Biblical baby names have so much to offer parents regardless of religious affiliation. After all, names from the bible come from all sorts of languages and traditions. Hebrew dominates, of course, but you will also find Arabic, Persian, Greek, and Latin names in scripture.
One thing is certain, of the biblical names, some have better meanings than others. We wanted to discover not only the most attractive baby names in the bible but also those with the very best meanings. If you’re a person of faith or just someone who loves storied names, this list of biblical baby names will likely appeal to you!
Check Out These Biblical Baby Names with the Best Meanings!
Biblical Baby Names for Girls
Junia
Junia is a refreshing name with roots in both Greek and Latin. The name belongs to a woman the apostle Paul called an apostle. Junia is perfect for summer babies as this name means “born in June.”
Mahala
Mahala is one of the most gorgeous biblical baby names for girls. Mahala has origins in both Hebrew and Arabic and means “tender.” The name was last popular in the US over 100 years ago! Perhaps it’s time to bring Mahala back!
Damaris
For parents looking for a name for a baby girl who will grow up to be a boss, Damaris would be a fitting choice. On the surface, Damaris sounds beautiful with its Greek origins. The name means “dominant woman.” The name belonged to an Athenian woman who was converted to Christianity by St. Paul.
Jescah
Jescah makes for an attractive alternative to the overused Jessica. Jescah is related to the name Iscah, both have Hebrew origins and mean “to behold.” We are certain a baby girl with this biblical name would be something to behold!
Sapphira
A sparkling gem name, Sapphira is a handsome name with Greek origins that means “sapphire.” If you’re not too concerned with the biblical context of your biblical baby names, please skip ahead. However, in the bible, Sapphira was punished by God for lying about her taxes. That’s not great but the name is!
Adina
A popular baby name for girls in Israel today, Adina is a tender name that means “delicate.” Unlike other biblical baby names, Adina has not been popular in the US for 140 years! It’s time for an Adina renaissance!
Sherah
Another form of Sarah, Sherah is often confused for the popular appellation. However, Sherah is a standalone name. The name appears in the Old Testament and means “kinswoman.”
Lois
A name meaning “most desirable,” Lois seems made for this list of biblical baby names with the best meanings. Lois is featured in the New Testament. The name comes from Greek origins. It was last popular in the US in the 1980s after being one of the most popular names for girls of the 1940s.
Miriam
Miriam is an Old Testament name that has both Hebrew and Egyptian roots. The Egyptian elements of this name give it the meaning “beloved.” Miriam has been a top 500 baby name in the US since records begin for them in 1880.
Zipporah
For lovers of birds, you will not find a better biblical name for you daughter than Zipporah. Yes, the name is not a conventional one, but we think that makes the appellation even more desirable. Zipporah was the wife of Moses. Her Hebrew name means “bird.”
Vashti
Of the biblical baby names on this list, it’s likely Vashti could feel new to you. Vashti was a queen who was fiercely independent. In fact, she was deposed for not following her husband’s orders. Her Persian name means “lovely.”
Phoebe
How good is the name Phoebe? The appellation has Latin and Greek origins and means “bright.” Phoebe has been on the rise in the US since the 1990s after falling from fashion from the 1950s until then. We’re glad the radiant one is back!
Chloe
A lot of biblical baby names have Greek origins and Chloe is no exception. Chloe means “sprout.” Chloe appears in the New Testament as an early Christian woman living in Greece.
Ada
One of the few biblical baby names with German origins, Ada appears in the Book of Genesis as one of the first girls’ names listed. Ada means “noble.” Not bad, right? The name has been on the rise over the last two decades. It would be the perfect alternative to the ever-popular Ava.
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Anna
Anna is one of the most beloved names around the world today. It’s been a hugely popular choice among new parents in the US for nearly 150 years, and likely longer. If it’s not broken, do not fix it! Anna has Hebrew origins and is related to Hannah. The name means “grace.”
Biblical Baby Names for Boys
Felix
Felix has Latin origins and in the bible, Felix is a Roman lawyer (procurator) for Judas. Of the biblical baby names on this list, Felix has one of the most joyful meanings in “fortunate” and “happy.”
Asher
Felix is an excellent name but it’s nowhere near as popular as the biblical name Asher. Even though both share the same meaning, Asher has emerged as a dominant biblical baby name. Unlike Felix, Asher has Hebrew origins.
Ethan
Looking for a biblical baby name with might? Ethan comes from Hebrew elements that mean “strong.” There are several characters with this name in the Old Testament. It’s still very popular today!
Cyrus
One of the brightest meanings of these biblical baby names, Cyrus has Persian origins and means “sun.” The name belonged to the founder of the Persian Empire. Due to its mention in the bible, the name was exceedingly popular among the Puritans. It’s on the rise in the US today!
Isaac
Isaac is a beloved name among Jews, Muslims, and Christians. This wonderful Hebrew appellation belongs to the late but welcome son of Sarah and Abraham. After learning of their son on the way, the old parents laughed. Thus, the name means “laughter.”
Eli
Eli is one of America’s most beloved names. It’s one of the most popular biblical baby names around the world today. The name has Hebrew origins and means “ascended.” In the Old Testament, Eli is a high priest and final judge of Israel.
Jonah
Another one of these biblical baby names with a bird-meaning is Jonah, a Hebrew name that means “dove.” If you had a boy and a girl named Zipporah and Jonah, you’d be flying high!
Lucius
Lucius is an ancient Roman clan name with Latin roots that mean “light.” No fewer than three people are mentioned with the name in the bible. Unfortunately, this appellation has not appealed to parents like other biblical baby names. It has not been popular for nearly 60 years in the US.
Cephas
A solid name, Cephas, has Aramaic elements that mean “rock.” Jesus calls Simon Cephas because he considered Simon the foundational rock of the Christian church. Sadly, this very old and intriguing name has never appealed to many American parents.
Gabriel
Who does not love the name Gabriel? It’s a popular option and for good reason! Gabriel has Hebrew origins and means “God is my strength.” In the Bible, Gabriel blew his horn, heralding the arrival of the infant Christ.
Hosea
A biblical prophet, Hosea was considered the most influential prophet of his time. Hosea, unlike other biblical baby names, has never received the attention it deserves. The Hebrew name means “salvation.”
Mattan
A name from the Old Testament, Mattan makes for an excellent alternative to Matthew or Matteo. Mattan has Hebrew origins and means “gift.” Again, this is another one of the biblical baby names on this list that has never enjoyed wide acclaim.
Omar
Omar is mentioned in the Book of Genesis. This sophisticated and gentle name has Arabic origins and means “eloquent.” The name has taken off in the US over the past several decades. It’s an excellent option that’s familiar but not overly chosen.
Ram
Ram is the Arabic and Sanskrit form of the Hebrew name Rahm. It’s not clear that the names are related. For Ram, which is mentioned in the bible, its elements mean “pleasing.” The Hebrew translation is “high.” We would not be mad about either!
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Shiloh
An attractive gender-neutral option, Shiloh is a handsome Hebrew name that means “tranquil.” The bible mentioned the place name of a city that preceded Jerusalem in Samaria. The name has been on the rise since 2015!
There you go! What did you think of these biblical baby names? We hope you found some inspiration in these baby names from the bible that offer so much meaning on may different levels. While the majority of these biblical baby names come from Hebrew, we also discussed baby names from Latin, Greek, Persian, and Arabic traditions. We hope you found a name for your son or daughter that you love! Happy baby name hunting!