Bible Names

The Biblical Terah was male, but the name feels like it could work for either gender. In the Bible, Terah was the father of Abram, later Abraham.

Never as well known as that other Roman numeral name, Octavius, Tertius just might hold some appeal for the parent seeking a really obscure name with the patina of antiquity for her third son.

Thaddeus, a distinguished, long-neglected name, has several areas of appeal: a solid New Testament legacy, a nice antique feel, and the choice of several more modern nicknames and international variations.

A solid classic with plenty of history, Thomas strikes the balance between strength and gentleness. A favorite in the UK, a staple in France, and Australia, and never absent from the US Top 100, Thomas feels like a safe bet and a name that fits into any era.

The name of an important ancient Roman emperor, Tiberius might sound a bit heavy for a modern boy to carry, but with the rise of Atticus, Tiberius and brothers begin to feel more baby-friendly, much in the same way as Old Testament names like Elijah and Isaiah have been rejuvenated.

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 problems.

Tirza is a feminine name with ancient Hebrew origins, appearing in the Old Testament as the name of one of Zelophehad's five daughters and also as a city name. It means 'pleasant' or 'delightful' in Hebrew, reflecting its appealing quality. The name has been used primarily in Jewish communities and in the Netherlands, where it gained moderate popularity. Tirza offers a distinctive alternative to more common biblical names, combining historical depth with accessible pronunciation. Its exotic quality comes from its rare usage rather than difficult pronunciation, making it both unique and approachable. The name carries a gentle strength and subtle elegance that appeals to parents seeking names with meaningful historical connections and positive connotations.

Titus, once seen as a slightly forbidding Roman, New Testament, and Shakespearean name, was brought back to contemporary life in the USA by the TV series Titus 2000, increasing in popularity along with other revived ancient names like Linus and Silas.

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 Noah to Isaiah to Josiah and Zachariah. And of course, Toby is an adorable nickname.

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.

A perfectly respectable Old Testament name ruined forever through its association with the odious Uriah Heep in David Copperfield. Some people also find this name just too close to the word urine. These negative connotations may be wearing off, however. (Perhaps because people don't read as much Dickens as they used to.)

A widely used Hebrew form of Joseph, with a sophisticated and continental air.

One of several more venerable names that get to the nickname Zack if you're tired of Zachary. In the New Testament, Zacharias was the husband of Elizabeth and father of John the Baptist.

Zarah is a feminine name with rich multicultural origins. It's a variant of Sarah, derived from Hebrew meaning 'princess,' but this spelling gives it a more exotic and distinctive character. In Arabic contexts, Zarah relates to 'brilliance' or 'flower,' while some associate it with 'radiance' or 'the rising of light.' The name appears in various cultures including Persian, Arabic, and European traditions, each adding layers to its meaning. The 'Z' initial and 'h' ending create a balanced, melodic quality that feels both ancient and contemporary. While less common than Sarah, Zarah has gained appreciation among parents seeking a name with cross-cultural appeal, spiritual significance, and a touch of uniqueness without being difficult to pronounce.

Biblical names are expanding (literally) as some parents move on from Isaiah and Elijah to more elaborate choices with simple short forms like Jed and Zeb.

Zebedee is an adorable and unusual New Testament name--which may sound like but is not a contradiction in terms. Unlike some of the longer biblical Z-names, Zebedee has a more lighthearted usability, with its gleeful ee-ending. And Zeb makes a fabulous nickname.