Biblical Baby Names for Boys and Girls: Meanings, Stories, and Inspiration

Choosing a baby name can feel like a big decision. A name may be only a few letters long, but it can carry family history, cultural traditions, faith, and personal meaning.

For many parents, biblical names remain appealing because they connect a child to stories and people that have been remembered for generations. Some feel traditional and familiar, while others have a distinctive sound that still feels fresh today.

In this guide, we’ve gathered 50 biblical baby names 25 for boys and 25 for girls. Along with each name, you’ll find its commonly associated meaning and a short explanation of its biblical connection. The goal isn’t to tell you which name is “best,” but to give you useful inspiration as you explore the choices that feel right for your family.

25 Biblical Baby Names for Boys

1. Noah

Meaning: Rest, comfort

Biblical connection: Noah is one of the best-known figures in the Book of Genesis. He is remembered for building the ark and beginning a new chapter for humanity after the flood.

Noah has a gentle sound but a strong historical association. It works well for parents who want a traditional biblical name that also feels natural in modern settings.

2. James

Meaning: Traditionally associated with “supplanter”

Biblical connection: James is the English form traditionally connected with the name Jacob. Several men named James appear in the New Testament, including two of Jesus’ apostles.

James is a familiar classic that has remained popular across generations. It also offers simple nickname options such as Jim or Jamie.

3. Benjamin

Meaning: Son of the right hand

Biblical connection: Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel and became the ancestor of one of the tribes of Israel.

Benjamin has a warm, traditional character. The shorter form Ben also makes it easy to use in everyday life.

4. Elijah

Meaning: My God is Yahweh

Biblical connection: Elijah was an important prophet in the Old Testament, known for his strong faith and his confrontation with the prophets of Baal.

Elijah combines a distinctly biblical heritage with a name that feels comfortable in modern families.

5. Ethan

Meaning: Often associated with enduring or steadfast

Biblical connection: Ethan is a name found in the Old Testament. One Ethan is described as a wise man, while another is associated with a psalm.

Ethan is a relatively simple choice with a steady, understated quality.

6. Samuel

Meaning: God has heard

Biblical connection: Samuel was a prophet and judge who played an important role in the history of Israel. He is also remembered for anointing Saul and David as kings.

Samuel feels traditional without being overly formal, and Sam provides an easy everyday nickname.

7. Jacob

Meaning: Traditionally associated with supplanter or one who follows

Biblical connection: Jacob is one of the major patriarchs of the Old Testament. His story includes his twelve sons, whose descendants became the twelve tribes of Israel.

Jacob has a long history across Jewish and Christian traditions and remains a familiar choice for parents seeking a classic biblical name.

8. Levi

Meaning: Joined or attached

Biblical connection: Levi was one of Jacob’s sons, and his descendants became associated with the priestly tribe of Israel.

Levi is short, distinctive, and easy to pronounce in many languages. It has an ancient origin while fitting naturally into modern naming styles.

9. Asher

Meaning: Happy, fortunate, blessed

Biblical connection: Asher was one of Jacob’s sons and the founder of the Israelite tribe that carried his name.

The positive meaning makes Asher especially appealing to parents looking for a name associated with happiness and good fortune.

10. Ezra

Meaning: Help or helper

Biblical connection: Ezra was a priest and scribe associated with the restoration of Jewish religious life after the Babylonian exile.

Ezra is concise and distinctive. Its biblical roots are strong, but its short form gives it a contemporary feel.

11. Silas

Meaning: The exact origin is uncertain; the name has been associated with several possible interpretations

Biblical connection: Silas was a companion of Paul during his missionary journeys and appears several times in the New Testament.

Silas has an appealing balance of history and simplicity. It is recognizable without feeling overly common.

12. Caleb

Meaning: Often associated with wholeheartedness or devotion

Biblical connection: Caleb was one of the twelve spies sent to explore Canaan. Unlike most of the others, he showed confidence that the Israelites could enter the land.

For parents who value courage and faith, Caleb carries a particularly meaningful biblical story.

13. Isaac

Meaning: He will laugh or he will rejoice

Biblical connection: Isaac was the son of Abraham and Sarah. His birth was described as a source of joy after a long period of waiting.

Isaac has a warm and timeless quality. Its association with laughter and joy can make it especially meaningful for families who see their child as a long-awaited blessing.

14. Nathaniel

Meaning: Gift of God

Biblical connection: Nathaniel appears in the Gospel of John and is traditionally associated with Bartholomew, one of Jesus’ apostles.

Nathaniel offers a more formal alternative to shorter names such as Nathan or Nate.

15. Jude

Meaning: Praised

Biblical connection: Jude is associated with one of the figures named among Jesus’ followers and with the short New Testament epistle bearing the name Jude.

Jude is brief, memorable, and easy to pronounce. It can appeal to parents who want a biblical connection without a long traditional name.

16. Gabriel

Meaning: God is my strength

Biblical connection: Gabriel is a heavenly messenger who appears in biblical accounts, including the announcement of important events surrounding the births of John the Baptist and Jesus.

Gabriel has a strong spiritual association while retaining a soft and familiar sound.

17. David

Meaning: Beloved

Biblical connection: David began as a shepherd and later became king of Israel. His story includes his famous encounter with Goliath as well as the Psalms traditionally associated with him.

David is one of the most recognizable biblical names and has remained widely used across cultures.

18. Daniel

Meaning: God is my judge

Biblical connection: Daniel was a Jewish exile in Babylon who became known for his wisdom and faithfulness. His story includes the famous account of the lions’ den.

Daniel is a strong choice for parents drawn to names associated with integrity, courage, and faith.

19. Josiah

Meaning: Commonly interpreted as the Lord supports or heals

Biblical connection: Josiah was a king of Judah remembered for religious reforms and his efforts to restore worship according to the law.

Josiah feels traditional without sounding dated, making it an appealing choice for parents looking beyond the most familiar biblical names.

20. Jonah

Meaning: Dove

Biblical connection: Jonah was a prophet whose story includes his journey to Nineveh and the well-known account of being swallowed by a great fish.

Despite the dramatic story behind it, Jonah has a gentle sound and a peaceful association through its meaning.

21. Micah

Meaning: Who is like the Lord?

Biblical connection: Micah was an Old Testament prophet whose message emphasized justice, humility, and faithfulness.

Micah is a compact name with a clear biblical identity. It can also be a less traditional-feeling alternative to Michael.

22. Gideon

Meaning: Traditionally associated with a mighty warrior or destroyer

Biblical connection: Gideon was one of the judges of Israel. His story focuses on courage, leadership, and overcoming a much larger opposing force.

Gideon has a distinctive sound and a strong connection to the theme of bravery.

23. Adam

Meaning: Man; traditionally connected with earth or ground

Biblical connection: Adam is presented in Genesis as the first human being and the husband of Eve.

Adam is one of the simplest biblical choices. Its short spelling and familiar pronunciation make it accessible across

many cultures.

24. Elias

Meaning: My God is Yahweh

Biblical connection: Elias is a form of the name Elijah used in Greek and other languages.

For parents who like Elijah but want a slightly different form, Elias offers a familiar biblical connection with an international feel.

25. Felix

Meaning: Happy, fortunate

Biblical connection: Felix appears in the New Testament as a Roman governor who heard Paul speak during Paul's imprisonment.

Felix has an upbeat meaning and a short, distinctive sound. It also works well in a variety of languages and cultures.

25 Biblical Baby Names for Girls

Biblical girl names range from short and simple choices to elegant traditional names with centuries of history. Many are connected with stories of courage, family, faith, perseverance, or leadership

1. Hannah

Meaning: Grace or favor

Biblical connection: Hannah was the mother of Samuel. Her story in the Old Testament is closely associated with prayer, perseverance, and gratitude.

Hannah is a gentle, familiar name that has remained popular because of both its sound and its meaningful biblical story.

2. Elizabeth

Meaning: My God is an oath

Biblical connection: Elizabeth was the mother of John the Baptist and the wife of Zechariah in the New Testament.

Elizabeth offers plenty of nickname possibilities, including Liz, Lizzie, Beth, Ellie, and Eliza, while retaining its formal traditional character.

3. Abigail

Meaning: My father is joy

Biblical connection: Abigail was the wife of David and is described in the Old Testament as intelligent and wise.

Abigail has a cheerful meaning and a strong female character behind it, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a traditional name with personality.

4. Naomi

Meaning: Pleasantness

Biblical connection: Naomi is one of the central figures in the Book of Ruth. Her relationship with Ruth is one of the best-known examples of loyalty and family devotion in the Bible.

Naomi has a warm, graceful sound and a story that emphasizes resilience and companionship.

5. Ruth

Meaning: Friend or companion

Biblical connection: Ruth was a Moabite woman who remained devoted to her mother-in-law Naomi. Her story is remembered for loyalty, kindness, and determination.

Ruth is short and straightforward, yet its story gives it considerable emotional depth.

6. Esther

Meaning: Commonly associated with star

Biblical connection: Esther became queen and played a crucial role in protecting her people from destruction.

Esther combines an elegant sound with a story centered on courage and responsibility.

7. Leah

Meaning: Traditionally interpreted as weary or associated with similar meanings

Biblical connection: Leah was the first wife of Jacob and the mother of several of his children.

Leah is short, gentle, and familiar, while its biblical history reaches back to the patriarchal stories of Genesis.

8. Miriam

Meaning: The meaning is uncertain; several interpretations have been proposed

Biblical connection: Miriam was the sister of Moses and Aaron. She is described as a prophetess and played an important role in the story of the Exodus.

Miriam is the Hebrew form behind the later name Mary and offers a strong connection to biblical history.

9. Sarah

Meaning: Princess or noblewoman

Biblical connection: Sarah was the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac. Her story is central to the Book of Genesis.

Sarah is an enduring classic that feels equally natural for a child and an adult.

10. Rachel

Meaning: Ewe, referring to a female sheep

Biblical connection: Rachel was the beloved wife of Jacob and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin.

Rachel has a soft, familiar sound and a long history of use in Jewish and Christian communities.

11. Rebecca

Meaning: Often associated with joining, binding, or captivating

Biblical connection: Rebecca was the wife of Isaac and the mother of Jacob and Esau.

Rebecca is a traditional name with several possible nicknames, including Becky and Becca. Rebekah is another common spelling of the biblical name.

12. Eve

Meaning: Life or living

Biblical connection: Eve is introduced in Genesis as the first woman and the wife of Adam.

Because of its short form and association with life, Eve remains an elegant and meaningful choice.

13. Lydia

Meaning: Woman from Lydia

Biblical connection: Lydia appears in the New Testament as a woman from Thyatira who became an early follower of Christianity. She was also known as a seller of purple cloth.

Lydia has an ancient geographical origin and a distinctly graceful sound.

14. Phoebe

Meaning: Bright or radiant

Biblical connection: Phoebe is mentioned by Paul in the New Testament letter to the Romans, where she is described as a servant or helper of the church.

Phoebe has an elegant classical quality and a direct New Testament connection.

15. Chloe

Meaning: Young green shoot or blooming greenery

Biblical connection: Chloe is mentioned in Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians.

The association with new growth gives Chloe a fresh and lively character, while its short spelling makes it easy to use.

16. Delilah

Meaning: The exact etymology is debated; the name is often associated with delicacy or weakness

Biblical connection: Delilah is known from the story of Samson in the Book of Judges.

The biblical story is complex, so parents considering Delilah may want to explore the full account rather than choosing the name based only on its sound.

17. Joanna

Meaning: God is gracious

Biblical connection: Joanna is mentioned in the Gospel of Luke among the women who supported Jesus' ministry and later witnessed the empty tomb.

Joanna has a classic sound and offers several nickname possibilities, including Jo and Jojo.

18. Anna

Meaning: Grace or favor

Biblical connection: Anna was a prophetess who appears in the Gospel of Luke. She recognized the infant Jesus at the Temple and spoke about him to others.

Anna is simple, internationally familiar, and easy to pair with many surnames.

19. Mary

Meaning: The origin and meaning are uncertain; several traditional interpretations exist

Biblical connection: Mary, the mother of Jesus, is one of the most prominent women in the New Testament.

Mary has been used for centuries across cultures and languages. Its long history gives it a timeless quality, while related forms include Maria, Marie, Miriam, and others.

20. Claudia

Meaning: Traditionally connected with the Roman family name Claudius

Biblical connection: Claudia is mentioned in the Second Letter to Timothy.

Unlike many biblical names with Hebrew roots, Claudia reflects the Roman world of the New Testament and gives parents a less common historical option.

21. Julia

Meaning: Youthful or associated with the Roman family name Julius

Biblical connection: Julia is mentioned in Paul's Letter to the Romans.

Julia has ancient roots but remains familiar today. Its simple pronunciation also makes it easy to use internationally.

22. Eden

Meaning: Delight or pleasure

Biblical connection: Eden is the name of the garden described in Genesis, where Adam and Eve are said to have lived.

Although Eden is primarily a biblical place name, its peaceful sound and nature-related association have made it an attractive modern choice.

23. Bethany

Meaning: Traditionally associated with “house of figs”

Biblical connection: Bethany was a village near Jerusalem associated with Jesus' friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.

Bethany has a soft, welcoming sound and a clear connection to the New Testament.

24. Keziah

Meaning: Cassia, a fragrant spice

Biblical connection: Keziah was one of Job's three daughters mentioned near the end of the Book of Job.

Keziah is less familiar than names such as Sarah or Hannah, which can make it interesting for parents looking for a distinctive biblical choice.

25. Selah

Meaning: An ancient biblical term whose exact meaning is uncertain; often understood as a musical or reflective pause

Biblical connection: Selah appears frequently in the Psalms.

As a given name, Selah has a peaceful and distinctive quality. Its connection with the Psalms makes it especially appealing to parents drawn to poetic or musical biblical references.

How to Choose a Biblical Baby Name

With so many meaningful choices, narrowing down the list can be difficult. Instead of choosing a name based only on its meaning, consider how the name fits your family as a whole.

Think about the meaning

Start with the qualities that matter most to you.

Do you want a name associated with:

• Grace?
• Strength?
• Courage?
• Joy?
• Faith?
• Wisdom?
• Loyalty?
• Peace?

A meaningful definition can make a name feel more personal, especially when it reflects something you hope your child will carry through life.

Explore the full biblical story

A name's traditional meaning is only one part of its identity. The person or story associated with the name can matter just as much.

For example, Caleb is connected with courage and faith, while Ruth is remembered for loyalty. Esther's story highlights courage and responsibility, and Daniel is associated with faithfulness under difficult circumstances.

Reading the original biblical account can give you a better understanding of the name than relying on a short definition alone.

Say the name with your surname

A name may look beautiful on a page but sound different when spoken aloud.

Try saying the first name with the family name several times. Consider:

• The rhythm of the full name
• The initials
• Possible nicknames
• How easy the name is to pronounce
• Whether the spelling may regularly need explanation

If you already have children, saying the names together can also help you decide whether the combination feels natural.

Consider cultural and family traditions

Some biblical names have forms that differ between languages and cultures.

For example, Miriam and Mary are historically connected, while Elias is a form related to Elijah. Rebecca and Rebekah are also established spelling variants.

If your family has a particular cultural or religious tradition, researching the form commonly used within that tradition can make the choice more meaningful.

Decide whether you want a familiar or distinctive name

Names such as David, Sarah, Mary, James, and Daniel are widely recognized.

Other names, including Keziah, Selah, Gideon, and Phoebe, may feel more distinctive.

Neither approach is better. The right choice depends on what feels comfortable and meaningful to your family.

FAQ

Q1: Are Biblical Names Only Suitable for Religious Families?

Not necessarily. Many biblical names are now used by families around the world for their history, meaning, cultural significance, or simply because they like the name.

Q2: What Is the Difference Between Old Testament and New Testament Names?

Old Testament names include names such as Abraham, Isaac, Sarah, and Rebecca, while the New Testament introduces names such as Joanna, Lydia, and Phoebe. Some names and traditions overlap between the two.

Q3: How Do I Choose the Right Biblical Name for My Baby?

Consider the name's meaning, biblical story, pronunciation, spelling, possible nicknames, cultural background, and how it sounds with your family name.

Q4: What Are Some Less Common Biblical Names?

For boys, you might consider Boaz, Malachi, Jethro, Nehemiah, or Amos. For girls, Keziah, Hadassah, Tabitha, Zipporah, or Damaris can be distinctive choices.

Q5: Where Can I Learn More About Biblical Names?

The original biblical passages are a useful starting point because they provide the story and context behind each name. Reputable reference works, academic resources, religious texts, and established biblical scholarship can also help. Because some ancient name meanings are uncertain, comparing reliable sources is worthwhile.

Conclusion

Choosing a baby name is ultimately a personal decision. A name may remind you of a family member, a story you love, a quality you hope your child will embody, or simply a sound that feels right.

Biblical names offer a particularly rich range of possibilities. Some are short and simple, while others carry centuries of history. Some are connected with courage and leadership; others are associated with grace, loyalty, joy, or faith.

Whether you choose a familiar classic such as David, Sarah, James, or Hannah, or prefer a less common option such as Keziah, Selah, Gideon, or Phoebe, take time to explore the name beyond its definition.

Read its story. Say it aloud. Pair it with your family name. Think about how it feels today and how it may feel decades from now.

The best name is not necessarily the most popular one. It is the one that feels meaningful to you and your family.