Names from the Bible: Relics from the Past or Timeless Gems?

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In times like these, is there much significance in naming your baby according to Bible and the monotheistic tradition?

When computer technology allows us to connect to remote parts of the world in milliseconds, when you can walk into a GAP store in Calcutta or eat authentic Indian food in downtown Tokyo, a lot parents today are trying to break the conventional molds that were common for two thousand years. They are trying to give their baby a unique name that will stand out. Globalization has broken cultural patterns. Giving American babies Japanese, Chinese or Irish names has become a wide spread trend.

On the other hand, many people have grown tired of trendy names and prefer the traditional path. One of these basic and fundamental paths is Biblical names which have grown popular in recent years due to the Kabbalah movement and Christian awakening in many parts of the world.

Naming your baby according to the Bible has its advantages for a number of reasons: the names in the Old and New Testament are derived mostly from Hebrew. In Hebrew every name has a meaning, for example, the name Jesus is derived from the Hebrew root of the word salvation (ישוע). The name Jonah means dove, Jonathan means "God has given" and the name Hannah means "grace" or "pardon." Furthermore, each name connects to a story which can reflect your baby's personality or destiny. For more meanings go to our baby names lists and press "Hebrew baby names."

Many people name their baby after specific personalities whose qualities they admire. For example, Gideon or David can indicate that you want your baby to embrace leadership qualities, whereas Solomon or Sarah who were wise and enlighten figures will hopefully give your child a sense of compassion or a strong sense for justice. In other words, when your kid grows older, he may fulfill the essence that the name symbolizes. On the other hand, naming your baby Jobe can have negative consequences. The name represents the tragic story of the Biblical figure, so much so, that it became synonymous with suffering, bad luck and disaster. Even on a social level, these names may come to haunt your child. A name which has become a symbol can be misjudged by others regardless of the person's qualities. Nobody would want to call his kid Judas!

These names have been around for over two thousand years and have taken root in almost every region in the world. Some of these names have taken on new symbolic qualities. The name Joseph in Russia does not remind people of the just leader of Israel but of a ruthless tyrant. Putting aside the spiritual and symbolic aspects, Biblical names are well known and are international even though they vary from country to country. Michael has the same meaning in Nigeria, Brazil, France or Lebanon; therefore they are easily written, and pronounced.

Biblical names will always take a substantial part of any list of baby names because they are so inherent in us, even if we are not religious. These names are so symbolic and filled with history, they will always remain current and popular.

Other baby name meanings:

Boy names: • Joshua (Old Testament) – “God has saved”
• Michael (Old Testament and Christian saint) – “Who is like God”
• Matthew (New Testament) – “Gift from God”
• Nathan (Old Testament) – He gave
• James (New Testament) – A variant of the name Jacob, meaning "He grasps the heel. Supplanter."
• Solomon (Old Testament) – Peace from God
• Peter (New Testament) – A Rock. One of the Apostles
• Noah (Old Testament) - Comfort; rest; quiet
• Ruben (Old Testament) - “Behold a son”
• Benjamin (Old Testament) - Son of my right hand

Girl names: • Sarah (Old Testament) – Princess
• Miriam, Mary (Old and New Testament) – Although the original meaning is not certain, the name is thought to come from the Egyptian word "mry," meaning "beloved"
• Elizabeth (New Testament), Elisheba (Old Testament) – “My God is my oath”
• Isabelle (Old Testament) - Spanish and Portuguese variant of Elizabeth
• Naomi (Old Testament) – “Pleasant”
• Debra, Deborah (Old Testament) – Bee
• Abigail (Old Testament) – “My Father is Joyous”
• Eve (Old Testament) – Life, Living
• Leah (Old Testament) – Tired, Fatigued
• Rebecca (Old Testament) – “To Bind”

What do you think? Are these names timeless? Add your comment!

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written by marya, January 28, 2008

Isaiah is another beautiful name for a baby boy.

Boys
written by yup, January 30, 2008

Corban - Cannaan are both good names for boys that are biblical

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written by Clk, January 30, 2008

I have 3 children all named from the bible. Aaron, Seth & Sara. Strong names for strong children. We have been truly blessed!

cute names
written by mhm(:, February 08, 2008

these are all cute biblical names that i like.

eshton james [boy]
elishah gregory [boy]
noah scott [boy]
naomi joyce [girl]
elizabeth hope [girl]
sarai jane [girl]

Biblical Names
written by PBryant, February 08, 2008

My precious Sarah's name means "princess" and she is, because she is a child of the King. Biblical name or not, all children are a gift from God.

Baby Names
written by Africa, February 08, 2008

My mother told me that a name binds one in character. A childs name should reflect what you want her /him to grow into.Whatever the name of your child it will impart in him. I agree for instance Asher is nice and means happy. WHy dont you takke a word or phrase and look for a name from it like Quisma/Gisma- means gift from God or Imani for Faith or Amani Peace or Marasimio for blessings. Beautiful i tell you. Kadzo - Beautiful

is it that bad?
written by julie smith, February 10, 2008

I really like the name jezebel in the bible, she was known as a whore though. In the end she was redeemed by Christ. I'm getting a ton of different responses about it and I need someone elses!

Biblical Names
written by Marlis, February 10, 2008

We name our first son Silas and so many people comment on it and don't know that its in the Bible. I love it because I haven't heard of anyone with his name!

Need a biblical name
written by Suzy Tinney, February 11, 2008

My 15 month old son's name is Zackariah and I'm expecting another boy in February. The only name I really liked I've already used. But I definately want to use another biblical name.

Biblical Names
written by This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , February 11, 2008

I named my son "Kaine" because I liked the idea of useing last names as first. (Of course I had to add alittle twist to the spelling.) I didn't name him in relation to Cain but I got a lot of mixed feelings anyway. In the begining most people gave me negative reactions, some of which hurt my feelings. Today I get a lot of postive reactions! He even has another boy in his school with the same name, no "i". Even though it was NOT my first choice, (even seriously considered changing it) it has grown on me. A name doesn't make a person become who another was (with the same name). I just know better then to name my second son Abel! ;)

Micah
written by Isabella Claire, February 12, 2008

My son's middle name is Micah like the chapter in the Bible.

biblical names
written by Darla, February 14, 2008

I love biblical names: My son's are Isaiah Gabriel, Ezekiel Nahshon, Elijah Matthew, Jordan Hezekiah, we are expecting soon and leaning toward Anaiah for girl and Nehemiah for a boy.

Rare
written by Tahrae, February 19, 2008

My mother and father could only agree on one name: Tahrae. Tahrae is a different spelling for Terah who is the father of Abraham. It is pronounced just like it is spelled, Tah-rae. Most people just call me Rae though.

biblical names
written by wehi, February 23, 2008

I named my daughter Sarai and I love it. People always comment on how unusual it is. I'm hoping to name my boy Ezra or Ezekiel.

Completely Unique
written by Jael, March 04, 2008

My name is Jael, pronounced J-L. My parent's found my name in Judges, Jael is a bringer of justice and a winner of peace. The name means the Abundance of God. I LOVE my name, it's totally unique and fits me perfectly.

to
written by starfish, March 04, 2008

My husband and I are looking for another Biblical name for our daughter to be born in June... we liked Jael at first but I was just wondering how many people mispronounce or seem to dislike your name? I think it's beautiful, but I just don't want people to think that it's pronounced "jail". Any advice/feedback with personal experience is appreciated!

Ezra
written by SKEmomma, March 20, 2008

My 3rd child's name is Ezra. I love his name. It isn't a normal name but it isn't totally wierd either. My husband and I are religious and we love that it is a Bible name. We get a lot of positive comments. (And it's a good test to see if people really know the Bible.)

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written by Ency Peterson, April 10, 2008

I have a friend named Noel. Many people when they see its spelling prononce it Nole. It would always annoy her. She mentioned once that of all her teachers and everyone who saw her name and tried pronounce it a total of two pronounced it correctly. She even had a teacher for art in grade school her each year would mispronounce it.
As for names from the bible, I always liked Saul or Nebudchadnezzer

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written by jessica, April 13, 2008

My daughters name is Israel Jolee-Zion. We love her name and have gotten MANY compliments : )I am due in June with a boy and we are still searching.

More Biblical Names
written by Angie, April 15, 2008

There are a lot of beautiful names here! My husband and I have five lion-hearts and just found out we're pregnant again! Our children's names are either from the Bible or give a reference to God. My first-born is Olivia Joi -- Olivia referring to the Olive, which, in the Bible is what was pressed and used for annointing and represented the Holy Spirit. Joi because she was our first born and is definitely spirit-filled and a JOY! Our second child is Hallie, which we took from Hallelujah! :-) Our third is Gabriel, like the arch angel meaning "strong man of God." Our fourth and 1st-born twin is Eva -- from Eve -- meaning "life" or "mother of all the living." Our fifth and 2nd-born twin is Michael Amadeus -- Michael, also an arch angel meaning "who is like God?", and Amadeus (if you're familiar with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart) meaning "love for God." Pray for us!!! I've heard that once you have a set of fraternal twins, you're twice as likely to have another set the next time around! :-) God Bless!!!

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