation of Buzz.

Old Testament masculine name that could fit in well with contemporary baby names.

Biblical name from the Old Testament.

An extra zesty variation of Uzi, but not one that comes recommended — it’s strongly associated with the submachine gun.