By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 42 pages
of 42
Diminutive of Zachariah/Zachary
"the Lord has remembered"
A popular nickname that, over the past few decades, has acquired enough standing to work on its own, a la earlier equivalents such as Jack and Max; an alternative to Zach/Zack. Actor/singer Zac…
Hebrew
"springtime, freshness, youth"
Strongly associated with the city of Tel Aviv. For girls, may be lengthened to Aviva; for boys, might be better abbreviated to Avi.
"Jehovah is God"
The final letter makes the name more unusual and adds some zest. Downside: Sure to be confusion with Elias.
"deer, gazelle"
Ayelet is an unusual -- and somewhat challenging -- Israeli name familiar thanks to sometimes controversial Jerusalem-born novelist-essayist Ayelet Waldman. Well used in Israel, the name was taken…
"my companion"
A very unusual biblical name, Rei was one of David's most loyal supporters.
"son of the right hand"
Benjamin for purists. See BENJAMIN.
"crown"
Also written as Atarah, this regal name appears in the Old Testament, borne by the wife of Jerahmeel. With its confident air and concise appearance, it was given to just under 50 girls in the US in a…
"expansion"
This name of a son of Noah, whose descendants were said to have populated Europe, was well used by the seventeenth century Pilgrims. With "Ja" names and obscure Old Testament names both trendy these…
"house of God"
A rarely used Biblical place-name with a soft and pleasant sound.
"sun"
This name, once considered overly powerful due to the superhuman strength of the biblical figure, is now an option for parents in search of an unusual route to Sam. But you really don't need that p:…
"praise song"
Tehila may at first appeal as a distinctive choice. Danger: might tend to sound like a mispronunciation of tequila.
Hebrew, English, Irish
"strength, powerful, courageous; god's warrior; deer friend"
While some may think of ruby slippers and a yellow brick road, Oz is a legitimate Hebrew name denoting power. An element in a number of names including Ozni, Oziel, and Ozias, it may also be used as…
"dove; daytime"
Jemima, the name of a strong and beautiful Biblical daughter of Job, has long been among the chicest choices of aristocratic Brits, and has since shifted to be used more generally too, replacing…
"the Lord is God"
Most modern parents would drop the Jo, leaving the superpopular Ella.
"God sees"
This name of an Old Testament king is reminiscent of the woodsy nature name Hazel. Given to just 35 boys in 2024, it could make a similar but less popular option than Top 1000 Azael.
"my sheaf"
Old Testament name of a king of Israel, related to the harvest.
"partner, togetherness"
Biblical name -- he was an ancestor of Abraham's -- rarely used today but registered on the U.S. popularity list at the end of the 19th century. With the rise of other obscure Old Testament names,…
"God is he"
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. Jehu Mountain…
"God has bestowed"
Biblical names are expanding (literally) as some parents move on from Isaiah and Elijah to more elaborate choices with simple short forms like Jed and Zeb. If you like this style of name, there are a…
"strong, mighty, courageous"
Place-name of a settlement in Galilee in Israel.
