A biblical name that was used in colonial times, but which has an unpleasant sound to the modern ear.

Provocative word name that may strike the right chord for an adventurous baby namer.

A biblical character who was one of David's most valiant warriors and was known for being fast. But in the modern English-speaking world, this name may be too close to an insulting anatomical word.

Abram was Abraham's original name in the Bible; it's more user-friendly but with a bit less gravitas. And it does offer that cool nickname Bram, as well as the friendly Abe. After some early American usage, in 1936 Abram completely disappeared for nearly forty years, until its return in the 1970s.

True has become an accepted first and middle name; Truth makes an even stronger statement. And with nearly 150 baby boys named Truth in the US in the most recent year counted, as many as were named Ross, the word name is edging up on the Top 1000.

A New Testament tax collector was called Zaccheus, the freshest spin on this biblical favorite. And it still gets you to Zac.

Abijah is a truly unusual, truly unisex, truly appealing biblical name. There were several male Abijahs in the Bible, one of them, known as Abijah of Judah, was the fourth king of the House of David, and also a couple of females.

For the seriously audacious biblical baby namer who wants to move beyond Elijah and Josiah, this name has considerable old-fangled charm. Obadiah, who gave his name to one of the shortest books in the Bible, was a rich man who had the gift of prophecy. There are several other men named Obadiah in the Bible, as well as a Saint Obadiah.

Also written as Michaiah, this name is used for several Biblical characters both male and female. Makes a fresh and distinctive twist on Michael, Michelle, or Micaela. Antiquated yet modern-sounding nickname: Cager.

Amiel is a biblical name with lots of connections to those with a creative spirit, including director Jon Amiel, French pop singer Thierry Amiel, and medieval troubadour Gaubert Amiel. Ami (which means friend in French) is an obvious (and beautiful) nickname option.

Whether it's an Asian surname-name or short for Channing, has a sound and feel that's both simple and stand-out.

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.

In the 18th century, Tiah was seen as a nickname for the biblical name Azariah. Nowadays it's used a variation of the feminine names Thea and Tia.

Jothan or Jotham was both a son of Gideon and a king of Judah in the Bible. One of the biblical boys' names that's still obscure -- though like so many others in this class, it could be rediscovered.

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

Benajah, the name of several minor Old Testament figures, is also written as Benaiah. Benajah might make a great Benjamin update or name for the son of a builder or architect.

Elbridge is an uncommon last name used as first. It sounds rather forbidding, but Bridge would be a cute, modern nickname.

A noble surname from northern England that has occasionally been used as a first name.

Forget Patience and Charity: Here's a Colonial name (and sentiment) that seems perfect for modern times.

The name of several minor Biblical characters, Amzi seems streamlined and modern and has the potential to catch on. Meaning "strong", it may appeal to parents who enjoy Azariah, Aziel, and Amias. "AM-tsee" is the traditional pronunciation, though "-zee" and "-zie" have also been used.