Classic Baby Names · Historic and Vintage Names
390+ Biblical Names (with Meanings and Popularity)
Across 21 pages
of 21
Goliath
Hebrew
"exile"
Not a traditional biblical choice, but the Philistine giant isn't a bad character as such, just a champion fighter who lost to the underdog. He has given his name to everything from insect species to…
Benaiah
Hebrew
"built by God"
Benaiah is an unusual Biblical choice that can get you to Ben.
Amon
Hebrew, Arabic, Greek from Egyptian
"the hidden one; invisible"
In Egyptian mythology, Amon is a major god associated with creation and the air. He was later fused with the Sun god, Ra, and became Amun-Ra. In the US, Amon is occasionally used as a variation of…
Ammiel
Hebrew
"people of God"
There are four figures named Ammiel in the Bible. The most notable was the father of Bathsheba.
Noadiah
Hebrew
"meeting with the Lord"
Noadiah has biblical namesakes both male and female. The male Noadiah is mentioned in the Book of Ezra, and the female Noadiah is a prophetess in the Book of Nehemiah. Noadiah combines popular Noah…
Narcissus
Greek
"daffodil"
Mythological young man who fell in love with his own image: the first narcissist.
Gilead
Hebrew
"a camel hump"
Like Bethany and Shiloh, a meaningful biblical place-name.
Naphtali
Hebrew
"wrestling, struggling"
Rarely used biblical choice -- he's a son of Jacob -- with a bit of a white-bearded image.
Nadab
Hebrew
"generous"
Biblical name from the Old Testament.
Baruch
Hebrew
"blessed"
Think of this as the Hebrew equivalent of Benedict or Benito; best for observant Jews.
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…
Gershon
Variation of Gershom
"stranger; exodus"
In the Bible, Gershon is one of Levi’s sons. The name is a variation of Gershom, another Old Testament name that is now primarily used in Orthodox Jewish communities.
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.
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…
Gaius
Latin
"to rejoice"
Stately Gaius (pronounced GUY-us) was in the name of many ancient Romans, including Julius Caesar. Little-used before the year 2000, it now feels like a fresh possibility in the revival of Latin…
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…
Bartholomew
Aramaic
"son of the furrow"
Bartholomew is an apostle's name that's been out of favor for centuries but might appeal again to the parent in search of an old but rare choice. The challenge could be to avoid the Simpson-ish…
Ami
Hebrew
"trustworthy, reliable"
A masculine name from the Old Testament, but would likely be confused for Amy.
Micaiah
Hebrew
"who is like God?"
Spelling variation of Michaiah, an obscure but attractive name used for both men and women in the Bible.