Updated November 2023
Across 11 pages
of 11
Hawaiian
"the heavens"
This name is one of the hot new spiritual names for both sexes. In Hawaiian it means "chieftain of the sky" or "spirit of the sky,"and is extremely popular for boys.
Variation of Eliana, Hebrew, or Latin from Greek
"my God has answered; sun"
Eliane is a melodic name with the very fashionable El- beginning. Lovely and lilting as it is, be aware that there are many El- variations around these days, and little girls called Ellie as a result.
Arabic or Hebrew
"light or my fire"
A name used in the Middle East but that could easily work in the US. As a girls' name, Nuri can also be a short form of Nuria. It was chosen by Christy Lefteri for the protagonist of her novel, The…
Hebrew
"my God"
A common girl name in Israel that could travel well to the US.
"to say, my statement"
One of the most modern-sounding Old Testament names, Imri is short and sweet enough to travel easily around the world. It is the name of two minor biblical figures, and also used by modern Hebrew…
"God is my father"
"god is my fortune"
The Biblical Gaddiel was a scout sent to Canaan prior to the crossing of the Jordan River. An intriguing alternative to Gideon or Gabriel.
"my heart"
This Hebrew name deserves consideration by parents looking for a traditional by underused girls name with a gorgeous meaning. Made up of the elements lev and i , meaning "heart" and "my"…
Igbo
"my father is alive"
In the Igbo culture of Nigeria, the name Nnamdi is given to baby boys who are thought to be reincarnations of their grandfathers. The name is familiar via Nnamdi Asomugha, a former NFL player married…
"my father is a gift"
The name of one of King David's heroes in the Old Testament. A variant form is Avishai.
Short form of Gabriella or Ariella
"God is my strength; lion of God"
An alternative to Gabriella, Briella, Bella, or Ella, Riella may also appeal to those who like Rhianna, Reese, and Aurelia. It was chosen by YouTubers Savannah Jean and Josh Alexander for their…
Variation of Elliot, English diminutive of Elias
"Yahweh is God"
Eliot is the sleekest spelling of the original, very occasionally used for girls, perhaps to honor novelist George Eliot.
Hebrew, variation of Zuriel
"God is my rock"
Zuri is one of the trendiest names in recent years, so it is no wonder that this elaborated form is seeing more use as well. Zurielle may be a feminization of the male Biblical name Zuriel, or an…
A softer, more feminine variation of Abijah.
"my song or my joy"
Roni may sound like the Doowop-era Ronnie or Ronni, often named for her dad Ron, but it's actually a freestanding Hebrew name with an uplifting meaning.
Yoruba
"my joy has arrived"
A melodious Yoruba name with one of the best meanings around.
Arabic
An adorable name with an adorable meaning.
"God is my reward"
Near Eastern name with lots of opportunities for variation and improvisation.
Looks modern, but sounds like the dated Ronnie.
Hebrew, variant spelling of Uzziah, “Jehovah is my strength”
One of the most unusual of the biblical iah-options, this was the name of a long-reigning king of Judea, and just might appeal to the parent looking for a quasi-unique Old Testament choice. And it…