Names That Mean Brother

  1. Joah
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "Yahweh is his brother"
    • Description:

      A simple and streamlined Biblical name, Joah borne by several figures in the Old Testament. Meaning "Yahweh is his brother" or "brother of God", it could be an unexpected way to honor a family Joe or an alternative to the popular Noah, Josiah, and Jonah.
  2. Hiram
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "brother of the exalted one"
    • Description:

      Hiram is the kind of forgotten biblical name that adventurous parents who wish to move beyond David and Daniel are beginning to reconsider--even though it has bits of its old stiff-collared image clinging to it, along with a little hillbilly feel as well.
  3. Shilah
    • Origin:

      Navajo, Native American
    • Meaning:

      "brother"
    • Description:

      The Navajo word for "brother" bears resemblance to the biblical place name Shiloh. If you have Navajo heritage, this is one to consider.
  4. Hiley
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Hiram, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "brother of the exalted one"
    • Description:

      A vintage addition to the Riley/Miley/Wiley/Kylie brigade.
  5. Veikko
    • Origin:

      Finnish
    • Meaning:

      "brother"
    • Description:

      A popular choice in Finland in recent years, deriving from a colloquial word for "brother". Other forms include Veijo and Veli.
  6. Brolin
    • Origin:

      Swedish and English surname
    • Meaning:

      "bridge; brother"
    • Description:

      Brolin — inspired by actor Josh — has been used sparingly as a boy name since 2007. Most instances of the surname come from the Swedish derivation, meaning "bridge," however, Josh Brolin's surname is a variation of the German name Brüderlin, meaning "brother."
  7. Ahinoam
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "my brother is pleasant"
    • Description:

      Also spelled Achinoam, this Biblical name belonged to wives of both King Saul and King David.
  8. Efe
    • Origin:

      Turkish
    • Meaning:

      "brave, older brother"
    • Description:

      Efe is derived from the Greek word éfivos, meaning "adolescent."
  9. Broder
    • Origin:

      Scandinavian
    • Meaning:

      "brother"
    • Description:

      One of the more unfamiliar Nordic choices, a perfect set-up for the nickname Brody.
  10. Abi
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "father"
    • Description:

      Short form of the Biblical name Abiah or Abijah, meaning "my father is God".
  11. Broderick
    • Origin:

      Norse
    • Meaning:

      "brother"
    • Description:

      Despite its brotherly meaning, sounds rather formal and cold.
  12. Achinoam
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "my brother is pleasant"
    • Description:

      Variant of Ahinoam
  13. Yağiz efe
    • Origin:

      Turkish
    • Meaning:

      "handsome older brother"
    • Description:

      A rising combination in Turkey.
  14. Yiğit efe
    • Origin:

      Turkish
    • Meaning:

      "valiant older brother"
    • Description:

      Double-barreled Turkish name with a great meaning for an eldest son.
  15. Lillebror
    • Origin:

      Swedish
    • Meaning:

      "little brother"
    • Description:

      Originally a nickname, this has become a given name in Sweden, albeit rare. It's much more common as a middle, however.

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