Biblical names have been in continuous use for thousands of years, and there is a reason for that kind of staying power. These are names that carry weight, rooted in ancient Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic, shaped by stories of courage, faith, grief, and grace. Whether you are drawn to the classics or searching for something less common, the Bible is one of the most generative naming sources in the Western tradition.
This list covers 100 genuine biblical names for boys and girls, with their language roots and core meanings. Some are familiar staples; others are beautifully underused.
Classic Biblical Names for Boys
These are the names that built the canon, Old and New Testament figures whose names never really left the charts and show no signs of going anywhere.
Abraham
From the Hebrew Avrahammeaning “father of many” or “father of a multitude.” The patriarch of the Hebrew Bible, and one of the most enduring biblical names in any culture. Nickname Abe keeps it grounded.
Adam
From the Hebrew adamahmeaning “earth” or “ground.” The first human in the Genesis account, and a name that has never once felt dated. Short, strong, and immediately recognizable.
Benjamin
From the Hebrew Binyaminmeaning “son of the right hand.” The youngest of Jacob’s twelve sons, and a name that has aged beautifully, equally at home in the 19th century and today. Ben and Benji are natural nicknames.
Caleb
From the Hebrew Kalevmost likely meaning “dog” or “whole-hearted.” In the Old Testament, Caleb was one of only two spies who trusted God’s promise about the land of Canaan. It surged in popularity in the late 20th century and has stayed firmly in the top tier.
Daniel
From the Hebrew Daniyelmeaning “God is my judge.” The prophet Daniel is one of the most dramatic figures in the Hebrew Bible, and his name became a fixture of the English-speaking world. Dan and Danny are the obvious nicknames, but Daniel wears well on its own.
David
From the Hebrew Dawidmeaning “beloved.” King David is arguably the most fully realized character in the Hebrew Bible, warrior, poet, sinner, saint. The name has been a top-ten staple in English-speaking countries for most of recorded naming history.
Elijah
From the Hebrew Eliyahumeaning “my God is Yahweh.” The prophet Elijah is one of the most commanding figures in the Old Testament, and his name has been on a serious climb since the 1990s. Eli is the natural short form and is thriving in its own right.
Ezra
From the Hebrew, meaning “help.” The scribe and priest Ezra led the return of Jewish exiles from Babylon, and his short, punchy name has become a modern favorite. It feels both ancient and completely current.
Isaac
From the Hebrew Yitzhakmeaning “he laughs” or “laughter.” The son of Abraham and Sarah, born in their old age, the name reflects Sarah’s incredulous laughter at the promise of a child. A steady, warm classic with the nickname Ike.
Jacob
From the Hebrew Yaakovmeaning “supplanter” or “one who follows at the heel.” Jacob is one of the great narrative figures of Genesis, and his name has been a perennial chart-topper across centuries. Jake is the obvious nickname.
Jonah
From the Hebrew Yonahmeaning “dove.” The prophet swallowed by a great fish is one of the Bible’s most memorable stories, and Jonah has emerged as a genuinely appealing modern choice, soft-sounding but with a lot of character.
Jonathan
From the Hebrew Yonatanmeaning “God has given.” David’s closest friend in the Old Testament, and a name that has maintained quiet dignity across generations. Jon and Jonny work as nicknames.
Joseph
From the Hebrew Yosefmeaning “God will add” or “he will increase.” One of the most prominent names in both the Old and New Testaments, Joseph belongs to a patriarch with a coat of many colors and to the earthly father of Jesus. Joe and Joey give it an easy warmth.
Joshua
From the Hebrew Yehoshuameaning “God is salvation.” Moses’ successor who led the Israelites into Canaan, and the same root that gives us the name Jesus. Josh is a natural nickname and has been widely used independently.
Levi
From the Hebrew, meaning “joined” or “attached.” The third son of Jacob and Leah, and the ancestor of the priestly Levite tribe. Short, strong, and currently one of the fastest-rising biblical names for boys.
Matthew
From the Hebrew Mattityahuvia Greek, meaning “gift of God.” One of the twelve apostles and the author of the first Gospel. Matt has been a solid midcentury-to-present staple with wide appeal.
Michael
From the Hebrew Mikha’elmeaning “who is like God?”, a rhetorical question implying no one is. The archangel Michael is one of the most powerful figures in both the Hebrew and Christian scriptures. Michael held the top spot on the U.S. boys’ chart for decades in the 20th century.
Moses
Likely from the Egyptian msymeaning “born of” or “son,” though the Hebrew folk etymology connects it to the verb meaning “to draw out” (drawn from the water). The liberator of the Israelites is one of the most towering figures in the Bible, and Moses is having a genuine revival as a given name.
Nathan
From the Hebrew Natanmeaning “he gave” or “gift.” The prophet Nathan confronted King David after the Bathsheba affair, a name with backbone. Short, clean, and consistently popular without feeling overused.
Noah
From the Hebrew Noachmeaning “rest” or “comfort.” The ark-builder of Genesis has become one of the most popular boys’ names in the English-speaking world in recent decades, a true crossover between deeply traditional and very modern.
Samuel
From the Hebrew Shemuelmeaning “God has heard” or “name of God.” The judge and prophet Samuel anointed both Saul and David as kings. Sam is one of the most universally loved nicknames in the English language.
Seth
From the Hebrew Shetmeaning “appointed” or “placed.” The third son of Adam and Eve, born after the death of Abel. A clean, understated choice that has never been overplayed.
Simon
From the Hebrew Shimonmeaning “he has heard.” Several figures in the New Testament bear this name, including the apostle later renamed Peter. Simon is crisp and capable and feels refreshingly uncluttered compared to many of its biblical peers.
Solomon
From the Hebrew Shlomomeaning “peace.” The king renowned for his wisdom and the builder of the First Temple. Solomon is a weighty, distinguished name that is quietly climbing back into use after decades of rarity.
Thomas
From the Aramaic Tomameaning “twin.” The apostle Thomas, known for his famous doubt, gave the world a name that has been a fixture of English naming for centuries. Tom and Tommy are the natural short forms.
Strong Old Testament Names for Boys, Less Commonly Used
These are the biblical names for boys that deserve far more attention than they get. Each one is rooted in genuine scripture and carries real naming history.
Amos
From the Hebrew, meaning “carried” or “borne by God.” The shepherd-prophet Amos was one of the earliest prophets to have a book of the Bible named after him. Short, strong, and ripe for revival.
Asher
From the Hebrew, meaning “happy” or “blessed.” The eighth son of Jacob, and a name that has moved from obscure to genuinely fashionable in the past decade. Its rise feels well-earned.
Boaz
From the Hebrew, likely meaning “swiftness” or “strength.” The kinsman-redeemer who marries Ruth in the book that bears her name. Boaz is bold, unusual, and carries one of the Bible’s warmest love stories.
Cyrus
From the Old Persian, meaning “sun” or possibly “throne.” Cyrus the Great is named in the Hebrew Bible as the Persian king who freed the Jewish exiles from Babylon. A strong, regal choice with genuine biblical credentials.
Eli
From the Hebrew, meaning “my God” or “ascended.” The high priest who mentored the young Samuel. Eli has become a popular short form of Elijah and Elias, but it is a fully independent biblical name in its own right.
Gideon
From the Hebrew, meaning “one who cuts down” or “mighty warrior.” The judge Gideon defeated the Midianites with just 300 men. A powerful name that is criminally underused in modern naming.
Hiram
From the Hebrew, possibly meaning “exalted brother.” The king of Tyre who supplied cedar wood for Solomon’s Temple. Hiram was popular in 19th-century America and feels ready for a thoughtful revival.
Jethro
From the Hebrew Yitromeaning “his excellence” or “abundance.” Moses’ father-in-law and a wise counselor who advised Moses on how to govern the people. Jethro has grit and warmth in equal measure.
Joel
From the Hebrew Yo’elmeaning “Yahweh is God.” A minor prophet with a major book, and a name that has been quietly steady for decades without ever becoming a cliche.
Micah
From the Hebrew Mikhameaning “who is like God?”, a shorter form of Michael’s root. The prophet Micah is known for the famous verse about doing justice and loving kindness. The name feels gentle and grounded.
Obadiah
From the Hebrew, meaning “servant of God.” The author of the shortest book in the Old Testament. Obadiah is long and layered, Obie is an appealing nickname for those who want the full name on paper but something easier day-to-day.
Phineas
From the Hebrew Pinchaspossibly meaning “mouth of brass” or from the Egyptian meaning “the Nubian.” A high priest in the Old Testament, and a name with real character. Finn is a natural nickname.
Reuben
From the Hebrew, meaning “behold, a son.” The firstborn son of Jacob and Leah. Reuben is warm and underused, with Rube as a vintage nickname that is due for a comeback.
Silas
From the Latin form of the Aramaic Sha’ulor possibly from the Latin silva (forest), though its biblical use is as a companion of Paul in the New Testament. Silas has been on a steady rise and feels like one of the stronger modern biblical picks.
Tobias
From the Hebrew Toviyahmeaning “God is good.” The hero of the deuterocanonical Book of Tobit. Tobias has a warmth and a slightly old-world elegance that sets it apart. Toby is the natural nickname.
Uriah
From the Hebrew, meaning “God is my light.” Uriah the Hittite was one of David’s most loyal soldiers. The name is dramatic and striking, and its story gives it depth.
Zechariah
From the Hebrew Zekharyahmeaning “God has remembered.” A prophet in the Old Testament and the father of John the Baptist in the New. Zach or Zeke are easy short forms for daily use.
New Testament Names for Boys
The New Testament introduced a wave of Greek-rooted names alongside the Hebrew tradition, and many became the backbone of Western naming for centuries.
Andrew
From the Greek Andreasmeaning “manly” or “strong.” One of the first apostles called by Jesus, and the patron saint of Scotland. Andrew has been a reliable classic without ever feeling stale.
Barnabas
From the Aramaic, meaning “son of encouragement.” Paul’s missionary companion in the Acts of the Apostles. Barnabas is unusual and appealing, with Barney as a vintage nickname.
Cornelius
From the Latin Cornumeaning “horn.” A Roman centurion in the Acts of the Apostles, described as devout and generous. Cornelius is a grand name with the easy nickname Neil or Cornie.
James
The English form of the Latin Jacomusitself derived from the Hebrew Yaakov (Jacob), meaning “supplanter.” Two of Jesus’ apostles bore this name. James has been one of the steadiest names in the English-speaking world for centuries.
John
From the Hebrew Yochananmeaning “God is gracious.” The most common name in the New Testament, the Baptist, the Beloved Disciple, the author of Revelation. John is the bedrock of English naming, one of the most-used names in Western history.
Luke
From the Greek Loukaslikely meaning “from Lucania” (a region of southern Italy), though traditionally understood in the Christian context as a form of lux (light). The author of the third Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. Luke is sharp, clean, and has gained enormously in popularity over the past generation.
Mark
From the Latin Marcusultimately linked to Mars, the god of war. The author of the second Gospel, and one of the earliest Christian missionaries. Mark is a clean, no-fuss classic.
Paul
From the Latin Paulusmeaning “small” or “humble.” The apostle Paul wrote a significant portion of the New Testament and shaped Christian theology more than almost any other figure. Paul is understated and strong.
Peter
From the Greek Petrosmeaning “rock.” The name given by Jesus to Simon, the first apostle. Peter is a classic that has dipped in recent decades but carries enormous warmth and weight.
Philip
From the Greek Philipposmeaning “lover of horses.” One of the twelve apostles, and a name that has been used continuously since the early church. Phil is the easy nickname.
Stephen
From the Greek Stephanosmeaning “crown” or “wreath.” The first Christian martyr, stoned to death in the Acts of the Apostles. Stephen (and the variant Steven) has been a mid-20th-century staple that is ripe for a fresh look.
Timothy
From the Greek Timotheosmeaning “honoring God.” Paul’s young companion and the recipient of two New Testament letters. Tim and Timmy are classic short forms, but Timothy wears well in full.
Titus
From the Latin, possibly meaning “title of honor.” A Greek convert who became one of Paul’s most trusted co-workers. Titus is short, strong, and feels genuinely fresh today.
Classic Biblical Names for Girls
Biblical names for girls range from the sweeping grandeur of the Old Testament to the quieter, intimate figures of the Gospels. These are the ones that have become fixtures of girls’ naming across cultures.
Abigail
From the Hebrew Avigayilmeaning “my father is joy.” The wise and quick-thinking wife of David in the Old Testament. Abigail has been in the top tier of girls’ names for decades and wears its popularity gracefully. Abby is the beloved nickname.
Anna
The Greek and Latin form of the Hebrew Channahmeaning “grace” or “favor.” Anna appears in the New Testament as an elderly prophetess who recognized the infant Jesus in the Temple. It is one of the most quietly perfect girls’ names in any language.
Deborah
From the Hebrew Devorahmeaning “bee.” The only female judge of Israel in the Old Testament, a prophet and military leader. Deborah peaked mid-20th century but carries a strength that makes it worth reconsidering. Debbie and Deb are the obvious nicknames.
Delilah
From the Hebrew, possibly meaning “delicate” or “weakened.” Samson’s lover in the book of Judges. Delilah spent centuries in naming exile because of its biblical association, but has made a striking comeback as a genuinely beautiful name.
Elizabeth
From the Hebrew Elishebameaning “my God is an oath” or “my God is abundance.” The mother of John the Baptist and a cousin of Mary. Elizabeth is one of the great names of Western civilization, endlessly versatile, with a constellation of nicknames: Eliza, Liz, Beth, Betsy, Libby.
Esther
Possibly from the Persian, meaning “star,” or from the Hebrew hestermeaning “hidden.” The Jewish queen who saved her people from destruction in the book that bears her name. Esther has made a quiet but confident return to modern naming.
Eve
From the Hebrew Chavahmeaning “living” or “life.” The first woman in the Genesis account. Eve is short, elemental, and quietly striking, a name that carries the weight of everything and asks for no elaboration.
Hannah
From the Hebrew Channahmeaning “grace” or “favor.” The mother of Samuel in the Old Testament, whose prayer for a child is one of the most moving passages in the Hebrew Bible. Hannah has been one of the most consistently popular girls’ names in the English-speaking world for the past three decades.
Judith
From the Hebrew Yehuditmeaning “woman of Judea” or “praised.” The heroine of the deuterocanonical Book of Judith, who beheaded the Assyrian general Holofernes to save her people. Judith is strong, serious, and underused today. Judy is the familiar form.
Leah
From the Hebrew, possibly meaning “weary” or “cow” (in the sense of gentle), though the exact etymology is debated. Jacob’s first wife in Genesis, whose story is one of the most poignant in the Old Testament. Leah is soft and lovely and has been quietly popular for years.
Mary
From the Hebrew Miriammeaning possibly “sea of bitterness,” “beloved,” or “drop of the sea”, scholars debate it. The mother of Jesus is the most prominent woman in the New Testament, and Mary held the number-one spot for girls’ names in the English-speaking world for centuries. It is due for a full revival.
Miriam
From the Hebrew, the original form of the name that became Mary. The sister of Moses and Aaron, a prophet and song-leader in the Exodus story. Miriam has a warmth and depth that Mary’s anglicized form sometimes obscures.
Naomi
From the Hebrew, meaning “pleasantness.” The mother-in-law of Ruth, whose story of loyalty and loss is one of the most beloved in the Bible. Naomi has climbed steadily in recent years and feels exactly right for this moment.
Rachel
From the Hebrew Rachelmeaning “ewe.” Jacob’s beloved wife, for whom he worked fourteen years. Rachel is warm, gentle, and has been a consistent top-tier choice for girls for decades.
Rebecca
From the Hebrew Rivkahpossibly meaning “to tie” or “to bind.” Isaac’s wife and the mother of Jacob and Esau, known for her initiative and intelligence. Rebecca has been a steady classic. Becky and Becca are the natural nicknames.
Ruth
From the Hebrew, possibly meaning “friend” or “companion.” The Moabite woman whose loyalty to her mother-in-law became the subject of one of the most beautiful books in the Bible. Ruth is short, strong, and carries enormous quiet dignity.
Sarah
From the Hebrew Sarameaning “princess” or “noblewoman.” Abraham’s wife, the mother of Isaac, and the first matriarch. Sarah has never left the top echelon of girls’ names and feels equally at home in any era.
Susanna
From the Hebrew Shoshannahmeaning “lily.” A figure in the deuterocanonical additions to Daniel, and a woman mentioned among those who followed Jesus in the Gospel of Luke. Susanna is the fuller, more elegant form of Susan, and it is having a real moment.
Beautiful but Underused Biblical Names for Girls
These biblical girls’ names deserve far more attention than they currently receive. Each one is rooted in genuine scripture, carries a real meaning, and offers something distinct.
Adah
From the Hebrew, meaning “ornament” or “adornment.” One of the wives of Lamech in Genesis, making her one of the earliest named women in the Bible. Adah is simple, lovely, and almost entirely unused today.
Athaliah
From the Hebrew, possibly meaning “God is exalted.” The only ruling queen of Judah in the Old Testament. Athaliah is dramatic and rare, with Thalia as a gorgeous nickname option.
Bathsheba
From the Hebrew, meaning “daughter of the oath” or “daughter of abundance.” David’s beloved wife and the mother of Solomon. Bathsheba is striking and unusual, with Sheba as a usable short form.
Damaris
From the Greek, possibly meaning “heifer” or “calf,” though some scholars suggest “gentle.” A woman in Athens who became a believer after hearing Paul speak in the Acts of the Apostles. Damaris is rare and distinctive.
Dinah
From the Hebrew, meaning “judged” or “vindicated.” The only daughter of Jacob mentioned by name in Genesis. Dinah is soft and striking, and feels ready for a revival.
Dorcas
From the Greek, meaning “gazelle.” A woman in the Acts of the Apostles, also called Tabitha, known for her charity and good works. Dorcas is unusual today but carries a real history of use in earlier centuries.
Hadassah
The Hebrew name of Esther, meaning “myrtle.” Hadassah is the deeper, rarer form behind one of the most beloved Old Testament stories. It is a significant name in Jewish naming tradition.
Joanna
From the Hebrew Yochananthe feminine form, meaning “God is gracious.” One of the women who followed Jesus and witnessed the resurrection in the Gospel of Luke. Joanna is warm, classic, and criminally underused in modern naming.
Kezia
From the Hebrew Qetziyahmeaning “cassia” (a fragrant spice similar to cinnamon). One of the three beautiful daughters of Job. Kezia is rare, fragrant, and quietly stunning.
Lydia
From the Greek, referring to a woman from Lydia, a region of Asia Minor. The first named European convert to Christianity in the Acts of the Apostles, a businesswoman who sold purple cloth. Lydia is one of the stronger modern revivals from the biblical canon.
Magdalene
From the place name Magdala, meaning “tower” in Aramaic. Mary Magdalene was one of Jesus’ most devoted followers and the first witness of the resurrection. Magdalene is rare and striking; Magda and Lena are both natural short forms.
Merab
From the Hebrew, meaning “increase” or “abundance.” The eldest daughter of King Saul in the books of Samuel. Merab is short, unusual, and has a quiet strength.
Milcah
From the Hebrew, meaning “queen.” A woman mentioned in Genesis as the granddaughter of Noah and later as the wife of Nahor. Milcah is simple and elegant.
Naamah
From the Hebrew, meaning “pleasant” or “beautiful.” The name belongs to two women in the Old Testament: a daughter of Lamech in Genesis and a wife of Solomon. A close relative of Naomi in both sound and meaning.
Phoebe
From the Greek Phoibemeaning “bright” or “shining.” A deaconess and patron mentioned by Paul in his letter to the Romans, described as a helper of many. Phoebe is one of the most appealing names in the New Testament and has been on a strong upward trajectory in recent years.
Priscilla
From the Latin Priscusmeaning “ancient” or “venerable.” A Jewish Christian woman mentioned several times in the New Testament as a church leader and teacher alongside her husband Aquila. Priscilla is warm and elegant, with Prisca as a spare, striking variant.
Rizpah
From the Hebrew, meaning “hot stone” or “coal.” A concubine of King Saul whose vigil over the bodies of her sons is one of the most haunting passages in the books of Samuel. Rizpah is rare and powerful.
Salome
From the Hebrew Shalommeaning “peace.” A woman who was among the followers of Jesus at the crucifixion, according to the Gospel of Mark. The name is also associated with the daughter of Herodias, though the latter is not actually named Salome in the biblical text itself.
Tamar
From the Hebrew, meaning “date palm.” The name belongs to two women in the Old Testament: the daughter-in-law of Judah and the daughter of King David. Tamar is strong, beautiful, and used across Jewish, Arabic, and Georgian naming traditions.
Zipporah
From the Hebrew, meaning “bird.” The wife of Moses, a daughter of the priest Jethro. Zipporah is rare in English-speaking contexts but is a genuine and beautiful name with deep roots.
How to Choose a Biblical Name That Feels Right
The appeal of biblical names is that they come pre-loaded with meaning, story, and history. But that can also make the choice feel overwhelming. The most useful thing you can do is read the actual biblical story behind the name you are considering. A name like Boaz or Ruth carries the warmth of one of the Bible’s great love stories. Gideon carries the courage of a reluctant warrior. Knowing the story shapes how you carry the name.
Think about what you want the name to do in terms of sound and usability. Some biblical names are long and layered — Zechariah, Obadiah, Athaliah — and work beautifully when you plan to use a shorter nickname daily. Others are already compact: Ruth, Seth, Eve, Titus. Neither approach is wrong, but it helps to be intentional about it before you commit.
Consider how well-known the name is in your community. If you want something recognizable but not ubiquitous, names like Silas, Lydia, Ezra, or Phoebe hit that sweet spot right now. If you want something genuinely rare, the Old Testament has dozens of names — Merab, Kezia, Hiram, Jethro — that are authentic and striking and almost nobody is using.
Finally, say the name out loud with your last name, and say it in full alongside any middle name you are considering. Biblical names in particular have strong rhythms built into them, and a name like Solomon or Zechariah needs a little more space around it than a name like Seth or Ruth. The right combination will feel natural in the mouth within a few tries.
Biblical names have carried people through every era of human history, and they will keep doing so. Whatever draws you to this tradition — faith, family, history, or simply the beauty of the names themselves — there is no shortage of genuinely excellent options here.
