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Francophile Naming Guide –– Biblical Names for Boys and Girls

vintageluvs
By vintageluvs
Updated Tue May 16 2023
Taken from "La Sainte Bible" translated by Louis Segond. I love these names because a lot of them are Hebrew relics, but because of our Judeo-Christian heritage, everyone can really celebrate in those wonderful names that mix Hebrew and French into a ethnic blend. Thought Obadiah and Malachi were unusual? Think again! Some of these are unisex, so feel free to use Néhémie on a girl (talk to me if you do so!). If you want to know the gender of each name, talk to me since many of these names aren't registered on Nameberry!
  1. Aaron

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "high mountain; exalted, enlightened"

    • Description:

      Aaron is a name of subtle contrasts: an unusual spelling that is easily recognizable; a solid Biblical choice that doesn’t feel exclusively tied to religion; a well-established name for boys but sometimes confused with the girls’ name, Erin; used internationally but with notably different pronunciations; classic like Andrew but not out of place with recent favorites like Weston or Jayden.
  2. Abba

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "father"

    • Description:

      Double exposure: 1970s rock sensation (Mamma Mia) and scholar/diplomat name in Israel.
  3. Abdeel

    • Description:

      Abdeel is a masculine name with Hebrew origins, derived from the phrase 'servant of God.' Found in biblical contexts, Abdeel was mentioned as the father of Shelemiah in the Book of Jeremiah. The name combines 'abd' meaning 'servant' and 'El' referring to God, creating a name with deep spiritual significance. Abdeel has remained relatively uncommon in Western countries but is occasionally used in religious families and communities with strong biblical traditions. The name carries connotations of devotion, faith, and divine service. Its rarity gives it a distinctive quality while its biblical roots provide it with historical depth and meaning that appeals to those seeking a name with religious significance.
  4. Abel

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "breath"

    • Description:

      Abel, the name of Adam and Eve's unfortunate younger son, compensates with positive connotations: capable, competent, ready and willing.
  5. Abija

    • Description:

      Abija is a feminine name with ancient roots, derived from Hebrew origins where it means 'God is my father.' In biblical contexts, Abijah (the more common transliteration) was borne by several male figures, though the feminine version has gained some usage in modern times. The name carries spiritual significance while offering a distinctive sound that sets it apart from more common biblical names. Abija's flowing three-syllable structure (ah-BEE-jah) gives it a gentle, melodic quality. While uncommon in Western countries, it maintains appeal for those seeking names with religious heritage and meaningful etymology. The name suggests devotion, spiritual connection, and familial bonds through its literal meaning.
  6. Abraham

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "father of multitudes"

    • Description:

      Abraham is among the most classic baby names that's still widely-used today, popular for its references to both the Bible and American history. The Biblical Abraham was the first of the Old Testament patriarchs and is considered the founding father of the Jewish people. He was originally named Abram, until, according to Genesis, he was told, "No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations."
  7. Abram

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "father of multitudes"

    • Description:

      Abram was Abraham's original name in the Bible; it's more user-friendly but with a bit less gravitas. And it does offer that cool nickname Bram, as well as the friendly Abe. After some early American usage, in 1936 Abram completely disappeared for nearly forty years, until its return in the 1970s.
  8. Absalom

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "father of peace"

    • Description:

      Absalom, because of its biblical and literary associations, just might appeal to the daring namegiver.
  9. Ada

    • Origin:

      German or Turkish

    • Meaning:

      "noble, nobility, or island"

    • Description:

      Ada is one of the classic baby names for girls that is suddenly super stylish again. A favorite at the end of the nineteenth century, Ada is an alternative to the over-popular Ava. Ada is also part of the trend toward simple, old-fashioned names beginning with a vowel, like Ivy and Ella.
  10. Adin

    • Description:

      Adin is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins, appearing in Hebrew, Arabic, and Bosnian traditions. In Hebrew, it means 'delicate' or 'adorned,' while in Arabic it can mean 'religious' or 'faithful.' The name appears in the Bible as a family head who returned from Babylonian exile. Adin has grown in popularity in recent decades, particularly in Israel and among Jewish communities worldwide. The name's cross-cultural presence, short length, and easy pronunciation have contributed to its rising appeal. In Bosnia and surrounding regions, it has historical significance and remains in consistent use. Adin's simplicity gives it versatility across language boundaries, while still carrying meaningful historical and religious connections. The name projects qualities of gentleness and faithfulness while remaining distinctly masculine.

  11. Akkub

    • Description:

      Akkub is a masculine name with ancient biblical origins. It appears in the Old Testament as the name of several individuals, including a gatekeeper of the temple mentioned in 1 Chronicles. In Hebrew, the name (עַקּוּב) likely relates to the concept of 'protection' or may mean 'protected' or 'insidious.' Despite its biblical heritage, Akkub remains quite rare in contemporary usage. The name has a distinctive, strong sound with its double 'k' consonant. For families seeking a biblical name that isn't commonly used, Akkub provides an option with authentic scriptural connections while standing apart from more familiar biblical choices.

  12. Alexandre

    • Origin:

      French variation of Alexander

    • Meaning:

      "defending men"

    • Description:

      What's the difference between Alexander, the usual English spelling of this deeply classical name, and Alexandre, the French version? English speakers might find the proper French pronunciation challenging: a-lehk-SAHN-dreh, but that last syllable is barely pronounced. Americans might an an a or an ee on the end of the name, or simply pronounce it as Alexander, for better or worse.
  13. Amon

    • Origin:

      Hebrew, Arabic, Greek from Egyptian

    • Meaning:

      "the hidden one; invisible"

    • Description:

      In Egyptian mythology, Amon is a major god associated with creation and the air. He was later fused with the Sun god, Ra, and became Amun-Ra.
  14. Amos

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "carried by God"

    • Description:

      Amos is a robust biblical name that's being discovered by a new generation of parents in a major way.
  15. Ana

    • Origin:

      Variation of Hannah

    • Meaning:

      "grace"

    • Description:

      Confident and compact, Ana is a widely used variation of the Biblical Hannah. Favored in Spain, Slovenia, Bosnia, Portugal, and Croatia, this shorter spelling has the same substance and versatility of its longer counterparts.
  16. Ananias

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "God has given"

    • Description:

      Ananias is a New Testament name of three different figures. The two good ones were a high priest and a disciple of Paul. The not good Ananias was the husband of Sapphira who conspired to deceive the apostles and was struck dead.
  17. Apollos

    • Origin:

      Greek

    • Meaning:

      "of Apollo"

    • Description:

      A Biblical name deriving from the Greek god Apollo. Apollos was a 1st century Alexandrian Jewish Christian and contemporary of Paul the Apostle mentioned several times in the New Testament.
  18. Aram

    • Origin:

      Hebrew, Kurdish, Armenian, Thai

    • Meaning:

      "high elevated, fortress; calm; child of the sun; glittering, temple"

    • Description:

      Aram is a popular Armenian name with a pleasing sound that became known in this country through the works of William Saroyan, namely the 1940 book of short stories, My Name in Aram, centering on Aram Garoghlanian, a boy of Armenian descent growing up in Fresno, California. Saroyan also named his son Aram.
  19. Asa

    • Origin:

      Hebrew; Japanese

    • Meaning:

      "healer; born in the morning"

    • Description:

      A short but strong biblical name with multicultural appeal, Asa is enjoying new visibility thanks to hot young actor Asa Butterfield of Hugo fame.
  20. Auguste

    • Origin:

      French form of Latin Augustus

    • Meaning:

      "great, magnificent"

    • Description:

      French version of August, for both sexes. And for those who feel the spelling of August is too plain.