Unusual Biblical Baby Names

Derivative of Shalom and one of the unique baby names featured in the Old Testament.

Amasa is a rare Biblical name borne by two figures. One is the son of Abigail and nephew of King David, who named him commander of the rebels. This Amasa met a tragic end when he was murdered by Joab. The other Biblical Amasa was one of the Children of Ephraim.

A masculine name in the Old Testament, but used contemporarily as a feminine name.

Dionysius derives from Dionysus, the Greek god of wine, revelry and fertility. This Romanized spelling has been used for poets, soldiers, and saints throughout the centuries, but is hardly ever seen today.

Quirky Old Testament name.

A name used in the Old Testament, as well as a variation of Buzz.

Abraham's brother and Caleb's son in the Old Testament, also known as Aran. Haran is one simple and virtually unused Biblical name.

Biblical name from the Old Testament, and a nice full form of the sweet nickname Jory.

The Portuguese form of the rising Biblical name Enoch was popular in Brazil from the 1930s up until the 80s. Reminiscent of Enrique, it could perhaps see more use again in the future.

In the Old Testament, Merari is one of Levi's sons.

Old Testament male name and biblical place name.

Old Testament masculine name that could fit in well with contemporary baby names.

Menahem derives from a Hebrew word meaning "the comforter" King Menahem of the Old Testament did not live up to his name — he was one of Israel’s cruelest kings.

Unisex name from the Old Testament, which is very in-keeping with current naming trends for girls.

Double exposure: 1970s rock sensation (Mamma Mia) and scholar/diplomat name in Israel.

In the Old Testament, Ishvi is the name of one of Asher's sons.

Sharing an etymology with Cleopatra, this masculine form of the name also has biblical ties. Cleopas was one of the men who encountered Jesus on the road to Emmaus following his resurrection. As a child's name, it has been a rare sight. While it does have an interesting history, it's connection to Cleopatra and obvious nickname Cleo could make it seem too feminine for some.

Biblical name from the Old Testament.

We've been hearing a lot more of Silas and even of Cyrus, which means the obscure Tiras may have a shot at resurrection as a same-but-different name. And you can call him Ti. The Old Testament Tiras was a grandson of Noah.

Biblical name from the Old Testament.