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100 Biblical Boy Names for Christians

Searching for the perfect name for your baby boy can be exciting and overwhelming, especially considering the vast array of biblical names available.

Many devout Christians may revisit their favorite passages in times of need but rarely have the time to read the entire Bible. However, the Bible is a rich source of inspiration for names that have stood the test of time, each with its unique significance and story.

With this in mind, we have compiled a comprehensive list of 100 biblical boy names to help make your search easier. This list includes well-known favorites and lesser-used gems, so you’ll find a name that resonates with your values and beliefs.

100 Unique Biblical Names for Boys and Meanings

As you prepare for your baby’s arrival, let our list of 100 Bible names for boys be your guide.

Abel

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Breath, vapor
  • Pronunciation: AY-buhl
  • Variations: Abiel, Aviel, Abi, Ab
  • Namesakes: Abel (biblical figure), Abel Ferrara (American filmmaker), Abel Tasman (Dutch explorer)

Abel is a name that appears in the Bible as the second son of Adam and Eve. He is best known for being murdered by his brother Cain in a fit of jealousy.

Abraham

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Father of many
  • Pronunciation: AY-bruh-ham
  • Variations: Abram, Avraham, Bram, Ibrahim
  • Namesakes: Abraham (biblical patriarch), Abraham Lincoln (16th US President), Abraham Maslow (American psychologist)

Abraham is one of the most prominent figures in the Bible, known for his unwavering faith in God and his role as the father of the Jewish people. His name, which means "father of many," reflects his importance as a patriarch and a leader.

Adam

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Man, earth
  • Pronunciation: AD-uhm
  • Variations: Adamo, Adan, Adem
  • Namesakes: Adam (biblical figure), Adam Levine (American singer), Adam Smith (Scottish economist)

Adam is one of the most well-known names in the Bible, representing the first man created by God. His name, which means "man" or "earth," reflects his origins as a being formed from the dust of the ground.

Amos

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Burden-bearer
  • Pronunciation: AY-muhs
  • Variations: Amoz
  • Namesakes: Amos (biblical prophet), Amos Oz (Israeli writer), Amos Tversky (Israeli-American psychologist)

Amos is a name that appears in the Bible as the name of a prophet who lived in the 8th century BCE. His name, which means "burden-bearer," reflects his role as a messenger of God who carried a weighty message of judgment and hope for the people of Israel.

Andrew

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Manly, warrior
  • Pronunciation: AN-droo
  • Variations: Andreas, Andrei, Andrzej, Andy
  • Namesakes: Andrew (biblical apostle), Andrew Carnegie (Scottish-American businessman), Andrew Lloyd Webber (English composer)

Andrew is a name that appears in the New Testament as the name of one of Jesus' apostles. His name, which means "manly" or "warrior," reflects his strength and courage as a follower of Christ.

Azriel

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Help of God
  • Pronunciation: AZ-ree-el
  • Variations: Azrielle, Azrael, Azriela
  • Namesakes: Azriel (biblical figure), Azriel P. Flournoy (American politician), Azriel Rosenfeld (American computer scientist)

Azriel is a Hebrew name that means "help of God." In Jewish tradition, Azriel is an angel of death who separates the soul from the body.

Bartholomew

  • Origin: Aramaic
  • Meaning: Son of Tolmai
  • Pronunciation: bar-THAW-lo-mew
  • Variations: Bart, Bartholomeus, Bartel, Barthol, Barty
  • Namesakes: Bartholomew (biblical figure), Bartholomew Diaz (Portuguese explorer), Bartholomew Roberts (Welsh pirate)

Bartholomew is an Aramaic name that means "son of Tolmai." In the Bible, Bartholomew was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus.

Benjamin

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Son of the right hand
  • Pronunciation: BEN-juh-min
  • Variations: Ben, Benjamen, Benjy, Benoit
  • Namesakes: Benjamin (biblical figure), Benjamin Franklin (American statesman), Benjamin Disraeli (British statesman)

Benjamin is a Hebrew name that means "son of the right hand." In the Bible, Benjamin was the twelfth son of Jacob and the founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Boaz

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Strength
  • Pronunciation: BO-az
  • Namesakes: Boaz (biblical figure), Boaz Yakin (American filmmaker)

Boaz is a Hebrew name that means "strength." In the Bible, Boaz was a wealthy landowner who showed kindness to Ruth, a widowed Moabite woman.

Cain

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Possession
  • Pronunciation: KAYN
  • Namesakes: Cain (biblical figure), Cain Velasquez (American mixed martial artist)

Cain is a Hebrew name that means "possession." In the Bible, Cain was the first son of Adam and Eve and the first murderer in history.

Caleb

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Dog, faithful
  • Pronunciation: KAY-leb
  • Variations: Kalev, Kaleb, Kalib, Cale
  • Namesakes: Caleb Followill (American musician), Caleb Landry Jones (American actor), Caleb McLaughlin (American actor)

Caleb was a faithful companion of Moses in the Bible. He was one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan.

Cornelius

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Horn
  • Pronunciation: kawr-NEE-lee-uhs
  • Variations: Cornelio, Korneliusz, Korneli
  • Namesakes: Cornelius (biblical figure), Cornelius Vanderbilt (American businessman), Cornelius Castoriadis (Greek philosopher)

Cornelius was a Roman centurion who became a Christian after an angel appeared to him in a vision. He was baptized by Peter and became the first Gentile to convert to Christianity.

Daniel

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: God is my judge
  • Pronunciation: DAN-yəl
  • Variations: Danilo, Daniele, Danyal, Danial
  • Namesakes: Daniel (biblical figure), Daniel Defoe (English writer), Daniel Radcliffe (British actor)

Daniel was a prophet and a wise man in the Bible. He was thrown into the lions' den for refusing to worship King Darius, but God protected him and he emerged unscathed.

Darius

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Maintains possessions well
  • Pronunciation: duh-RYE-us
  • Variations: Dario, Darian, Darek
  • Namesakes: Darius I (King of Persia), Darius Rucker (American musician)

Darius is a name of Persian origin, but it is also mentioned in the Old Testament. Darius the Mede is a character in the book of Daniel who ruled Babylon after the fall of the Babylonian Empire.

David

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Beloved
  • Pronunciation: DAY-vid
  • Variations: Dawid, Daoud, Davide, Davey
  • Namesakes: David (biblical figure), David Bowie (British musician), David Lynch (American filmmaker)

David was the second king of Israel and a man after God's own heart. He was known for his bravery, his musical talent, and his love for God.

Elijah

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: My God is Yahweh
  • Pronunciation: ih-LYE-jah
  • Variations: Eli, Elias, Elisha
  • Namesakes: Elijah (Prophet in the Old Testament), Elijah Wood (American actor), Elijah McCoy (Canadian-American inventor)

Elijah is a name of Hebrew origin and is one of the most well-known prophets in the Old Testament. He is known for his miraculous deeds, such as raising a widow's son from the dead and defeating the prophets of Baal in a contest on Mount Carmel.

Emmanuel

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: God is with us
  • Pronunciation: ee-MAN-yoo-el
  • Variations: Manuel, Immanuel
  • Namesakes: Emmanuel Macron (French President), Emmanuel Lewis (American actor), Emmanuel Mudiay (Congolese basketball player)

Emmanuel is a name of Hebrew origin that means "God is with us." In the Old Testament, the name was prophesied as a sign of the coming of the Messiah, who would be born of a virgin. In the New Testament, the name is associated with Jesus Christ, who is referred to as Emmanuel in the Gospel of Matthew.

Enos

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Mortal, man
  • Pronunciation: EE-nuhs
  • Namesakes: Enos (Descendant of Adam in the Old Testament)

Enos is a name of Hebrew origin and is mentioned in the Old Testament as a descendant of Adam. He is known for his devotion to God and for being the father of Kenan.

Ephraim

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Fruitful, doubly fruitful
  • Pronunciation: EFF-ruhm
  • Variations: Efraim, Ephrem
  • Namesakes: Ephraim (Son of Joseph in the Old Testament), Ephraim Kishon (Israeli writer), Ephraim Moses Lilien (Austrian-Israeli art nouveau illustrator)

Ephraim is a name of Hebrew origin and is the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. In the Old Testament, Ephraim was the son of Joseph and the grandson of Jacob. The name means "fruitful" or "doubly fruitful" and is associated with fertility and prosperity.

Esau

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Hairy, rough
  • Pronunciation: EE-saw
  • Namesakes: Esau (Son of Isaac in the Old Testament)

Esau is a name of Hebrew origin and is mentioned in the Old Testament as the firstborn son of Isaac and the twin brother of Jacob. He is known for selling his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of soup and for being the ancestor of the Edomites.

Ethan

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Strong, firm
  • Pronunciation: EE-thən
  • Variations: Eitan, Etan, Eithan
  • Namesakes: Ethan Hawke (American actor), Ethan Allen (American revolutionary), Ethan Couch (American criminal)

Ethan was a wise man of the tribe of Judah who was known for his wisdom. It is also the name of one of the sons of the musician Korah who sang in the temple choir.

Gabriel

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: God is my strength
  • Pronunciation: GAY-bree-əl
  • Variations: Gavriel, Gabrielle, Gabriele
  • Namesakes: Gabriel Byrne (Irish actor), Gabriel Garcia Marquez (Colombian author), Gabriel Iglesias (American comedian)

Gabriel is an archangel who is known for delivering important messages from God. In the Bible, Gabriel appears to the prophet Daniel and to Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Gideon

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Mighty warrior
  • Pronunciation: GID-ee-ən
  • Variations: Gedeon
  • Namesakes: Gideon v. Wainwright (Supreme Court case), Gideon Mantell (English geologist), Gideon Welles (U.S. Secretary of the Navy)

Gideon was a judge and military leader of the Israelites in the Old Testament. He is best known for his victory over the Midianites with just 300 men.

Haggai

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Festive
  • Pronunciation: HAG-eye
  • Namesakes: Haggai (biblical prophet)

Haggai was a prophet who encouraged the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. The book of Haggai is the tenth of the twelve minor prophets in the Hebrew Bible.

Haman

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Magnificent
  • Pronunciation: HAY-mən
  • Namesakes: Haman (biblical figure)

Haman was a villainous advisor to the Persian king Ahasuerus in the Book of Esther. He plotted to destroy the Jewish people but was ultimately thwarted by Esther and Mordecai.

Hosea

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Salvation
  • Pronunciation: HO-see-uh
  • Variations: Hoshea, Osee, Hoseia
  • Namesakes: Hosea (biblical prophet), Hosea Williams (American civil rights leader), Hosea Kutako (Namibian anti-apartheid activist)

Hosea was a prophet in the Hebrew Bible who lived in the 8th century BCE. His book is the first of the twelve minor prophets in the Bible and speaks of God's love for the Israelites despite their unfaithfulness.

Isaac

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: He will laugh
  • Pronunciation: EYE-zik
  • Variations: Itzhak, Yitzhak, Ike
  • Namesakes: Isaac (biblical patriarch), Isaac Asimov (Russian-born American author), Isaac Newton (English physicist and mathematician)

Isaac was the son of Abraham and Sarah in the Hebrew Bible and was himself the father of Jacob and Esau. He is also considered a prophet in Islam and is mentioned in the Qur'an.

Isaiah

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Salvation of Yahweh
  • Pronunciation: eye-ZAY-uh
  • Variations: Isaias, Esaias
  • Namesakes: Isaiah (biblical prophet), Isaiah Berlin (British philosopher), Isaiah Thomas (American basketball player)

Isaiah was a prophet in the Hebrew Bible who lived in the 8th century BCE. His book contains many famous prophecies, including the one about the virgin birth of Jesus.

Jacob

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Supplanter
  • Pronunciation: JAY-kub
  • Variations: Yaakov, Yakub, James
  • Namesakes: Jacob (biblical patriarch), Jacob Zuma (South African politician), Jacob Riis (Danish-American journalist and photographer)

Jacob was the son of Isaac and Rebekah in the Hebrew Bible and the twin brother of Esau. He later became known as Israel and is considered one of the patriarchs of the Jewish people.

James

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Supplanter
  • Pronunciation: JAYMZ
  • Variations: Jacob, Jamie, Jim, Jimmy
  • Namesakes: James (biblical figure and apostle), James Baldwin (American writer), James Naismith (Canadian inventor of basketball)

James was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and is sometimes referred to as James the Less or James the Just to distinguish him from James, the son of Zebedee. He is the author of the Epistle of James in the New Testament.

Japheth

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: May he enlarge
  • Pronunciation: JAY-feth
  • Variations: Japhet, Yaphet, Yafet
  • Namesakes: None

Japheth was one of Noah's three sons, according to the Bible. He is considered to be the father of many people of Europe and Asia according to Jewish and Christian tradition.

Jared

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Descent
  • Pronunciation: JAY-rid
  • Variations: Jarrad, Jerad, Jered
  • Namesakes: Jared Leto (American actor and musician), Jared Diamond (American author and professor), Jared Goff (American football player)

Jared was a descendant of Adam in the Bible. He is known for being the father of Enoch, who walked with God and was taken up to heaven.

Jason

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Healer
  • Pronunciation: JAY-sun
  • Variations: Jaison, Jayson, Jasun
  • Namesakes: Jason Momoa (American actor), Jason Bateman (American actor), Jason Aldean (American singer)

Although the name Jason does not appear in the Bible, it has become a popular name among Christians. The most famous Jason in Greek mythology is the leader of the Argonauts, who went on a quest for the Golden Fleece.

Javan

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Mud or clay
  • Pronunciation: JAY-van

Javan was one of the grandsons of Noah, according to the Bible. He is believed to have been the ancestor of the Greeks.

Jedidiah

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Beloved of God
  • Pronunciation: je-DID-ee-ah
  • Variations: Jed, Jedediah, Jedidias
  • Namesakes: Jedidiah Goodacre (Canadian actor), Jedidiah Morse (American geographer and Congregational clergyman), Jedidiah Smith (American explorer)

Jedidiah was a name given to King Solomon by the prophet Nathan, according to the Bible. It is a reminder that God loved Solomon, despite his many sins.

Jehoshaphat

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Yahweh has judged
  • Pronunciation: juh-HOSH-uh-fat
  • Variations: Joshaphat, Josaphat, Jehosaphat
  • Namesakes: Jehoshaphat (king of Judah), Jehoshaphat Aspin (English politician), Jehoshaphat A. H. Houben (Dutch architect)

Jehoshaphat was a king of Judah who ruled from the late 9th to early 8th century BC. He is known for his religious reforms and his victory over the Moabites and Ammonites, which was attributed to divine intervention.

Jeremiah

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Yahweh has uplifted
  • Pronunciation: jer-uh-MY-uh
  • Variations: Jeremias, Jeremia, Jérémie
  • Namesakes: Jeremiah (prophet), Jeremiah Denton (American admiral), Jeremiah Tower (American chef)

Jeremiah was a major prophet in the Hebrew Bible who lived in the 7th and 6th centuries BC. He is known for his prophecies of doom and his warnings to the people of Judah to repent.

Jericho

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Fragrant, his month
  • Pronunciation: JER-ih-koh
  • Namesakes: Jericho (ancient city), Jericho Rosales (Filipino actor), Jericho Cotchery (American football player)

Jericho is an ancient city in the West Bank that is mentioned numerous times in the Bible, including as the site of Joshua's famous victory over its walls.

Jesse

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Gift
  • Pronunciation: JES-ee
  • Namesakes: Jesse (father of David), Jesse Owens (American athlete), Jesse Ventura (American politician)

Jesse was the father of King David in the Old Testament. The name means "gift" and is sometimes used as a shortened form of the name Jessica.

Joel

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Yahweh is God
  • Pronunciation: JOHL
  • Variations: Yoel, Joël
  • Namesakes: Joel (prophet), Joel Edgerton (Australian actor), Joel Coen (American filmmaker)

Joel is a prophet in the Hebrew Bible who lived in the 5th century BC. He is known for his prophecy of a great locust plague and his message of repentance.

John

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: God is gracious
  • Pronunciation: JAHN
  • Variations: Jon, Jonny, Jack, Juan
  • Namesakes: John the Apostle (biblical figure), John F. Kennedy (35th President of the United States), John Lennon (British musician)

John is a classic name that has been popular for centuries. It is the name of one of the twelve apostles in the New Testament, as well as numerous saints and other important figures throughout history.

Jonathan

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Gift of God
  • Pronunciation: JAHN-uh-thun
  • Variations: Jon, Nathan, Nate
  • Namesakes: Jonathan Edwards (American preacher and theologian), Jonathan Swift (Irish writer and satirist), Jonathan Franzen (American novelist)

Jonathan is a popular name that has been used for centuries. In the Bible, Jonathan was the son of King Saul and a close friend of David.

Joseph

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: God will increase
  • Pronunciation: JOH-zef
  • Variations: Joe, Joey, Jose, Giuseppe
  • Namesakes: Joseph (biblical figure), Joseph Stalin (Soviet leader), Joseph Conrad (Polish-British writer)

Joseph is a timeless name that has been popular for centuries. In the Bible, Joseph was the son of Jacob and Rachel and the father of Jesus.

Joshua

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: God is salvation
  • Pronunciation: JAH-shoo-uh
  • Variations: Josh, Joss
  • Namesakes: Joshua (biblical figure), Joshua Chamberlain (American Civil War general), Joshua Bell (American violinist)

Joshua is a popular name that has been used for centuries. In the Bible, Joshua was the successor of Moses and led the Israelites into the Promised Land.

Josiah

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: God heals
  • Pronunciation: joh-SY-uh
  • Variations: Joe, Jojo, Josias
  • Namesakes: Josiah Wedgwood (English potter and entrepreneur), Josiah Bartlett (American politician), Josiah Royce (American philosopher)

Josiah is a strong and classic name that has been popular for centuries. In the Bible, Josiah was a king of Judah who was known for his religious reforms.

Jude

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Praised
  • Pronunciation: jood
  • Variations: Judah, Judas, Judy
  • Namesakes: Jude Law (British actor), Saint Jude (biblical figure and patron saint of lost causes), Jude Bellingham (English footballer)

Jude is a name that means "praised" and is often associated with the apostle Jude in the Bible.

Kenan

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Possession
  • Pronunciation: kee-nan
  • Variations: Cainan

Kenan is a name of Hebrew origin that means "possession" or "acquisition". The name appears in the genealogy of Adam in the Bible and was also the name of one of the sons of Enosh.

King

  • Origin: English
  • Meaning: Ruler
  • Pronunciation: king
  • Namesakes: B.B. King (American blues singer and guitarist), Martin Luther King Jr. (American civil rights leader), Rodney King (African-American motorist famously beaten by Los Angeles police)

King is a name of English origin that means "ruler" or "monarch". While not traditionally a biblical name, the word "king" appears frequently throughout the Bible as a title for rulers and leaders.

Laban

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: White
  • Pronunciation: lay-bun

Laban is a name of Hebrew origin that means "white". In the Bible, Laban was the brother of Rebekah and the father-in-law of Jacob.

Lazarus

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: God has helped
  • Pronunciation: lah-zuh-rus
  • Variations: Lazaro
  • Namesakes: Lazarus of Bethany (biblical figure raised from the dead by Jesus), Lazarus Salii (Cameroonian footballer), Lazarus Chakwera (Malawian politician and president)

Lazarus is a name of Hebrew origin that means "God has helped". The name is best known from the story of Lazarus of Bethany in the Bible, who was raised from the dead by Jesus.

Levi

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Joined, attached
  • Pronunciation: LEE-vye
  • Variations: Levy, Lev, Leevi
  • Namesakes: Levi Strauss (German-American businessman and founder of Levi's), Levi Stubbs (American singer and member of The Four Tops), Levi Coffin (American abolitionist)

Levi was the third son of Jacob and Leah in the Old Testament. The name is often associated with the Levi tribe, who were assigned religious duties in ancient Israel.

Lot

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Veiled, hidden
  • Pronunciation: LOT
  • Namesakes: Lot (biblical figure), Lotfi Zadeh (Iranian-American mathematician and computer scientist), Lotte Lenya (Austrian-American singer and actress)

Lot was a nephew of Abraham and is best known for his escape from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in the Old Testament.

Luke

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: From Lucania (a region in southern Italy)
  • Pronunciation: LOOK
  • Variations: Lucas, Luc, Lukas
  • Namesakes: Luke Skywalker (fictional character from the Star Wars franchise), Luke Perry (American actor), Luke Combs (American country singer)

Luke is the English form of the Greek name Loukas. In the New Testament, Luke is the author of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles.

Malachi

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: My messenger
  • Pronunciation: MAL-ə-kai
  • Variations: Malachy, Malakai
  • Namesakes: Malachi Martin (Irish-American Catholic priest and author), Malachi Throne (American actor), Malachi York (American religious leader)

Malachi is a biblical name that is most commonly associated with the last of the Old Testament prophets. In the Bible, Malachi was tasked with delivering messages from God to the people of Israel.

Mark

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Warlike
  • Pronunciation: MAHRK
  • Variations: Marc, Markus, Marco
  • Namesakes: Mark Zuckerberg (American entrepreneur and co-founder of Facebook), Mark Twain (American author), Mark Hamill (American actor)

Mark is derived from the Latin name Marcus. In the New Testament, Mark is the author of the second Gospel.

Matthew

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Gift of God
  • Pronunciation: MATH-yoo
  • Variations: Matthias, Mathias, Matt, Matteo
  • Namesakes: Matthew the Apostle, Matthew McConaughey (American actor), Matt Damon (American actor)

Matthew, a tax collector turned disciple of Jesus, is traditionally considered the author of the Gospel of Matthew, which focuses on the Jewish perspective of Jesus as the Messiah.

Melchizedek

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: King of Righteousness
  • Pronunciation: mel-KIZ-uh-dek
  • Namesakes: Melchizedek (biblical figure)

Melchizedek is a figure from the Book of Genesis who is described as the king of Salem and a priest of God. In the New Testament, he is referred to as a type of Christ, and the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews uses him as an example of Christ's priesthood.

Micah

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Who is like God?
  • Pronunciation: MYE-kah
  • Variations: Micaiah, Myka
  • Namesakes: Micah (biblical prophet), Micah Richards (English footballer), Micah Sloat (American actor)

Micah is a minor prophet in the Old Testament who preached against corruption and injustice. His name is a rhetorical question that asks who is like God, implying that God is incomparable and beyond measure.

Moses

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Drawn out of the water
  • Pronunciation: MOH-zes
  • Variations: Moyses, Moshe
  • Namesakes: Moses (biblical prophet), Moses Malone (American basketball player), Moses Mendelssohn (German philosopher)

Moses is a major prophet in the Old Testament who led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and received the Ten Commandments from God on Mount Sinai. His name reflects his miraculous birth, in which he was rescued from the Nile River as an infant.

Nahum

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Comforter
  • Pronunciation: NAY-huhm
  • Variations: Naum
  • Namesakes: Nahum (biblical prophet)

Nahum is a minor prophet in the Old Testament who preached against the Assyrian Empire and predicted its downfall. His name means comforter, and he offers hope and reassurance to the people of Judah during a time of crisis.

Nathan

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: He gave
  • Pronunciation: NAY-thən
  • Variations: Nathaniel, Nate, Nat, Nathanael
  • Namesakes: Nathan Hale (American Revolutionary War hero), Nathan Bedford Forrest (Confederate Army general), Nathan Chen (American figure skater)

Nathan was a prophet and advisor to King David in the Old Testament.

Nathanael

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Gift of God
  • Pronunciation: nə-THAN-ee-əl
  • Variations: Nathan, Nate, Nathaniel, Nathanial
  • Namesakes: Nathanael Greene (American Revolutionary War general), Nathanael West (American author), Nathanael Kapner (Russian-American Orthodox Christian monk)

Nathanael was one of Jesus' disciples in the New Testament.

Nehemiah

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Comforted by God
  • Pronunciation: nee-uh-MY-uh
  • Variations: Nehemias
  • Namesakes: Nehemiah Persoff (American actor), Nehemiah Grew (English botanist), Nehemiah Hayyim (Jewish Talmudic scholar)

Nehemiah was a Jewish leader who oversaw the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem in the Old Testament.

Nicodemus

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Victory of the people
  • Pronunciation: nik-ə-DEE-məs
  • Variations: Nico
  • Namesakes: Nicodemus the Hagiorite (Greek Orthodox saint), Nicodemus Frischlin (German scholar), Nicodemus Tessin the Elder (Swedish architect)

Nicodemus was a Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin who visited Jesus at night in the New Testament.

Noah

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Rest, comfort
  • Pronunciation: NOH-ə
  • Variations: Noa, Noach, Noak
  • Namesakes: Noah Webster (American lexicographer), Noah Wyle (American actor), Noah Schnapp (American actor)

Noah was a righteous man in the Old Testament who built an ark to save his family and the animals from the flood. The name has been in use since the Protestant Reformation and has gained popularity in recent years.

Obadiah

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Servant of Yahweh
  • Pronunciation: oh-BAY-dye-uh
  • Variations: Obadias, Obadya, Ovadia
  • Namesakes: Obadiah (biblical figure), Obadiah ben Jacob Sforno (Italian rabbi and physician), Obadiah Newcomb Bush (American businessman)

The name Obadiah appears in the Old Testament, and is associated with the prophecy of the downfall of the nation of Edom. The book of Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament, with only 21 verses.

Obed

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Worshipper, servant
  • Pronunciation: OH-bed
  • Namesakes: Obed (biblical figure), Obed Asamoah (Ghanaian politician), Obediah Aytona (Filipino basketball player)

Obed was the father of Jesse and grandfather of King David in the Old Testament.

Omar

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: He who speaks
  • Pronunciation: OH-mar
  • Variations: Omer, Omari, Omaar
  • Namesakes: Omar Khayyam (Persian poet and mathematician), Omar Bradley (American military commander), Omar Sharif (Egyptian actor)

Omar was a prominent figure in Islamic history and is known for being the second caliph of the Rashidun Caliphate. The name itself is derived from the Arabic word umar, which means ‘long-lived’ or ‘flourishing’.

Omri

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Life, prosperity
  • Pronunciation: AHM-ree
  • Namesakes: Omri (biblical figure), Omri Casspi (Israeli basketball player), Omri Katz (American actor)

Omri was the sixth king of Israel in the Old Testament, and is known for his construction of the city of Samaria. The name means "life" or "prosperity" in Hebrew.

Paul

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Small
  • Pronunciation: PAWL
  • Variations: Paulo, Pablo, Paolo
  • Namesakes: Paul the Apostle (biblical figure), Paul McCartney (British musician), Paul Newman (American actor)

Paul is a name with Latin origins that appears in the New Testament, and is associated with the apostle who spread Christianity throughout the Roman Empire.

Peleg

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Division
  • Pronunciation: PEH-leg
  • Namesakes: Peleg (biblical figure), Peleg Brown (American politician), Peleg Coffin (American businessman)

Peleg was a descendant of Noah in the Old Testament, and is associated with the division of the earth during the time of the Tower of Babel. The name means "division" in Hebrew, and is often associated with a sense of separation or distinction.

Perez

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Burst forth
  • Pronunciation: PEH-rez
  • Namesakes: Perez Hilton (American blogger and media personality)

Perez was a biblical character who was born as a result of his mother Tamar's deception of her father-in-law Judah. The name is associated with unexpected blessings and the idea of bursting forth with great force.

Peter

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Rock
  • Pronunciation: PEE-ter
  • Variations: Pierre, Pedro, Piotr, Petar
  • Namesakes: Saint Peter (disciple of Jesus), Peter the Great (Russian tsar), Peter Jackson (New Zealand film director)

Peter was a prominent disciple of Jesus in the New Testament and later became a leader of the early Christian church. According to tradition, he was the first Bishop of Rome and the founder of the papacy. The name is derived from the Greek word petros meaning "rock", which was given to him by Jesus.

Philip

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Lover of horses
  • Pronunciation: FIL-əp
  • Variations: Felipe, Philipp, Philippe, Filip
  • Namesakes: Philip II of Macedon (ancient Greek king), Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (British royal), Philip Roth (American author)

Philip was one of the twelve apostles and was known for his ability to communicate and spread the word of Jesus. The name is derived from the Greek name Philippos, which means "lover of horses".

Pontius

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Fifth
  • Pronunciation: PON-shəs
  • Variations: Pontianus, Pontus
  • Namesakes: Pontius Pilate (Roman governor of Judea)

Pontius is a Latin name that means "fifth". It is primarily known as the first name of Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea who presided over the trial and crucifixion of Jesus.

Raphael

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: God has healed
  • Pronunciation: RAF-ee-əl
  • Variations: Rafael, Raffaele, Rafi
  • Namesakes: Raphael (biblical figure), Raphael Lemkin (Polish lawyer and activist), Raphael Saadiq (American singer-songwriter)

Raphael is a name that appears in the Hebrew Bible, and is known as one of the seven archangels in Jewish tradition. The name means "God has healed" and is often associated with medicine and healing.

Reuben

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Behold, a son
  • Pronunciation: ROO-bən
  • Variations: Ruben, Reuven
  • Namesakes: Reuben (biblical figure), Reuben Fine (American chess player), Reuben H. Fleet (American aviation pioneer)

Reuben is a Hebrew name meaning "behold, a son". In the Old Testament, Reuben was the eldest son of Jacob and Leah.

Rufus

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Red-haired
  • Pronunciation: ROO-fəs
  • Variations: Rufous, Ruff, Rufino
  • Namesakes: Rufus (biblical figure), Rufus Sewell (English actor), Rufus Wainwright (Canadian-American singer-songwriter)

Rufus is a Latin name meaning "red-haired". In the New Testament, Rufus is mentioned as the son of Simon of Cyrene, who carried the cross of Jesus.

Samson

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Sun
  • Pronunciation: SAM-sən
  • Variations: Sampson
  • Namesakes: Samson (biblical figure), Samson Raphael Hirsch (German rabbi and philosopher), Samson Occom (Mohegan Presbyterian minister and hymnwriter)

Samson is a Hebrew name meaning "sun". In the Old Testament, Samson was known for his great strength and was one of the judges of Israel.

Samuel

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Asked of God
  • Pronunciation: SAM-yoo-əl
  • Variations: Sam, Sammy
  • Namesakes: Samuel (biblical figure), Samuel Morse (American inventor and artist), Samuel L. Jackson (American actor)

Samuel is a Hebrew name meaning "asked of God". In the Old Testament, Samuel was a prophet and judge of Israel who anointed Saul and David as kings.

Saul

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Asked for, prayed for
  • Pronunciation: sawl
  • Variations: Shaul, Sha'ul, Saulo
  • Namesakes: Saul of Tarsus (also known as Paul the Apostle), Saul Steinberg (Romanian-American artist), Saul Bellow (Canadian-American writer)

Saul was a king of Israel who was famously chosen by God and anointed by the prophet Samuel. He is also known for his persecution of early Christians before his conversion to Christianity and subsequent role as an apostle, under the name Paul.

Seth

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Appointed, placed
  • Pronunciation: seth
  • Namesakes: Seth Green (American actor), Seth MacFarlane (American animator and voice actor), Seth Rogen (Canadian actor and comedian)

In the Bible, Seth was the third son of Adam and Eve, and the father of Enosh. He is remembered for his role in the lineage of Jesus Christ.

Shadrach

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Under the command of Aku (the Babylonian god)
  • Pronunciation: shad-rak

Shadrach was a Babylonian name given to Hananiah, one of three young Jewish men who were thrown into a fiery furnace by King Nebuchadnezzar for refusing to worship his golden statue. According to the biblical account, the three men emerged from the furnace unharmed, and their survival was attributed to the intervention of God.

Silas

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Man of the forest
  • Pronunciation: sy-las
  • Variations: Silvanus
  • Namesakes: Silas Marner (protagonist of the novel by George Eliot), Silas Weir Mitchell (American physician and writer), Silas Hocking (English author and Methodist preacher)

In the New Testament, Silas was a missionary who accompanied the apostle Paul on his second and third journeys. He was also a prophet and a leader in the early Christian church.

Simon

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: He has heard
  • Pronunciation: sye-mun
  • Variations: Simeon, Symeon
  • Namesakes: Simon Peter (one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ), Simon Bolivar (South American revolutionary leader), Simon Cowell (British television producer and personality)

Simon is a common name in the Bible, and is borne by several notable figures, including Simon Peter, who was chosen by Jesus to be a leader of the early Christian church. Simon of Cyrene is also mentioned in the Bible as the man who carried the cross of Jesus on the way to his crucifixion.

Solomon

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Peaceful
  • Pronunciation: SAHL-uh-mun
  • Variations: Salomon, Sol, Suleiman
  • Namesakes: Solomon Northup (American writer and former slave), Solomon Burke (American soul musician), Solomon Islands (country in the Pacific Ocean)

Solomon was a king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and building of the first temple in Jerusalem. He is considered a prophet in Judaism and Islam and is also known for his famous judgment involving two women claiming to be the mother of the same baby.

Stephen

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Crown
  • Pronunciation: STEE-vuhn
  • Variations: Stefan, Stevie
  • Namesakes: Stephen Hawking (British physicist and author), Stephen King (American author), Stephen Colbert (American comedian and TV host)

Stephen was one of the seven deacons appointed by the apostles in the early Christian church and is considered the first Christian martyr. His story is told in the book of Acts in the New Testament.

Thaddeus

  • Origin: Aramaic
  • Meaning: Courageous heart
  • Pronunciation: THAD-ee-uhs
  • Variations: Thad, Tadeusz
  • Namesakes: Thaddeus Stevens (American abolitionist and politician), Thad Jones (American jazz trumpeter), Thad Matta (American college basketball coach)

Thaddeus was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and is sometimes referred to as Jude or Judas, not to be confused with the betrayer Judas Iscariot. He is the patron saint of desperate cases and lost causes.

Thomas

  • Origin: Aramaic
  • Meaning: Twin
  • Pronunciation: TAW-muhs
  • Variations: Tom, Tommy, Tomas
  • Namesakes: Thomas Jefferson (3rd president of the United States), Thomas Edison (American inventor), Thomas Aquinas (Italian theologian and philosopher)

Thomas was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and is known for his doubt of Jesus' resurrection until he saw Jesus' wounds for himself. He is also known as "Doubting Thomas" and his story is told in the New Testament.

Timothy

  • Origin: Greek
  • Meaning: Honoring God
  • Pronunciation: TIM-uh-thee
  • Variations: Tim, Timotheus
  • Namesakes: Timothy Leary (American psychologist and writer), Timothy McVeigh (American domestic terrorist), Timothy Spall (British actor)

Timothy was a companion of the apostle Paul and is the addressee of two letters in the New Testament. He is known for his faith and his young age when he became a Christian leader.

Titus

  • Origin: Latin
  • Meaning: Honorable
  • Pronunciation: TY-tus
  • Variations: Tyson, Tye, Titas, Titos
  • Namesakes: Titus (biblical figure), Titus Flavius Caesar Vespasianus Augustus (Roman emperor), Titus Andronicus (Shakespearean character)

Titus was a companion of Saint Paul and is mentioned in several of his letters in the New Testament. He later became the first bishop of Crete and is venerated as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Tobiah

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: God is good
  • Pronunciation: toh-BYE-uh
  • Variations: Tobias, Tobin, Toby, Tobi
  • Namesakes: Tobiah (biblical figure), Tobiah ben Eliezer (Jewish mystic), Tobias Wolff (American author)

Tobiah is a biblical name of Hebrew origin that means "Yahweh is good". In the Bible, Tobiah was an Ammonite official who opposed the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. Despite this negative portrayal, the name Tobiah has remained popular among Jewish and Christian communities throughout history.

Uriah

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: God is my light
  • Pronunciation: yoo-RYE-uh
  • Variations: Uri, Urias
  • Namesakes: Uriah (biblical figure), Uriah the Hittite (biblical figure), Uriah Heep (David Copperfield character)

Uriah is a Hebrew name that means "God is my light". In the Bible, Uriah was a Hittite soldier who was betrayed by King David, who had an affair with Uriah's wife Bathsheba and then ordered Uriah to be placed in the front lines of battle.

Uzziah

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: God is my strength
  • Pronunciation: yoo-ZYE-uh
  • Variations: Uziah, Azariah
  • Namesakes: Uzziah (biblical figure), Uzziah Galil (Israeli footballer), Uzziah "Sticky" Thompson (Jamaican musician)

Uzziah is a Hebrew name that means "God is my strength". In the Bible, Uzziah was a king of Judah who is credited with many military and agricultural accomplishments. However, he was also struck with leprosy after presumptuously entering the temple to burn incense.

Zebedee

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Gift of God
  • Pronunciation: zuh-BEH-dee
  • Variations: Zeb, Zebadiah
  • Namesakes: Zebedee (biblical figure), Zebedee Heath (British actor), Zebedee Soanes (British journalist)

Zebedee is a Hebrew name that means "gift of God". In the Bible, Zebedee was the father of James and John, two of the twelve apostles.

Zebulun

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Dwelling
  • Pronunciation: ZEB-yoo-lun
  • Variations: Zebulon, Zeb

Zebulun was the tenth son of Jacob and Leah. The tribe of Zebulun settled in the northern region of Israel and was known for their skilled seafaring abilities. The name Zebulun means "dwelling" or "habitation", and it is believed to represent the hope that the tribe would find a permanent home in the land of Canaan.

Zechariah

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Remembered by God
  • Pronunciation: zuh-KAIR-ee-uh
  • Variations: Zecharias, Zacharias, Zack, Zach, Zeke
  • Namesakes: Zechariah (prophet), Zechariah (priest), Zacharias Topelius (Finnish author)

Zechariah is a biblical name that means "remembered by God". There are several figures in the Bible named Zechariah, including a prophet who wrote the book that bears his name, and a priest who was the father of John the Baptist. The name is often shortened to Zach or Zeke in modern times.

Zedekiah

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: The Lord is righteous
  • Pronunciation: zed-uh-KY-uh
  • Variations: Zadok, Zed, Zeke
  • Namesakes: Zedekiah (king of Judah), Zadok (biblical priest), Zadok (composer)

Zedekiah was the last king of Judah before the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem and destroyed the Temple. The name Zedekiah means "the Lord is righteous", and it is derived from the Hebrew words "zedek", meaning "righteousness", and "yah", the abbreviated form of the name of God. The name is also associated with Zadok, a biblical priest who anointed Solomon as king.

Zephaniah

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: The Lord has hidden
  • Pronunciation: zef-uh-NYE-uh
  • Variations: Zeph, Zephyr
  • Namesakes: Zephaniah (prophet)

Zephaniah was a prophet who lived in the 7th century BC and was known for his prophecies of the Day of Judgment. The name Zephaniah means "the Lord has hidden", and it is derived from the Hebrew words "tsaphan", meaning "to hide", and "yah", the abbreviated form of the name of God. The name is sometimes shortened to Zeph or Zephyr.

Zerubbabel

  • Origin: Hebrew
  • Meaning: Seed of Babylon
  • Pronunciation: zer-uh-BAB-uhl
  • Namesakes: Zerubbabel (governor of Judah)

Zerubbabel was a governor of Judah who led the first wave of exiles from Babylon back to Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity. The name Zerubbabel means "seed of Babylon", and it is derived from the Hebrew words "zer", meaning "seed", and "Babel", the name of the city where the exiles were held captive. Zerubbabel is also mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus in the New Testament.

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