Unusual Biblical Baby Names

Joses

Greek variation of Joseph, Hebrew

"Jehovah increases"

Greek variation of Joseph used in the New Testament. Joses is one of those names that feels at once novel and familiar, perhaps because it also sounds like Moses. An intriguing option.

Jothan

Hebrew

"God is upright"

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.

Judea

Biblical place name or variation of Judah, Hebrew

"praised"

Judea — also spelled Judaea — is a mountainous region in the Middle East historically part of Jerusalem, that is significant in religions like Judaism and Christianity. As Jude and Judah dominate in…

Kemuel

Hebrew

"helper of God"

If you're seeking a biblical name somewhat similar to the popular Samuel but way more distinctive, this could be the one.

Azazel

Hebrew

"scapegoat"

In the Hebrew bible, Azazel is the name of the place where the scapegoat bearing the Jews' sins during Yom Kippur,was sacrificed. In Christian and Islamic traditions, Azazel is the name of a fallen…

Lael

Hebrew

"belonging to God"

Although this is an ancient Old Testament name, it has a pleasant contemporary feel that might appeal to today's parents, who might just as easily use it for a girl. It was one of the fastest rising…

Lazarus

Latinized Greek variation of Hebrew Eleazar

"God is my helper"

Lazarus is a name that looks as if it could possibly be raised from the dead, just like its biblical bearer. Look for it in the next wave of Old Testament revivals that transcend their long-bearded…

Mattan

Hebrew

"gift"

Old Testament name that would make a nice alternative to Matteo.

Menahem

Hebrew

"the comforter"

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.

Merari

Hebrew

"bitter"

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

Micaiah

Hebrew

"who is like God?"

Spelling variation of Michaiah, an obscure but attractive name used for both men and women in the Bible.

Moab

Hebrew

"from my father"

Moab is a Biblical name and an ancient place name. In the Old Testament, Moab was the son of Lot. The Kingdom of Moab, in modern-day Jordan, was Biblically significant for often being in conflict…

Mordecai

Hebrew

"follower of Marduk"

Mordecai, although it has a noble heritage, has never caught on in this country, because of its rather weighty image. Nevertheless, with parents searching for rarer Biblical names that work as…

Nadab

Hebrew

"generous"

Biblical name from the Old Testament.

Naphtali

Hebrew

"wrestling, struggling"

Rarely used biblical choice -- he's a son of Jacob -- with a bit of a white-bearded image.

Narcissus

Greek

"daffodil"

Mythological young man who fell in love with his own image: the first narcissist.

Nebo

Babylonian mythology name

Sounds like a name from an old science fiction movie -- but this god of letters invented writing, and so might interest parents who are writers or professors.

Nekoda

Hebrew

"marked"

Old Testament name that could work as an alternative to Dakota.

Neriah

Hebrew

"light of Jehovah"

Neriah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Book of Jeremiah as the father of Baruch and Seraiah ben Neriah. According to the Talmud, Neriah and his sons are all prophets. The name is traditionally…

Nicodemus

Greek

"victory of the people"

This rarely used New Testament name could make an unusual route to the cool nickname Nico. Borne by the person who helps to entomb Jesus following his crucifixion, it has the powerful meaning of…