Baby Name Meanings
By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 4 pages
of 4
English, Aramaic, Hebrew
"priest, father"
A traditionally masculine surname, denoting the head of a monastery, a priest, or someone who worked for a church official, Abbott may appeal as a fresh spin on Biblical Abigail. Quietly used for…
Hebrew
"God is my father"
More than the sum of Abby and Ella.
"father of might"
There are two Abihails in the Old Testament, but her similarity to Abigail is probably responsible for its being so little known or used.
"my father is dew"
Abital is popular for boys as well as girls in Israel, but we rarely hear it here. In the Old Testament, Abital was one of King David's wives and the mother of his fifth son.
Abiah is a gentle, rarely used Old Testament name belonging to Samuel's second son. This makes a good choice for the parent who wants a traditional biblical name that is not overly familiar.
"father of peace"
Absalom, because of its biblical and literary associations, just might appeal to the daring namegiver. In the Old Testament, Absalom was the handsome, favored but rebellious son of King David. In…
Italian
"father-like"
Attilio charted in the US in the early years of the 20th century, a peak of Italian immigration. Only nine baby boys received the name in the US last year, but it has the trendy O ending and also…
Spanish and Italian from German
"the father of the noble prince"
Appealing, upbeat name used mainly in Spanish-speaking countries.
Aramaic
"son of the father"
In the Christian bible, Barabbas was a murderer that Pontius Pilate freed while condemning Jesus to die. The name is ironic, given that Christian belief promotes Jesus as the son of the Father. The…
Yiddish diminutive of Abraham
"Father of multitudes"
Whether you're looking for an unexpected nickname for the imposing Abraham or a fresh spin on the Biblical classic, this highly unusual variation might appeal to namers with a sense of adventure.
Short form of Abijah, Hebrew
The Biblical Abijah might be temporarily lost to time, but this antiquated short form could move with it into the modern era.
"my father is judge"
In the Old Testament, Abidan was indeed a judge, head of the tribe of Benjamin and a leader at the time of the Exodus. Dan and Ab could work as nicknames. In 2015, there were only five boys in the US…
Greek
"glory to the father"
Sharing an etymology with Cleopatra, this masculine form of the name also has biblical ties. Cleopas was one of the men who encountered Jesus on the road to Emmaus following his resurrection. As a…
"the mother of all gods"
The Anatolian mother goddess Cybele had a place in Greek, Roman, Trojan, and Anatolian mythology. Today, she has special meaning as a symbol of gender nonconformity. In ancient Rome, Cybele's cult…
"earth mother"
Demeter, the Greek goddess of grain, agriculture, and the harvest, growth and nourishment, was Zeus's sister and Persephone's mother. Variation Demetria is the full name of actress Demi Moore. Though…
African, Yoruba
"mother has returned"
A lively name often used to honor a deceased grandmother in Yoruba culture.
Hindi-Sanskrit
"mother or legendary bird"
Delicate and lacy, with less emphasis on the jar syllable.
Spanish
"mother"
A bit grown-up for a tiny baby.
Egyptian
"divine mother"
One of the more unusual mythology names for girls , Neith is the name of the Egyptian goddess of home and femininity.
Hungarian
A Hungarian name rarely heard outside its native culture, Emese appears as the legendary grandmother of Árpád, the founder of the Hungarian state. It featured in the Hungarian Top 100 from when the…
