Bible Names

Arah is a feminine name with ancient biblical connections, appearing in the Old Testament as a male name. Its Hebrew origins suggest meanings related to 'traveler' or 'wayfarer,' though some sources connect it to words meaning 'to follow' or 'companion.' Over time, Arah has evolved to be primarily used for girls in contemporary naming practices. The name's brevity and open vowel sounds give it a modern feel despite its ancient roots. Arah remains relatively uncommon, making it an intriguing choice for parents seeking a distinctive biblical name without mainstream popularity. Its simple pronunciation and spelling combined with rich historical context offer an appealing balance of accessibility and uniqueness.

Beno is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a short form of Benedict (meaning 'blessed'), Benjamin ('son of the right hand'), or various Slavic names containing the element 'ben' meaning 'good.' In some cultures, particularly Slovenian and Slovak, it functions as an independent name. Beno has a straightforward, friendly quality with its simple two-syllable structure. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, it enjoys some usage in Central and Eastern European countries. The name offers modern appeal through its brevity while still connecting to traditional naming heritage. Its simplicity makes it easily pronounceable across language barriers.

Earnest is a masculine name of English origin that developed from the word 'earnest,' meaning 'serious,' 'sincere,' or 'determined.' The name gained popularity during the Victorian era when virtue names were fashionable and personal qualities were considered appropriate inspirations for given names. Oscar Wilde's 1895 play 'The Importance of Being Earnest' playfully highlighted the name's association with seriousness and sincerity. Throughout the early 20th century, Earnest maintained moderate popularity in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, before gradually declining after the 1950s. Often confused with Ernest (without the 'a'), this spelling variant has always been less common. The name conveys qualities of dedication, sincerity, and moral seriousness, making it appealing to parents who value these traditional virtues.

Halah is a feminine name with multiple cultural connections. In Arabic, it can mean 'halo of light around the moon' or 'beauty,' giving it poetic celestial associations. The name also appears in the Bible (2 Kings) as a place name where Israelites were exiled. Halah has a melodic quality with its two syllables and soft consonants. Despite its ancient roots and cross-cultural presence, the name remains relatively uncommon in most Western countries, though it has modest usage in Arabic-speaking regions. Its brevity makes it easy to pronounce across languages while still feeling distinctive. The name's combination of biblical heritage and beautiful Arabic meaning might appeal to parents seeking a name with cultural depth and spiritual connections.

Hanes is a masculine name with potential Welsh or Germanic origins. As a Welsh name, it may be related to the name Hannes, a diminutive of Johannes (John), ultimately meaning 'God is gracious.' In English-speaking contexts, some might associate it with the apparel brand, though the name predates this connection. Hanes has also appeared as a surname before being adopted as a given name. The name's brief, strong sound gives it a masculine quality that's straightforward and unpretentious. With just two syllables, Hanes is concise yet distinctive. As a first name, Hanes remains quite uncommon, offering a rare option that nonetheless feels familiar due to its simple pronunciation and potential surname associations.

Ivah is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from Hebrew, potentially related to 'avah' meaning 'desire' or representing a place name mentioned in biblical texts. Alternatively, it could be a variant of Iva, which has Slavic roots meaning 'willow tree.' The name experienced modest popularity in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries but has since become quite rare. Ivah has a simple, elegant structure with its two syllables and soft ending, fitting well with contemporary interest in short, vowel-rich names. The name carries a vintage charm while remaining distinctive and uncommon. Its biblical connections might appeal to some families, while others might appreciate its nature-associated meanings and subtle historical presence.

Magdala is a feminine name with profound historical and biblical connections. It derives from the ancient town of Magdala on the Sea of Galilee, most famously known as the home of Mary Magdalene, an important figure in Christianity. The place name Magdala has Aramaic origins meaning "tower" or "elevated place." This gives the name a sense of strength and prominence. While never among the most popular names, Magdala has been used sporadically throughout history, particularly in religious communities. It offers a less common alternative to the more familiar Magdalene or Madeline while maintaining the rich historical and spiritual heritage.

Mahalah is a feminine name with deep biblical roots, appearing in the Old Testament. It's a variant of Mahlah, who was one of the five daughters of Zelophehad mentioned in the Book of Numbers. The name derives from Hebrew origins and is traditionally thought to mean 'tender' or 'sickness,' though some interpretations suggest connections to 'forgiveness' or 'dance.' Despite its ancient origins, Mahalah remains quite rare in modern usage, giving it a distinctive quality. The name has a gentle, flowing sound with its alternating consonants and vowels. It might appeal to parents seeking a name with religious significance, historic depth, or simply a melodic and uncommon choice with a touch of vintage charm and spiritual resonance.

Minni is a feminine name that functions primarily as an alternative spelling of Minnie, which originated as a diminutive form of Wilhelmina (meaning 'determined protector') or Minerva (the Roman goddess of wisdom). The name also serves as a nickname for names starting with 'Min' such as Minerva or Amina. In Finnish, 'minni' means 'memory,' adding another layer of meaning. This simplified spelling variation maintains the playful, vintage charm of Minnie but with a more streamlined look. Minni peaked in popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and has seen a modest revival as part of the trend toward reclaiming vintage diminutive names. The Disney character Minnie Mouse has kept the name in cultural awareness.

Misti is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive or variation of Misty. The name evokes the image of morning mist or fog, giving it a naturally ethereal and gentle quality. Popular primarily in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s, Misti offers a slightly different spelling from the more common Misty. The name has nature-inspired origins, connecting to atmospheric conditions and creating a soft, dreamy impression. While its popularity has declined since its peak decades ago, Misti maintains appeal as a short, sweet name with natural connotations. The alternative spelling gives the name a distinctive character while preserving its connection to its misty, nature-inspired roots.

Saul is a character in a John Dryden poem, and heard in the Handel oratorio, "Saul."

Serah is a feminine name with biblical origins, appearing as a variant of Sarah or as a distinct character in some biblical texts. The name carries connotations of 'princess' or 'noblewoman,' similar to its Hebrew root. While less common than Sarah, Serah has maintained a subtle presence throughout history, often appealing to parents seeking a distinctive yet traditional-sounding name. In recent years, it has gained modest popularity among those drawn to its biblical heritage combined with its slight uniqueness compared to the more prevalent Sarah. The name's gentle sound and spiritual connections make it an elegant, meaningful choice that bridges ancient traditions with contemporary naming preferences.

Shemuel is a masculine name of Hebrew origin, representing the original form of the more commonly known Samuel. It derives from the Hebrew elements 'shem' meaning 'name' and 'el' meaning 'God,' thus translating to 'name of God' or 'God has heard.' While less common than its modernized version, Shemuel has historical significance in Jewish tradition and appears in ancient Hebrew texts. The name carries spiritual weight, suggesting divine attention and response to prayer. Though rare in mainstream Western usage, it appeals to parents seeking a name with authentic biblical roots and distinctive character. Some families choose it to honor Jewish heritage or to use the nickname Shem.

This Welsh form of John is pronounced Shaun. But most Americans certainly wouldn't know that.