Modern Christian Baby Names

A Puritanical virtue name and also a place name, belonging to the state capital of Rhode Island and several other towns and cities in the US.

Providence

Blessed and Blessing are two word and virtue names getting more attention, especially among religious parents.

Blessed

The first letter of the Greek alphabet ande the brightest star in every constellation, this would make an interesting choice for a first daughter, though it does give off some spectral sci-fi reverberations--and references to the term "alpha male.". 

Alpha

Spiritual in multiple senses of the word, Epiphany has been given to a handful of girls since the late 1980s, peaking in 1988 when it was given to 55 babies, following the release of the movie Angel Heart in 1987, which featured a character of the name, played by Lisa Bonet.
 
Derived from the Greek epiphaneia, in Chrisitan tradition, Epiphany is associated with the visit of Magi to the infant Christ, sometimes called Three Kings' Day or Little Christmas. In Eastern Christianity, the celebration is a bigger deal, a feast day that additionally commemorates the Baptism of Christ in the Jordan River and the first miracle he performed in Cana. 
 It can used to refer to a manifestation of any supernatural or divine being, however from a secular point of view, it refers to a moment of sudden and monumental revelation or realization, which may appeal to those who feel having a baby has shifted their perspective.
 Given to just 7 girls in a recent year, it is not as popular as it once was, however, it could lead to nicknames such as Effie or Annie. 
 
Like the idea of Epiphany but find it too wordy? You could try the Italian and Spanish name Epifania instead.

Epiphany

Omega is a perfect choice for a youngest child. 

Omega

Palmer is a Top 300 choice in the US for girls and has more recently been on the rise for boys, but what about the shorter form, Palm? A spiritual name, a word name, and a nature name, it comes from the Latin palma meaning "palm tree" or referring to the palm of the hand. 

It was historically used as a short form of Palmarius and Palmatius, which, like contemporary Palmer is, were associated with pilgrims, who brought a palm branch back with them from their pilgrimage.

 Theoretically, Palm could fit in with options such as Blessing, Halo, Psalm, Miracle, and Praise, however, it might also be associated with the act of concealing something during a trick or theft, or with "palming" something or someone "off", through deception.

Palm

A multicultural choice with a range of meanings, this name boomed in the 1940s and 50s thanks to the glamorous singer Risë (pronounced REE-sa) Stevens, who inherited her name from her Norwegian grandmother. In this case, it is a short form of Regitze, ultimately from the Germanic name, Richiza, relating to might and strength.
 
It's rare nowadays, but when used it's more likely to be the uplifting vocabulary word, rhyming with "eyes". As such, it has connotations of "rising up" to a challenge, "rising in rank", or "rising again", giving it an ambitious and spiritual air. This form was chosen by Nick Cannon and Brittany Bell for their son, born in September 2022.
 
Finally, Rise may be a Japanese name, pronounced as REE-SEH. It has a variety of meanings depending on which kanji are used but possibilities include "lapis lazuli, crystal + celestial, stars"; "dignified + generations"; "beautiful + celestial", or "dignified + holy, wise". It is borne by snowboarder Rise Kudo.

Rise

A word name with grandeur, musicality, and a hint of spirituality, Requiem could have the nickname Remi. Associated with remembrance, Catholic Mass, and music for the dead, it more literally means "rest". It has never been used as a name, as yet.

Requiem

A word name linked to music and spirituality, Requiem could have the more familiar nicknames Remi or Emmy. Associated with remembrance, Catholic Mass, and music for the dead, it more literally means "rest". It has never been used as a name (yet!)

Rare word name, and an unexpected way to get to Tess.

Testimony

<a href="https://nameberry.com/list/582/names-about-language?all=1">Writing-related names</a> are starting to become more popular, with names like Poet, Story, and Lyric having been used by many a celebrity. Now it's Verse's turn, as it was recently used by Teen Mom's Kailyn Lowry for her son.

Verse

A warm and positive English word name, used by the Puritans for both sexes but now given to only around a dozen baby girls each year.

Gracious

Because that's what your child is—a gift.

Gift

A modern word and virtue name which first appeared on the US baby name charts in 2013, when it was given to 6 boys. Usage peaked in 2019, with 18 boys and seven baby girls, no doubt thanks to the enigmatic Credence Barebone from the Fantastic Beasts film franchise.

Credence

Fortitude is the kind of virtue name the Puritans favored that could feel rather heavy for a modern boy. Nevertheless, with options such as Sincere, Chosen, Messiah, and Valor on the rise, perhaps in coming years, it might not seem so hefty after all, though for now, we think it would be best reserved for the middle spot. 

Fortitude

Bird names have taken flight, and Cardinal is a new addition recently used by Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden for their son. The red bird was named for the color of the robes worn by the religious cardinals.
 
Cardinal can also be considered a modern Christian name a la Bishop and Deacon, or even a baseball name, referencing the St. Louis Cardinals.

Cardinal

Whether you like Cardinal for its connections to the songbird, religious connotations, or even sports ties, this unique new name fits in with today's name landscape. Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden used it for their son, born in 2024, but it could just as easily be used on a daughter — perhaps with the nickname Cardi.

 step away from traditional biblical and saints' names, and draw on Christian symbols and concepts. They include 

 like Amen and Hosanna, and place names from the Bible, like Jericho and Galilee.

Some modern Christian names are more subtle and can also be secular, like River and Shepherd. Many of these 

, and many have only been in use since the end of the twentieth century or even later, which gives them a fresh and lesser-known feel. We've also added a few more established names with a particularly evangelical flavor.

Click through for more on this new genre of Christian names.

Modern Christian Baby Names such as Saint and Creed, including popularity, origin, and meanings (Page 6)