Unusual Biblical Baby Names

There are four figures named Ammiel in the Bible. The most notable was the father of Bathsheba.

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.

Old Testament male name and biblical place name.

An Old Testament name used by the Puritans, less well known than female relatives Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah and as deserving of revival.

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

A masculine name in the Old Testament, but used contemporarily as a feminine name, Nogah was borne by a son of King David. Predominantly given in Israel, the name can also be spelled as Noga.

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.

Talmai is the name of several minor characters in the Old Testament, including the father of Maacah, the wife of King David, and one of Anak’s three giant sons.

Peninah, also found as Penina and Peninnah, was one of the two wives of Elkanah in the Bible. Peninah, who had children, upset her sister wife Hannah, who did not, and in response God blessed Hannah with a baby, Samuel.

The Biblical Addar was a son of King Bela. This obscure name is simple and strong and well-suited to modern life.

A Roman forename, and later family name, used for both sexes in ancient times (but more commonly men).

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

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

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.

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.

Amal is the name of a male figure in the Bible, a member of the tribe of Asher. Not, in this case, Mrs. George Clooney.

One of the wives of King David in the Old Testament.

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

A rare Biblical name, Shecaniah appears a number of times throughout the Bible and may be related to the concept of Shekinah, referring to a place of divine presence. In the case of this masculine name, it derives from a Hebrew word meaning "dwelling, settling" and may also be spelled as Shechaniah.

Biblical name from the Old Testament.