Unusual Biblical Baby Names

Timon

Greek

"reward, honor"

Kids would be more likely to associate this name with the hyperactive meercat in "The Lion King" than with the ancient Greek philosopher or Shakespearean character, which could cause playground…

Tiras

Hebrew, meaning uncertain

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…

Tobit

Hebrew

"my good"

A rare alternative to Tobias, with a lesser-known Biblical story. The Book of Tobit is a part of the Catholic and Orthodox Christian canon. It tells the story of the blind Tobit and his son Tobias,…

Urban

Latin

"of the city"

Urban was not an uncommon name through the 1930s (rising as high as Number 435), having been attached to several saints and early popes, but it has completely disappeared from the landscape--both…

Reuel

Hebrew

"friend of God"

This soft-yet-sturdy Biblical name belonged to Moses’ father-in-law (also called Jethro) and was the second middle name of J.R.R. Tolkien.

Uzzi

Hebrew

"Jehovah is my strength"

An extra zesty variation of Uzi, but not one that comes recommended — it’s strongly associated with the submachine gun.

Zaccai

Hebrew

"pure"

Cool biblical name that could get you to the nicknames Zac or Cai.

Zebedee

English variation of Hebrew Zebediah

"gift of God"

Zebedee is an adorable and unusual New Testament name--which may sound like but is not a contradiction in terms. Unlike some of the longer biblical Z -names, Zebedee has a more lighthearted…

Zebediah

Hebrew

"gift of Jehovah"

Biblical names are expanding (literally) as some parents move from Isaiah and Elijah to more elaborate choices with simple short forms, like Jedidiah and Zebediah. Zebediah, or Zebadiah, is the New…

Zimri

Hebrew

"my music, my praise"

This unusual and spunky biblical name was one of the Kings of Israel as well as one of Judah's grandsons and has a wonderful meaning. We'd like to see Zimri being used more, and we think it has…

Zuriel

Hebrew

"God is my rock"

Biblical name from the Old Testament.

Adna

Hebrew

"pleasure"

This obscure biblical name is only mentioned twice in the Bible — first as a divorced Israelite and then as a priest.

Jubal

Latin

"ram's horn"

This unusual name might be a possibility for musical families: Jubal was credited in Genesis with the invention of the lyre, flute, harp, and organ. It also has a jubilant feel through its sound and…

Zebulon

Hebrew

"exaltation or little dwelling"

An Old Testament name with a Puritan feel and post-Zachary possibilities--one of several routes to the cool nickname Zeb. Pike's Peak was named for Zebulon Pike, the best known bearer of the name. In…

Laban

Hebrew

"white"

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

Hanan

Hebrew

"graciousness"

A chief member of the tribe of Benjamin, and another obscure Old Testament name that few parents, even those tired of Aaron and Zachary, would consider. But with a pronunciation that rhymes with…

Linus

Greek

"flax"

Can Linus lose its metaphorical security blanket and move from the Peanuts page onto the birth certificate? We think it has enough charm and other positive elements going for it for the answer to be…

Zephaniah

Hebrew

"God has hidden"

A minor prophet who has his own Book, Zephaniah is another Old Testament gem waiting to be rediscovered now that Noah and Abraham are becoming too trendy. The vowel-sound ending of Zephaniah is…

Ram

Arabic, Sanskrit, Hebrew

"archer; pleasing; exalted"

One of the most familiar, and assertive, names found throughout the Middle East and India, Ram has an assertive and solid air about it. Derived from a number of different origins, in English speaking…