Thankfully, there are TONS of names in the Bible, and something to fit everyone's taste! That’s why my list hits on the most prominent names and those that have impacted American culture. It's an ever-changing naming landscape, and as new biblical favorites emerge, I'll keep this list updated.
I only included names of people referenced in the Bible; I don’t include place names (like Zion, Eden, etc.) or other words that could work as names (like Olive, Jasper). One other thing to note: in comparison to male names, female names mentioned in the Bible are pretty sparse. If you're looking for more girls inspired by the Bible, check out my post on Feminine Forms of Male Names in the Bible. While this list is dominated by male names, the girls offer stylistically diverse, endearing, and enduring choices.
Below are Classic, Trendy, Lesser Used, and Unique Biblical Names! Feel free to add names or ask questions in the comments section. Names with more details are linked in the list.
Classic Biblical Names
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| These are names that have stood the test of time in America, maintaining frequent use throughout the past century (and longer!). They will never sound dated. | |
| Boys Aaron Abraham Adam Andrew Benjamin Daniel David Gabriel Jacob James Jesse John Jonathan Joseph Luke Mark Matthew Michael Nathan Nicolas, Nicholas Paul Peter Philip Samuel Stephen Thomas Timothy | Girls Abigail Anna Elizabeth Esther Leah Lydia (both classic & trendy) Mary Naomi (both classic & trendy) Rachel Rebecca Ruth Sarah Susana, Susanna, Susannah |
Trendy Biblical Names
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| These are names that are showing a strong increase in popularity in recent years, but don't have a stable record of showing popularity in the past. They sound fresh and modern, but also have strong roots. | |
| Boys Abel Asher Caleb Elijah, Elisha Ephraim Ezekiel Ezra Gideon Isaac Isaiah Israel Jared Jeremiah Joel Jonah Joshua Josiah Judah Jude Levi Malachi Micah Nehemiah Noah Omar Saul Seth Silas Simon Titus | Girls Chloe Delilah Hannah Phoebe |
Lesser-Used Biblical Names
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| Not popular enough to be described as "trendy," these choices are familiar and a little more distinct. | |
| Boys Abram (ABE-rum) Amos Jedidiah Felix Matthias Moses Samson Solomon Uriah Zecharaiah, Zacharaiah | Girls Deborah Eve Joanna Judith Martha Miriam Priscilla Tabitha |
Unique Biblical Names
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| It's exactly what it sounds like—these are names that are rarely used today, but still have some potential. Most of these names are actually around the 950+ mark in rank, meaning that they are just barely in the top 1,000 names in the U.S. | |
| Boys Amos Boaz Cornelius Eleazar Enoch Hezekiah Japheth Lazarus Lucius Obadiah Reuben Simeon Thaddeus Tobiah, Tobias | Girls Dinah Eunice Jemima (more popular in the UK) Junia Salome Zipporah |
I wouldn't consider Delilah trendy, personally. At least I haven't met many in my neck of the woods. I think it has a gorgeous sound, but do not have the guts to use it. I also like Phoebe. Great list!
ReplyDeletehey Laura,
ReplyDeleteThanks for compiling the list. It really helped.
cheers
I love reading and learning about names! Great blog! :) I left you an award at MyBlessingsOverflow.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
Sebastiane,
ReplyDeleteI was looking at the pattern of popularity of the names to determine what would qualify for "trendy." Specifically for Delilah, the name has enjoyed a huge spike in popularity compared to the past. In 1997 it was ranked at 898, but in 2008 it's ranked at 193! People are suddenly crazy about it! :)
Alex, you are welcome!
And thanks so much Ree!
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog today...I've loved studying and learning about names for most of my life as well. All my children and husband have biblical names. I saw Paul's (DH) and Rachel (I'm pretty sure the biblical spelling is actually Rachael, however). I didn't see Elijah and Caleb at first, think I missed them because I don't think of them as trendy names; especially at the time I named my children! As mothers of preschoolers we were all astounded when we realized that in that tiny town with only 13 kids in the preschool; 4 of them were named Caleb (varied spellings)!!! What are the odds? Not one of us had ever known or heard of anyone with that name, and purposely chose a very uncommon name. Today, it still would unusual, but in 1991 it was just plain phenomenal, and not in a good way! I purposely chose less common names I had loved for years and names that fit them well. Our families thought we were wierd to name them such uncommon almost unheard of names (at the time). My husband chose our oldest son's name long before I ever met him; biblical and the only common one. Ironically, it's the only name (in our family you left off of your lists...Joshua!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Montannie Grannie, for pointing out my omission of Joshua! It's included in the Trendy list now.
ReplyDeleteDebbie, I see what you mean, so I changed the name of that section just for you. :)
What about Silas? It's my favorite biblical name and at the top of my boy list. :)
ReplyDeleteWow, thanks for the suggestion! I added Silas to the list under Trendy, because it's at #254 for 2009 and is showing quite a nice increase in popularity (but it's still fairly unique, all things considered.)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great list. I love how you broke it up.
ReplyDeleteWe have, Elijah, Stephen, Isaac, David, Jeriah(unusual but one of the Levite leaders with a great meaning), Joseph, Noah, and Isaiah as first and middle names for our boys. And our our only daughter has Adoniah as a middle name even though it is a male name in the bible. It justs sounds beautiful and remoniscent of the Hebrew song El Shaddai that my mother used t sing to me when I was younger :)
ReplyDelete