Top 50 Biblical Baby Names for Boys and Girls: Timeless Picks

 Looking for a meaningful name? Explore our curated list of the 50 best biblical baby names for boys and girls. Discover classic picks, unique finds, and their powerful meanings.

Introduction: A Name Rooted in History

Choosing a baby name is a significant decision. Many parents seek names with deep roots, timeless appeal, and profound meaning. For centuries, the Bible has served as a primary source for beautiful and significant names. These names connect a child to stories of faith, courage, and heritage that have resonated across generations.

This guide presents 50 of the most beloved biblical names—25 for boys and 25 for girls. Whether you're looking for a popular classic or a distinctive gem, you'll find inspiration rooted in history.

The Top 25 Biblical Baby Names for Boys

Here is a countdown of wonderful biblical names for boys, each with its own unique story and meaning.

1. Noah

• Meaning: "Rest," "Comfort."
• Significance: The righteous man who built the ark. A name symbolizing peace and new beginnings. The story of Noah is foundational.

2. James

• Meaning: "Supplanter."
• Significance: One of the twelve apostles, a pillar of the early church. A classic, sturdy name.

3. Benjamin

• Meaning: "Son of the right hand."
• Significance: Jacob's youngest and most beloved son. A name that signifies favor and strength.

4. Elijah

• Meaning: "My God is Yahweh."
• Significance: A powerful prophet known for his miracles and zeal. A strong and popular choice.

5. Ethan

• Meaning: "Enduring," "Strong."
• Significance: A wise man noted for his integrity. Conveys reliability and permanence.

6. Samuel

• Meaning: "God has heard."
• Significance: A prophet and judge who anointed kings. A friendly name with the great nickname Sam.

7. Jacob

• Meaning: "Supplanter."
• Significance: The patriarch whose name was changed to Israel. A name of deep heritage and transformation.

8. Levi

• Meaning: "Joined," "Attached."
• Significance: Jacob's son, ancestor of the priestly tribe. A cool, concise name that feels modern.

9. Asher

• Meaning: "Fortunate," "Blessed."
• Significance: One of Jacob's sons. A gentle, upbeat, and increasingly popular Old Testament name.

10. Ezra

• Meaning: "Help."
• Significance: A scribe and priest who led his people. A short, wise, and kind name.

11. Silas

• Meaning: "Of the forest" or "Prayed for."
• Significance: A leading figure in the early Christian church. A sleek and smart-sounding name.

12. Caleb

• Meaning: "Whole-hearted," "Faithful."
• Significance: One of the twelve spies who showed great faith and courage.

13. Isaac

• Meaning: "He will laugh."
• Significance: The long-awaited son of Abraham and Sarah. A sweet, vintage name full of joy.

14. Nathaniel

• Meaning: "Gift of God."
• Significance: An apostle, traditionally identified with Bartholomew. A formal name with the friendly nickname Nate.

15. Jude

• Meaning: "Praised."
• Significance: An apostle and author of an epistle. A concise, cool name with a gentle sound.

16. Gabriel

• Meaning: "God is my strength."
• Significance: The archangel who serves as God's messenger. A melodic and strong name.

17. David

• Meaning: "Beloved."
• Significance: The shepherd who became Israel's greatest king. An ultimate classic. The life of David is a rich narrative.

18. Daniel

• Meaning: "God is my judge."
• Significance: A prophet known for his wisdom and faith in exile. A steady and wise choice.

19. Josiah

• Meaning: "God supports," "Heals."
• Significance: A righteous king who instituted reforms. A dignified yet approachable name.

20. Jonah

• Meaning: "Dove."
• Significance: The prophet who was swallowed by a great fish. A name symbolizing peace and mission.

21. Micah

• Meaning: "Who is like the Lord?"
• Significance: A prophet who championed justice. A friendly and spirited alternative to Michael.

22. Gideon

• Meaning: "Mighty warrior."
• Significance: A judge called by God to deliver Israel. A name of quiet strength and bravery.

23. Adam

• Meaning: "Man," "Earth."
• Significance: The first man. A simple, strong, and fundamental name from the Book of Genesis.

24. Elias

• Meaning: "Yahweh is my God" (Greek form of Elijah).
• Significance: Shares the prophet's strength with a slightly more streamlined, European feel.

25. Felix

• Meaning: "Happy," "Fortunate."
• Significance: A Roman official in the New Testament. A bright, positive, and internationally chic choice.

The Top 25 Biblical Baby Names for Girls

From perennials that have graced generations to unique names seeing a revival, here are beautiful biblical choices for girls.

1. Hannah

• Meaning: "Grace," "Favor."
• Significance: The faithful mother of the prophet Samuel. A gentle, palindrome name that is soft yet strong.

2. Elizabeth

• Meaning: "My God is an oath."
• Significance: The mother of John the Baptist. A regal, timeless name with endless nickname options (Eliza, Beth, Ellie).

3. Abigail

• Meaning: "My father's joy."
• Significance: King David's wise and beautiful wife. A cheerful and lasting favorite.

4. Naomi

• Meaning: "Pleasantness."
• Significance: Ruth's devoted mother-in-law. A warm, vintage name that signifies sweetness and resilience.

5. Ruth

• Meaning: "Friend," "Companion."
• Significance: The loyal daughter-in-law. A calm, compassionate, and steadfast short name.

6. Esther

• Meaning: "Star."
• Significance: The brave queen who saved her people. A royal, elegant name that shines brightly. The story of Esther is one of courage.

7. Leah

• Meaning: "Weary" or "Delicate."
• Significance: Jacob's first wife. A name with a deep, soulful, and quietly beautiful quality.

8. Miriam

• Meaning: "Drop of the sea" or "Beloved."
• Significance: The prophetess, sister of Moses. A strong, melodic name that is the Hebrew original of Mary.

9. Sarah

• Meaning: "Princess."
• Significance: The wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac. A name of noble beauty and timeless stature.

10. Rachel

• Meaning: "Ewe" (a female sheep).
• Significance: Jacob's beloved wife. A gentle, pastoral name that has maintained its gentle sweetness.

11. Rebecca

• Meaning: "To tie," "To bind."
• Significance: The wife of Isaac, known for her kindness and action. Often spelled Rebekah.

12. Eve

• Meaning: "Life," "Living."
• Significance: The first woman. The ultimate simple, strong, and life-giving name.

13. Lydia

• Meaning: "Woman from Lydia."
• Significance: A successful merchant and early convert in Europe. A musical, classic place-name.

14. Phoebe

• Meaning: "Bright," "Radiant."
• Significance: A helper in the early church commended by Paul. A sparkling, ancient-yet-modern name.

15. Chloe

• Meaning: "Young green shoot."
• Significance: A woman mentioned in Corinthian letters. A fresh and lively name symbolizing growth.

16. Delilah

• Meaning: "Delicate."
• Significance: A figure from the story of Samson. The name itself is celebrated for its soft, melodic sound. Its story is detailed on the Delilah page.

17. Joanna

• Meaning: "God is gracious."
• Significance: One of the women who provided for Jesus and witnessed the empty tomb, as mentioned in the Gospel of Luke.

18. Anna

• Meaning: "Grace."
• Significance: A prophetess who recognized the infant Jesus as the Messiah in the Temple in Jerusalem.

19. Mary

• Meaning: "Bitterness," "Beloved," or "Drop of the sea."
• Significance: The mother of Jesus, the most significant female figure in the New Testament. A name of pure devotion and love. Her life is central to Christian theology.

20. Claudia

• Meaning: "Lame," "Enclosure."
• Significance: A Christian woman mentioned in the Second Epistle to Timothy, likely of high Roman standing.

21. Julia

• Meaning: "Youthful."
• Significance: Mentioned in Paul's letter to the Romans, a simple and classic name with ancient roots.

22. Eden

• Meaning: "Place of pleasure, delight."
• Significance: The paradise garden where Adam and Eve lived. A serene, nature-inspired place-name.

23. Bethany

• Meaning: "House of figs."
• Significance: The village where Jesus's friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus lived. A gentle, welcoming New Testament place-name.

24. Keziah

• Meaning: "Cassia" (a fragrant spice).
• Significance: One of the three beautiful daughters of Job, born after his trials ended, symbolizing restoration and beauty.

25. Selah

• Meaning: "Pause," "Reflect."
• Significance: A term used frequently in the Book of Psalms, possibly a musical instruction. It's a unique, peaceful, and musical name.

FAQ: Your Questions About Biblical Names Answered

Q1: Are biblical names only for religious families?

A: Not at all. While they originate from sacred texts, many biblical names have become deeply integrated into global culture. Parents often choose them for their timeless sound, strong meanings, and historical significance, regardless of their personal faith. Names like David, Sarah, and James are universal classics.

Q2: What's the difference between Old Testament and New Testament names?

A: The distinction is largely in origin and language:

• Old Testament/Hebrew Bible Names: These are primarily of Hebrew origin (e.g., Abraham, Rebecca, Isaiah). They are used widely by Jewish families and are also common in Christian and secular contexts.
• New Testament Names: These often have Greek, Latin, or Aramaic roots (e.g., Andrew, Theresa, Martha). They are more prevalent in Christian traditions. Some names, like John or Mary, appear in both Testaments.

Q3: How do I choose the right biblical name?

A: Consider these factors:

• Meaning: Does the meaning ("God heals," "grace," "strong") resonate with you?
• Sound & Compatibility: How does it sound with your surname? With siblings' names?
• Association: Are you comfortable with the full biblical story of the figure? Sometimes the name's beauty surpasses a complex narrative.
• Popularity: Do you want a top 10 name (Noah) or something less common (Boaz, Keziah)?

Q4: Can you suggest some unique biblical names beyond the top 50?

A: Absolutely! The Bible is full of distinctive options:

• For Boys: Boaz (strength), Malachi (my messenger), Jethro (excellence), Nehemiah (comforted by God).
• For Girls: Hadassah (Esther's Hebrew name, meaning myrtle tree), Tabitha (gazelle), Zipporah (bird), Damaris (a wise Athenian woman).

Q5: Where can I learn more about the stories behind these names?

A: A great starting point is reading the Bible passages where these figures appear. For concise, encyclopedic summaries, Wikipedia's Biblical Figures Category is a valuable resource. For deeper theological insight, consult religious commentaries or sites.

Conclusion: A Name Rooted in Story

Choosing a biblical name is a way to give your child a gift that spans centuries—a name imbued with character, heritage, and profound meaning. Whether you are drawn to the steadfast courage of David, the faithful grace of Hannah, or the quiet uniqueness of Selah, you are connecting your child to a powerful and timeless human story.

Let the sound, meaning, and history guide you to the perfect choice for your new son or daughter. May their name be a blessing to them all the days of their life.