By Pamela Redmond · Updated October 2026
Across 28 pages
of 28
Hebrew
"gift of God, gift of Yahweh"
The oldest form of Matthew, from the Hebrew roots mattan , meaning "gift", and yah , "God". Also written as Mattitihiah, this form appears on several figures in the Old Testament, along with a priest…
Judeo-Italian variation of Mattityahu, Hebrew
"gift of God"
The Judeo-Italian form of an ancient relative of Matthew, Mattitia may also be spelled as Mattatia. It is notably associated with a 2nd-century (BC) priest who helped to lead the Maccabean revolt to…
"raindrop"
This Hebrew surname is occasionally used as a given name for boys as well. While the meaning of Raviv is not clear, a possible (and lovely) meaning is "raindrop".
"we shall rise up, we shall rebel"
As a Biblical name, Nimrod appears in the Old Testament as a great-grandson of Noah, a founder of Babylon, and a famous hunter. In popular culture, its image was altered after the dopey Looney Tunes…
"my god is joy; my god is song"
Eliron is a Hebrew combination name, created from Eli, meaning "my god," and Ron, meaning "song, joy". It could make an appealing alternative to the likes of Elian, Aaron, and Elias.
"cultured and enlightened"
Certainly qualities desired for our sons.
"sweet herbs"
The double a makes it special.
"the glory is gone"
Ichabod, an eccentric Old Testament name, is forever tied to the character of Ichabod Crane -- and worse, the teasing possibilities of "icky bod." Even its original meaning is a negative. Skip…
Diminutive of Matthew, Hebrew
Mattie ranked among the Top 1000 for boys a century ago, in the heyday of the nickname-name. Today, few parents would dream of putting it on the birth certificate, preferring it as a short form for…
"his death shall send; man of the javelin"
The name of a Biblical patriarch who lived to be 969 years old, Methuselah is (understandably, perhaps) a rare choice, though it has seen some usage in Kenya, Nigeria, and the Philippines. The "meth"…
"son of my people"
Combining the feel of sturdy Benjamin with the contemporary interest in Bellamy and Amias, this classic feeling double-barrelled name is of Hebrew origin. It blends the elements ben meaning "son"…
Hebrew, river name
"noisy, rushing"
A subtle Biblical name with a rugged sound, Arnon is a river mentioned in the Bible, that served as the boundary between the Kingdom of Moab and Israel. Today, it is better known as the Wadi Mujib,…
"command of God"
Also known as Zerachiel, Zachariel, Zakhariel, or Saraqael, this is name of one of the seven archangels who guide souls to the afterlife. He appears in The Book of Enoch , an ancient Jewish…
"command of God; God remembers"
An unusual route to nickname Zach, Zachariel is one of the seven archangels in The Book of Enoch who lead souls to the afterlife. Also known as Sarakiel, Zerachiel, and Saraqael, the name does not…
"I have asked God; prayer of God"
Also known as Shealtiel, Selathiel, and Salathiel, this is the name of one of seven Archangels in Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic traditions. Often described as the patron saint of prayer, he…
"shell"
A beachy Hebrew nature name, relating to seashells and mother-of-pearl, Tsedef is a cognate of the Arabic Sadaf and Turkish Sedef which share the same meaning. Tzedef is another spelling, used more…
"strong"
Not to be confused with the name Amos, Amoz is a separate Hebrew name, borne by the father of the Prophet Isaiah, and also theorized to be the brother of Amaziah, King of Judah. It can also be…
Also appearing as Amoz, and not to be confused with Amos, Amotz is a Hebrew name, borne by the father of the Prophet Isaiah, who is also theorized to be the brother of Amaziah, King of Judah. Notable…
"nectar, honeydew"
A short but sweet Hebrew name, said with quiet 't' sound at the beginning (like Tzipporah), Tzuf likely comes from Zuph, a Biblical place name, meaning "nectar, honeydew, honeycomb".
Hispanic, Hebrew
"flax; forest; spirit, soul + God is with us"
Notably borne by singer, writer, film-maker, and actor Lin-Manuel Miranda, this distinctive double-barrelled name is a poetic choice. It comes from the poem Nana roja para mi hijo Lin Manuel ("Red…
