390+ Biblical Names (with Meanings and Popularity)

Buz

Hebrew

"contempt"

A name used in the Old Testament, as well as a variation of Buzz.

Stephan

Variant of Stephen

If you wanted to try to get people to pronounce your son's first name the way Stephen Curry does, this might be a way to do it.

Talmai

Hebrew

"furrowed"

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. The name Bartholomew can be…

Tammuz

Semitic variation of Dumuzid, Sumerian

"loyal child"

Tammuz is the Semitic variation of Dumuzid, a name from Sumerian mythology. Tammuz is the name of fourth month on the Hebrew calendar, corresponding with June and July on the Gregorian calendar. A…

Tekoa

Hebrew

"stockade or horn trumpet"

Both a place name and a masculine given name in the Old Testament.

Theophilus

Greek

"loved by God; friend of God"

This is a multi-syllabic New Testament relic that could be yet another fresh way to get to Theo. In the beginning of Luke's gospel, he dedicates his words to Theophilus. Theophilus North is the title…

Beriah

Hebrew

"in envy"

Unusual biblical name that may be too close in sound to the feminine Mariah.

Timeus

Greek

"honor"

Variation of Timaeus.

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…

Benaiah

Hebrew

"built by God"

Benaiah is an unusual Biblical choice that can get you to Ben.

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…

Baruch

Hebrew

"blessed"

Think of this as the Hebrew equivalent of Benedict or Benito; best for observant Jews.

Tobiah

Hebrew

"God is good"

Tobiah is the original Hebrew form of the better-known Greek Tobias, to which it could make a distinctive alternative. With its ah ending, Tobiah fits in with other stylish Biblical names today, from…

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…

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…

Uri

Hebrew

"my flame, my light"

This short but strong name, commonly heard in Israel, has a lot of crossover potential, and is among the most usable on the minuscule menu of U names. The are two Uris in the Old Testament--the…

Barnaby

English variation of Barnabas, Aramaic

"son of consolation"

Barnaby, a genial and energetic name with an Irish-sounding three-syllable lilt, is an ancient appellation that manages to be both unusual and highly attractive and deserves to be used more than it…

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.