Choosing a name for your child is a significant and meaningful decision, and many parents look to the Bible for inspiration. Biblical names carry rich histories, spiritual significance, and often have profound meanings. Here, we explore 50 biblical names for boys, each with its own unique background and meaning.

1. Aaron

• Meaning: Exalted, strong
• Background: Aaron was the brother of Moses and the first high priest of the Israelites.

2. Abel

• Meaning: Breath, vanity
• Background: The second son of Adam and Eve, Abel was a shepherd who was tragically killed by his brother Cain.

3. Abraham

• Meaning: Father of a multitude
• Background: The founding patriarch of the Israelites, Abraham is revered in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

4. Adam

• Meaning: Man, earth
• Background: The first human created by God, Adam is a central figure in the creation narrative.

5. Amos

• Meaning: Carried, borne by God
• Background: A prophet known for his messages of social justice, Amos spoke against the injustices in Israel.

6. Andrew

• Meaning: Manly, courageous
• Background: One of the twelve apostles, Andrew was the brother of Peter and a fisherman.

7. Asher

• Meaning: Blessed, happy
• Background: One of the twelve tribes of Israel, Asher was known for his prosperity.

8. Bartholomew

• Meaning: Son of Talmai
• Background: One of Jesus’ apostles, Bartholomew is believed to have spread the Gospel to India.

9. Benjamin

• Meaning: Son of the right hand
• Background: The youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, Benjamin was one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

10. Caleb

• Meaning: Whole-hearted, faithful
• Background: One of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore Canaan, Caleb was known for his courage.

11. Daniel

• Meaning: God is my judge
• Background: A prophet and wise man in the Babylonian court, Daniel is known for his faith and visions.

12. David

• Meaning: Beloved
• Background: The second king of Israel, David was a shepherd boy who became a great king and warrior.

13. Eli

• Meaning: Ascended, uplifted
• Background: A high priest and judge of Israel, Eli mentored the prophet Samuel.

14. Elijah

• Meaning: My God is Yahweh
• Background: A powerful prophet who performed many miracles and defended the worship of the one true God.

15. Ethan

• Meaning: Strong, firm
• Background: A wise man mentioned in the Bible, Ethan is noted for his wisdom and longevity.

16. Gabriel

• Meaning: God is my strength
• Background: An archangel who served as a messenger of God, Gabriel announced the birth of Jesus to Mary.

17. Gideon

• Meaning: Hewer, one who cuts trees
• Background: A judge and military leader, Gideon led Israel to victory over the Midianites.

18. Isaac

• Meaning: Laughter
• Background: The long-awaited son of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac’s birth was a miracle.

19. Isaiah

• Meaning: Salvation of the Lord
• Background: A major prophet, Isaiah’s writings are rich with prophecies of the coming Messiah.

20. Jacob

• Meaning: Supplanter, holder of the heel
• Background: A patriarch of Israel, Jacob’s name was later changed to Israel after wrestling with an angel.

21. James

• Meaning: Supplanter
• Background: One of Jesus’ twelve apostles and the author of the Epistle of James.

22. Jeremiah

• Meaning: Appointed by God
• Background: A prophet who warned Israel of impending doom and wrote the Book of Jeremiah.

23. Jesse

• Meaning: Gift, wealth
• Background: The father of King David, Jesse is an ancestor of Jesus Christ.

24. John

• Meaning: God is gracious
• Background: One of Jesus’ closest disciples, John wrote the Gospel of John, three Epistles, and Revelation.

25. Jonah

• Meaning: Dove
• Background: A prophet who was swallowed by a great fish, Jonah is a symbol of repentance and mercy.

26. Jonathan

• Meaning: Gift of God
• Background: The faithful friend of David, Jonathan was the son of King Saul.

27. Joseph

• Meaning: He will add
• Background: The son of Jacob who became a powerful leader in Egypt, Joseph is known for his coat of many colors.

28. Joshua

• Meaning: The Lord is salvation
• Background: The successor of Moses, Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land.

29. Josiah

• Meaning: The Lord supports
• Background: A righteous king of Judah, Josiah is known for his reforms and commitment to the Law.

30. Judah

• Meaning: Praised
• Background: One of the twelve tribes of Israel, Judah is an ancestor of King David and Jesus.

31. Levi

• Meaning: Joined, attached
• Background: The third son of Jacob and Leah, Levi’s descendants became the priestly tribe of Israel.

32. Luke

• Meaning: Light-giving
• Background: A physician and companion of Paul, Luke wrote the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles.

33. Mark

• Meaning: Warlike
• Background: The author of the Gospel of Mark, he was a companion of Peter and Paul.

34. Matthew

• Meaning: Gift of God
• Background: A tax collector turned apostle, Matthew wrote the Gospel that bears his name.

35. Micah

• Meaning: Who is like God?
• Background: A prophet known for his message of justice and hope, Micah prophesied the birthplace of the Messiah.

36. Moses

• Meaning: Drawn out of the water
• Background: A central figure in the Exodus, Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt and received the Ten Commandments.

37. Nathan

• Meaning: He has given
• Background: A prophet during the time of King David, Nathan played a key role in advising the king.

38. Noah

• Meaning: Rest, comfort
• Background: Known for building the ark, Noah saved his family and animals from the Flood.

39. Paul

• Meaning: Small, humble
• Background: Once a persecutor of Christians, Paul became a key apostle and wrote many New Testament letters.

40. Peter

• Meaning: Rock
• Background: Originally named Simon, Peter was a leader among Jesus’ apostles and a foundational figure in the early church.

41. Philip

• Meaning: Lover of horses
• Background: One of the twelve apostles, Philip played a significant role in spreading Christianity.

42. Reuben

• Meaning: Behold, a son
• Background: The eldest son of Jacob and Leah, Reuben’s descendants formed one of the tribes of Israel.

43. Samuel

• Meaning: Heard by God
• Background: A prophet and judge, Samuel anointed both Saul and David as kings of Israel.

44. Saul

• Meaning: Asked for, prayed for
• Background: The first king of Israel, Saul’s reign was marked by both triumph and tragedy.

45. Seth

• Meaning: Appointed
• Background: The third son of Adam and Eve, Seth was seen as a righteous replacement for Abel.

46. Simon

• Meaning: He has heard
• Background: A common name in the Bible, most notably associated with Simon Peter, one of Jesus’ apostles.

47. Solomon

• Meaning: Peaceful
• Background: The son of David and king of Israel, Solomon was renowned for his wisdom and built the first Temple.

48. Stephen

• Meaning: Crown
• Background: The first Christian martyr, Stephen’s story is told in the Acts of the Apostles.

49. Thomas

• Meaning: Twin
• Background: One of the twelve apostles, Thomas is best known for doubting Jesus’ resurrection until he saw Him.

50. Zachariah

• Meaning: The Lord remembers
• Background: A prophet and the father of John the Baptist, Zachariah’s story is detailed in the Gospel of Luke.

These names offer a wealth of meaning and history, making them timeless choices for any child. Whether you seek a name with spiritual significance, historical depth, or simply a strong and enduring character, the Bible provides an abundance of inspiration.