Choosing a name for your child is a meaningful and cherished responsibility. For many parents, selecting a name from the Bible offers a connection to faith and heritage, carrying deep spiritual significance. Biblical names often embody virtues and stories that have inspired generations. In this article, we explore a selection of biblical baby names that are not only beautiful but also rich in history and meaning, offering timeless choices for your little one.
1. Abigail
Meaning: My Father’s Joy
Description: Abigail is noted for her beauty and wisdom in the Bible. She became the wife of King David after bravely intervening to prevent bloodshed. Her story is found in 1 Samuel 25.
2. Anna
Meaning: Grace
Description: Anna was a prophetess who recognized Jesus as the Messiah when he was presented in the temple. She is known for her devout faith and constant presence in the temple, worshipping with fasting and prayer. Her story is told in Luke 2:36-38.
3. Bethany
Meaning: House of Figs
Description: Bethany is a village near Jerusalem that is significant in the New Testament. It was the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, and a place where Jesus performed miracles and stayed during his ministry. It symbolizes a place of comfort and refuge.
4. Chloe
Meaning: Blooming
Description: Chloe is mentioned by Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians as a respected woman in the early Christian community. Her household reported to Paul about the divisions within the Corinthian church. The name symbolizes growth and vibrancy.
5. Deborah
Meaning: Bee
Description: Deborah was a prophetess and the only female judge of Israel. She led Israel to a significant military victory over the Canaanites. Her story, found in Judges 4-5, highlights her leadership, wisdom, and courage.
6. Dinah
Meaning: God Will Judge
Description: Dinah is the daughter of Jacob and Leah. Her story, which involves her being defiled by Shechem and the subsequent revenge by her brothers, is found in Genesis 34. Her name reflects themes of justice and judgment.
7. Elizabeth
Meaning: God is My Oath
Description: Elizabeth was the mother of John the Baptist and a relative of Mary, the mother of Jesus. She is known for her righteousness and the miraculous birth of her son in her old age. Her story is detailed in Luke 1.
8. Esther
Meaning: Star
Description: Esther was a Jewish queen of Persia who saved her people from genocide. Her story, which involves great bravery and faith, is found in the Book of Esther. The name symbolizes light and guidance.
9. Eve
Meaning: Life
Description: Eve is the first woman created by God, according to the Bible. She is the mother of all living humans and plays a pivotal role in the story of the Garden of Eden and the fall of man. Her story is found in Genesis 2-3.
10. Hannah
Meaning: Grace
Description: Hannah is known for her devout prayer for a child, which God answered with the birth of Samuel. She dedicated Samuel to the Lord’s service, exemplifying faith and devotion. Her story is in 1 Samuel 1-2.
11. Joanna
Meaning: God is Gracious
Description: Joanna was one of the women who followed Jesus and supported his ministry out of her own means. She was also one of the first to witness and report Jesus’ resurrection. Her faith and support are highlighted in Luke 8:3 and Luke 24:10.
12. Judith
Meaning: Woman of Judea
Description: Judith is a courageous widow who saved her city from an Assyrian siege by beheading the enemy general Holofernes. Her story is told in the Book of Judith, an apocryphal text. She symbolizes bravery and faith.
13. Leah
Meaning: Weary
Description: Leah was the first wife of Jacob and the mother of six of the twelve tribes of Israel. Although she was less favored than her sister Rachel, Leah is noted for her fertility and her role in the lineage of Israel. Her story is in Genesis 29-49.
14. Lydia
Meaning: From Lydia
Description: Lydia was a successful businesswoman and a dealer in purple cloth in the city of Philippi. She was one of the first converts to Christianity in Europe and offered hospitality to Paul and his companions. Her story is found in Acts 16.
15. Martha
Meaning: Lady
Description: Martha, the sister of Mary and Lazarus, is known for her hospitality and service. She expressed deep faith in Jesus even while grieving her brother’s death, which led to Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Her story is in Luke 10 and John 11.
16. Mary
Meaning: Beloved
Description: Mary is perhaps the most well-known biblical woman, being the mother of Jesus. Her acceptance of God’s plan and her role in the life of Jesus highlight her faith, humility, and devotion. Her story is found throughout the Gospels.
17. Miriam
Meaning: Rebellion
Description: Miriam was the sister of Moses and Aaron, and played a key role in the Exodus story. She is known for her leadership and her song of praise after crossing the Red Sea. Her story is in Exodus 2, 15, and Numbers 12.
18. Naomi
Meaning: Pleasantness
Description: Naomi is the mother-in-law of Ruth. Her story of loss, loyalty, and restoration is detailed in the Book of Ruth. Naomi’s faith and relationship with Ruth highlight themes of family and redemption.
19. Phoebe
Meaning: Bright, Radiant
Description: Phoebe is commended by Paul in Romans 16:1 as a deaconess of the church in Cenchreae. She was a trusted servant and helper to many, including Paul. Her name suggests light and service.
20. Priscilla
Meaning: Ancient
Description: Priscilla, along with her husband Aquila, was a prominent early Christian missionary. She is known for her work in teaching Apollos more accurately about the Christian faith. Her story is found in Acts 18 and Romans 16.
21. Rachel
Meaning: Ewe
Description: Rachel was the beloved wife of Jacob and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin. Her story is marked by her struggle with infertility and her deep love for Jacob. Her story is in Genesis 29-35.
22. Rebecca
Meaning: To Bind
Description: Rebecca was the wife of Isaac and the mother of Esau and Jacob. She is known for her kindness and her pivotal role in ensuring Jacob received his father’s blessing. Her story is found in Genesis 24-27.
23. Ruth
Meaning: Friend
Description: Ruth was a Moabite woman who showed great loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi. Her faithfulness led to her becoming the great-grandmother of King David. Her story is in the Book of Ruth.
24. Sarah
Meaning: Princess
Description: Sarah was the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac. She is remembered for her beauty, her laughter at God’s promise, and her role in the covenant promise. Her story is in Genesis 17-23.
25. Tabitha
Meaning: Gazelle
Description: Tabitha, also known as Dorcas, was a disciple known for her good works and acts of charity. She was raised from the dead by Peter, showcasing her importance in the early church. Her story is in Acts 9.
26. Tamar
Meaning: Date Palm
Description: Tamar has two notable mentions in the Bible: the daughter-in-law of Judah, and the daughter of David. Both stories involve complex themes of justice and restoration. Her stories are in Genesis 38 and 2 Samuel 13.
27. Zipporah
Meaning: Bird
Description: Zipporah was the wife of Moses and the daughter of Jethro, the priest of Midian. She played a critical role in Moses’ life, especially during his return to Egypt. Her story is in Exodus 2-4.
28. Adah
Meaning: Ornament
Description: Adah is a name associated with two women in the Bible: the wife of Lamech and the wife of Esau. The name reflects beauty and adornment. Her story is in Genesis 4 and Genesis 36.
29. Candace
Meaning: Queen Mother
Description: Candace is the title of the queen of the Ethiopians mentioned in Acts 8. The Ethiopian eunuch, a high official under Candace, was converted to Christianity by Philip. The name signifies regal authority.
30. Delilah
Meaning: Delicate
Description: Delilah is known for her role in the story of Samson, where she betrayed him to the Philistines. Her story highlights themes of deception and vulnerability. Her story is in Judges 16.
31. Dorcas
Meaning: Gazelle
Description: Also known as Tabitha, Dorcas was a disciple known for her charity and good works. Her resurrection by Peter emphasized her importance in the early Christian community. Her story is in Acts 9.
32. Elisabeth
Meaning: God is My Oath
Description: Elisabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, is noted for her righteousness and faith. Her miraculous pregnancy in old age demonstrates God’s power and faithfulness. Her story is in Luke 1.
33. Hagar
Meaning: Flight
Description: Hagar was the Egyptian maidservant of Sarah and the mother of Ishmael. Her story includes themes of survival and divine intervention in the desert. Her story is in Genesis 16 and 21.
34. Jemimah
Meaning: Dove
Description: Jemimah is one of the three daughters of Job born after his restoration. Her name signifies peace and beauty. Her story is in Job 42.
35. Jochebed
Meaning: The Lord is Glory
Description: Jochebed was the mother of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. She is known for her courage in hiding Moses to save him from Pharaoh’s decree. Her story is in Exodus 2 and 6.
36. Keziah
Meaning: Cassia (a spice)
Description: Keziah is another daughter of Job born after his trials. Her name reflects the fragrant and valuable nature of the spice. Her story is in Job 42.
37. Lois
Meaning: Superior
Description: Lois was the grandmother of Timothy and is praised for her sincere faith. Her legacy of faith is acknowledged by Paul in 2 Timothy 1. The name signifies strong family faith.
38. Magdalene
Meaning: Of Magdala
Description: Mary Magdalene is a prominent figure in the New Testament, known for her devotion to Jesus. She witnessed his crucifixion and was the first to see him resurrected. Her story is in the Gospels.
39. Michal
Meaning: Who is Like God
Description: Michal was the daughter of King Saul and the first wife of David. Her story is marked by love, political intrigue, and personal tragedy. Her story is in 1 Samuel 18-19 and 2 Samuel 6.
40. Moriah
Meaning: The Lord is My Teacher
Description: Mount Moriah is the site where Abraham was willing to sacrifice Isaac. It later became the location of Solomon’s Temple. The name signifies faith and divine revelation.
41. Peninnah
Meaning: Pearl
Description: Peninnah was one of Elkanah’s wives and is known for her rivalry with Hannah. Her story highlights themes of jealousy and divine favor. Her story is in 1 Samuel 1.
42. Rhoda
Meaning: Rose
Description: Rhoda was a servant girl who joyfully announced Peter’s miraculous release from prison. Her story, though brief, highlights themes of faith and joy. Her story is in Acts 12.
43. Salome
Meaning: Peace
Description: Salome is the mother of the apostles James and John. She is noted for her request that her sons sit at Jesus’ right and left in his kingdom. Her story is in Matthew 20 and Mark 15.
44. Sapphira
Meaning: Sapphire
Description: Sapphira, along with her husband Ananias, is known for their tragic story of deceit and divine judgment. Her story is a cautionary tale found in Acts 5.
45. Susanna
Meaning: Lily
Description: Susanna was one of the women who followed Jesus and supported his ministry. She is mentioned for her faith and dedication. Her story is in Luke 8.
46. Vashti
Meaning: Beautiful
Description: Vashti was the queen of King Ahasuerus who was deposed for refusing to appear before him. Her story highlights themes of dignity and independence. Her story is in Esther 1.
47. Zillah
Meaning: Shade
Description: Zillah was one of the wives of Lamech and the mother of Tubal-Cain. Her story, although brief, places her in the lineage of early human civilization. Her story is in Genesis 4.
48. Zilpah
Meaning: Frailty
Description: Zilpah was Leah’s maidservant and bore Jacob two sons, Gad and Asher. Her story is part of the complex family dynamics of Jacob. Her story is in Genesis 30.
49. Zina
Meaning: Shining
Description: Zina was a descendant of Levi, mentioned in the genealogies of the Chronicles. The name signifies brightness and prominence. Her story is in 1 Chronicles 23.
50. Zorah
Meaning: Dawn
Description: Zorah is a town in the territory of Dan and the birthplace of Samson. The name signifies new beginnings and light. Her story is in Judges 13.
Have a nice day!
K.
