Hebrew Names
Across 42 pages
of 42
Japheth
Hebrew
"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…
Japhy
Diminutive of Japheth
"he expands"
Japhy Ryder was a hero of Jack Kerouac's Dharma Bums . Compared with Moses and Noah, Japhy sounds downright adorable and eminently baby-worthy.
Jareb
Hebrew
"he will struggle"
Unfortunately, everyone will just hear Jared.
Jebediah
Hebrew
"beloved friend"
Like its better known cousin Jedidiah, Jebediah is one of those four-syllable Old Testament names that is being shorn of its long white-bearded image, with the help of its modern-sounding Jeb…
Jedaiah
Hebrew
"invoker of the Lord"
More manageable than the Jebediahs and Jedidiahs, this name of several biblical characters would make an interesting, undiscovered Old Testament choice.
Joab
Hebrew
"praise Jehovah"
Joab is the biblical name of an advisor of David, who led many military victories, and is surely much more usable than the burdened Job. A similar option is Joah, a possible replacement for Jonah or…
Joachim
Hebrew
"Established by God"
Joachim is an undiscovered biblical name with potential, although most modern parents would probably prefer the more lively Spanish version, Joaquin. Like many Old Testament names, it was primarily…
Jarden
Jarden is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a modern variation of Jordan, which comes from the Hebrew name for the Jordan River, meaning "flowing down" or "descend."…
Jotham
Hebrew
"the Lord is perfect"
Jotham is an Old Testament name that today would certainly be the only one in his class, having something of an urban feel via its similarity to the word 'gotham'. In the Bible one Jotham is the sole…
Kaniel
Hebrew
"the Lord supports me"
Unusual Daniel relative.
Kemuel
Hebrew
"helper of God"
If you're seeking a biblical name somewhat similar to the popular Samuel but way more distinctive, this could be the one.
Laban
Hebrew
"white"
An Old Testament name used by the Puritans, less well known than female relatives Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah and as deserving of revival.
Lael
Hebrew
"belonging to God"
Although this is an ancient Old Testament name, it has a pleasant contemporary feel that might appeal to today's parents, who might just as easily use it for a girl. It was one of the fastest rising…
Eleazer
Variation of Lazarus
"God is my helper"
Four-syllable names can be tricky, but this rarely used Old Testament appellation has considerable potential. In the Bible, Eleazer is a son of Aaron and nephew of Moses who succeeds his father as…
Lev
Hebrew, Russian
"heart; lion"
This concise one-syllable name, has two possible derivations and two positive meanings associated with it. In Hebrew, it means "heart", while in Russian it means "lion". So strong and simple Lev has…
Maoz
Hebrew
"fortress, strength"
Maoz is a symbolic name given to boys born at Hannukah because of the song "Maoz Tzur," "Rock of Ages," which is sung at that time.
Machi
Hebrew
"decrease"
Not ready to go all the way to Malachi? Then take this Biblical shortcut name, with the second syllable rhyming with eye.
Mayer
German surname or Hebrew
"landlord, farmer; bringer of light"
More common -- when it was common -- with the Meyer spelling.
Nachum
Hebrew
"comforter"
This name of a minor Hebrew prophet in the Old Testament is rarely heard outside the Jewish culture.
Menashe
Hebrew
"causing to forget"
An Old Testament name -- he was the eldest son of Joseph -- that's still used in the Jewish community.