Names That Mean My

Gender-neutral choice ideal for a child born during Hanukkah.

This Danish diminutive of Elizabeth could be a sweet, less-Frozen alternative to Elsa.

The Biblical Abijah might be temporarily lost to time, but this antiquated short form could move with it into the modern era.

Made most familiar in English-speaking countries by prize-winning author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Chimamanda has a wonderful meaning and can be shortened to Chima or the spunky Chi. In 2022, it entered the UK Top 100 for the first time, when 38 baby girls were given the name.

Eliot is the sleekest spelling of the original, very occasionally used for girls, perhaps to honor novelist George Eliot.

The name of an ancient Babylonian king who captured Jerusalem, and ultimately destroyed the city's temple and deported many of its citizens, as told in the Old Testament. Nebuchadnezzar is certainly an eye-catching choice, and has the distinction of being one of the longest names mentioned in the Bible.

This Old Testament name borne by a grandson of Jacob would not rate high in the classroom.

The sharp and unusual name of an archangel associated with mercy in Jewish and Christian tradition, sometimes cited as the angel who stops Abraham from sacrificing Isaac. Its crisp sound makes it an interesting alternative to the likes of Ezekiel and Azriel.

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

Abbie is a gently old-fashioned nickname name that owes its rising popularity to Top 10 Abigail. Abby may be the more usual spelling today.

Nuri might be a nickname for the place name Nuria, popular in Spain and Portugal as a honorific for the Virgin Mary. Nuri is also a usually-masculine name heard in the Middle East, but to the Western ear it might work for girls or boys.

As a masculine name, Gauri is Finnish in origin and derives from Gabriel.

This rarely heard name belonged to a son of Reuben in the Bible. Might be too close to karma.

Derived from the Hebrew words shai, meaning "gift," and li, "mine." The Shaily variation is more common in Israel and the US.

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 avoids the negative Dickensian aura of the other New Testament U-name, Uriah.

Intriguing Russian possibility, even though proper pronunciation would not be obvious. Ilya might be a more manageable option.

A lesser-known archangel, but the name is probably best known today on comedian Gadiel Del Orte. Thanks to him, and the trend for biblical-sounding names, Gadiel has been rising in recent years.