Unusual Biblical Baby Names
- Tema
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"tree"Description:
A unisex name of Hebrew origin with a nature-inspired meaning. In the Bible, it is given to a male character, one of the 12 sons of Ishmael, however, in Yiddish, it is a variation of the feminine Tamar.
- Avital
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"my father is dew"Description:
Avital is a feminine Hebrew name that appears in the Bible as the name of one of King David's wives. The name symbolizes freshness, renewal, and natural beauty.
- Jerusha
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"inheritance"Description:
This biblical name of the mother of King Jotham of Judah has an appealing soft Russian accent.
- Haman
Origin:
PersianMeaning:
"illustrious"Description:
Whatever its merits as a name, Haman is a Biblical villain, a member of the Persian king's court who plotted to slaughter the Jews. His plan was foiled by Queen Esther and Haman was hanged. Not a role model you want for your child.
- Machi
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"decrease"Description:
Not ready to go all the way to Malachi? Then take this Biblical shortcut name, with the second syllable rhyming with eye.
- Huri
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"linen weaver"Description:
Old Testament masculine name that could fit in well with contemporary baby names.
- Jetur
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"more, increase; row, column, rank"Description:
A rare Biblical name borne by one of the sons of Ishmael (and the grandson of Abraham and Hagar), Jetur derives from either the Hebrew yoter meaning "more, increase" or from the word toor meaning "column, rank". Another possibility however is that it comes from yatar meaning "abundance" and making it a cognate of Jethro.
- Jahel
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"mountain goat"Description:
Variation of Jael.
- Moab
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"from my father"Description:
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 with Israel.
- Eliphaz
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"my God is fine gold"Description:
This unusual Biblical name includes the popular Eli- and the on trend letter Z, which could make it an unexpected alternative to Elijah, Elias, Azariah, or Azriel.
- Ishvi
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"he resembles me"Description:
In the Old Testament, Ishvi is the name of one of Asher's sons.
- Peninah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"pearl, coral"Description:
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.
- Photine
Origin:
Ancient GreekMeaning:
"light up"Description:
Deriving from the Greek word phos meaning "light", Photine is a rare choice with a Biblical link. The name of the Samaritan woman in "Jesus and the Woman at the Well" (John 4), Photine is associated with Jesus's mercy and love, and with spreading the word of God.
- Azubah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"desolation"Description:
Azubah is one of those unique baby names from the Bible that is both uncommon and usable, especially given that trendy letter Z in the middle. Azubah's sad meaning may be a strike against it. There were two figures named Azubah in the Bible, one the wife of Caleb and the other the mother of Jehoshaphat (as in Jumping).
- Kandake
Origin:
Greek variation of CandaceMeaning:
"white, pure, sincere"Description:
Greek variation of Candace used in the Bible.
- Nogah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"brightness"Description:
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.
- Sherah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"kinswoman"Description:
One of the unique baby names still undiscovered from the Old Testament.
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