With a new year around the corner, there are likely new babies who will be coming into the world. It is always so much fun to dream about names and learn about their meanings. As believers in Christ, the Bible is always a popular place to go to find inspiration for a child’s name. However, maybe you or a loved one is looking for something a little more outside of the box.
Here are 20 inspiring baby names found in the Bible.
1. Zion
Zion is a powerful and strong name. It is found over 150 times in the Scriptures. Although originally meaning a place, it sure does make for a great name, with a rich Biblical meaning.
Christianity.com tells us that, “Zion can refer to one of three places: the hill where the most ancient areas of Jerusalem stood; the city of Jerusalem itself; or the dwelling place of God.”
Psalm 135:21 says, “Blessed be the Lord from Zion, Who dwells in Jerusalem. Praise the Lord!”
2. Zadok
There are a few men named Zadok in the Bible, however, the main person was a Levitical priest in the time of King David’s reign. Zadok was later named Solomon’s High Priest because of his loyalty. The wonderful part about Zadok is that you can call your son Zade as a nickname. It puts a modern twist, while still having a Biblically based name.
1 Kings 1:39 says, “Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the sacred tent and anointed Solomon. Then they sounded the trumpet and all the people shouted, ‘Long live King Solomon!’”
3. Miriam
This beautiful name is known from the account of Moses. She was the sister of Moses who bravely put him in a basket down the river and watched as he was rescued by Pharoah’s daughter. Miriam grew and become a leader among the Israelites. She led them in song of worship after they escaped the Egyptians in the Red Sea.
Micah 6:4 says, “I brought you up out of Egypt and redeemed you from the land of slavery. I sent Moses to lead you, also Aaron and Miriam.”
4. Abel
Abel was known as the faithful son of Adam and Eve. Abel was a person of great love for God. He gave the Lord His best sacrifice. Although His brother hated him and ended up killing him, Abel is a wonderful name that is strong and means “breath.” As you celebrate the new life in your home, Abel would make a great addition.
Genesis 4:4 says, “And Abel also brought an offering — fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering.”
5. Theophilus
This catchy name is fun and joyful. His name literally means “friend of God.” The book of Luke was written to Theophilus. You could call him Theo or Phil for a short and more modern name. It is strong and special.
Luke 1:3-4 says, “With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.”
6. Junia
This stunning name belongs to a woman who is currently known as a “hidden apostle.” Junia was a woman following faithfully after Christ. She was imprisoned for her commitment to her Savior and is an inspiration of a strong female figure.
Romans 16:7 says, “Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.”
7. Hosea
Author of a book in the Bible and a minor prophet, Hosea is a name you cannot go wrong with for a baby. Hosea was called by God to be an example of His faithfulness to His people even with their unfaithfulness to Him. The name means “salvation.”
Hosea 1:2 says, “When the Lord began to speak through Hosea, the Lord said to him, ‘Go, marry a promiscuous woman and have children with her, for like an adulterous wife this land is guilty of unfaithfulness to the Lord.’”
8. Silvanus
With a strong name like this, you get a feel for its unique nature. Meaning “forest,” Silvanus is often referred to as Silas in the Scriptures. He traveled and ministered alongside other apostles in the New Testament. You could take a female approach too by naming a daughter Silvi.
Acts 18:5 says, “When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah.”
9. Beulah
This pretty name goes all the way back to a place in Scripture to Israel being called “married.” This name is an impactful reminder that we have become the Bride of Christ.
Isaiah 62:4 says, “No longer will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the LORD will take delight in you, and your land will be married.”
10. Esther
Naming your daughter Esther, after the queen herself, would be quite an honor, considering her loyalty to God as He raised her into a great position of leadership in a pagan land. She was used to rescue the Lord’s people. A precious nickname is “Essie.” Esther means, “Star or Myrtle Leaf.”
Esther 2:17 says, “Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti."
11. Atara
Check out this super cool name meaning “crown.” This name will be a showstopper for any newborn. She was a wife and mother in the Bible.
1 Chronicles 2:26 says, “And Jerameel married another wife, named Atara, who was the mother of Onam."
12. Seraiah
This Hebrew name means “Yahweh is ruler.” It is hard not to love this name with such a strong meaning. There are multiple men named Seraiah in the Scriptures. They were priests, rulers, and fathers. One was a scribe of David. Another was a priest during the time of Jehoiakim. With a name like this, it was originally a masculine title, but has a feminine flare for a daughter too in English.
Nehemiah 12:1 says, “These were the priests and Levites who returned with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and with Joshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra.
13. Alpheus
Known best as the father of James or the father of Matthew, Alpheus sounds like an impressive man. His name means “changing.” With the name of a strong man, or the cute nickname Alphie for a young boy, this name is timeless.
Matthew 10:3 says, “Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus.”
14. Ephraim
Besides being so fun to say, Ephraim was one of Joseph’s two sons. His name means, “Very Fruitful.” Who would not desire to pray this over their child.
Genesis 41:52 says, “The second son he named Ephraim and said, ‘It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering.’”
15. Tryphosa
This light-hearted and sweet name comes from Romans. It means “softness, delicacy.” Tryphosa was a woman in the early church who worked very hard in the Lord.
Romans 16:12 says, “Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord. Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord.”
16. Abilene
Meaning “Land of Meadows,” this name is so pretty. It comes from a place in Scripture referring to a plain.
Luke 3:1 says, “In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar — when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene.”
17. Boaz
This name dates back to a man of character and kindness in the story of Ruth. The name means, “Strength.” This will definitely be an honorable title for any child.
Ruth 4:13 says, “So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When he made love to her, the LORD enabled her to conceive, and she gave birth to a son.”
18. Kenan
This is a fantastic name from the Bible. Kenan means, “To take possession.” He was the son of Enosh and grandson of Seth.
Genesis 5:9 says, “When Enosh was ninety years old, he begot Kenan.”
19. Eden
A beautiful name for a girl can be the place of Eden. Pondering the perfect garden makes a heart happy in thinking about God’s provision for a daughter. Plus, the name literally means, “Paradise.”
Genesis 2:8 says, “And the Lord God planted a garden eastward toward Eden, and there he put the man he had formed."
20. Tekoa
This name rolls off the tongue quite nicely. Tekoa means, “Trumpet.” It was actually a town in Judah and a name in the line of Judah. This notable name could make the perfect addition to your family.
1 Chronicles 2:24 says, “After Hezron died in Caleb Ephrathah, Abijah the wife of Hezron bore him Ashhur the father of Tekoa.”
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Jacek Sopotnicki
Emma Danzey’s mission in life stems from Ephesians 3:20-21, to embrace the extraordinary. One of her greatest joys is to journey with the Lord in His Scriptures. She is wife to Drew and mom to Graham. Emma serves alongside her husband in ministry, she focuses most of her time in the home, but loves to provide articles on the Bible, life questions, and Christian lifestyle. Her article on Interracial Marriage was the number 1 on Crosswalk in 2021. Most recently, Emma released Treasures for Tots, (Scripture memory songs) and multiple books and devotionals for young children. During her ministry career, Emma has released Wildflower: Blooming Through Singleness, two worship EP albums, founded and led Polished Conference Ministries, and ran the Refined Magazine. You can view her articles on her blog at emmadanzey.wordpress.com