Abra is soft, sensitive feminine form of Abraham that was the name of a soft, sensitive character in the John Steinbeck book and movie, "East of Eden." In the bible, Abra was a favorite of King Solomon and it was a popular name in seventeenth century England. Abra is also a West African name used for girls born on Tuesday. The magical 'abracadabra' is thought to have originated in the Aramaic language.

The name of several minor Biblical characters, Amzi seems streamlined and modern and has the potential to catch on. Meaning "strong", it may appeal to parents who enjoy Azariah, Aziel, and Amias. "AM-tsee" is the traditional pronunciation, though "-zee" and "-zie" have also been used.

Rarely heard New Testament name -- he was a friend of Saint Paul -- that might conceivably stand up to modern usage.

Biblical name from the Old Testament.

Seraiah is an Old Testament name attached to several minor Biblical figures. The father of Ezra the scribe was named Seraiah, as was the father of Joab. While Seraiah sounds somewhat feminine to the English speaker, as one of the few unused Biblical names, it could rise in popularity for boys.

Old Testament name of the daughter-in-law of Naomi, now eclipsed by the originally misspelled Oprah. Oprah Winfrey may have made her name more famous than this original Biblical version, but no baby girls received either name in the US last year.

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 angel.

A rare alternative to Tobias, with a lesser-known Biblical story.

Eliam is less common Biblical alternative to Liam, Elliott, Elias, and Eli, but maybe one that's faster-rising. Eliam joined the Top 1000 for the first time in 2021 and was sky-rocketed in 2024, when it was given to more than 850 boys — double the amount born in 2023. In Puerto Rico, it's a Top 50 choice.

Rarely used in the last two centuries, but might be worth dusting off and holding up to the light.

This Roman name is featured in the New Testament as that of the governor of Judea.

Jotham is an Old Testament name that today would certainly be the only one in his class, having something of an urban feel via its similarity to the word 'gotham'. In the Bible one Jotham is the sole surviving son of Gideon after the massacre of his brothers, the other is a king of Judah who was an enthusiastic builder. Jotham Riddle is a character in James Fenimore Cooper's novel The Pioneers, while Jotham Powell appears in Edith Wharton's Ethan Frome.

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

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

Obscure Old Testament name that rhymes with (and might be a substitute for) Nathan.

Although this Old Testament name is soft and delicate, it runs the risk of conjuring up the monstrous Godzilla.

Variation of Timaeus.

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

Old Testament male name and biblical place name.

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