108 Biblical Baby Names for Girls and Boys (With Meanings)

Biblical names have been part of American family life for centuries, and they are still everywhere on today’s playgrounds. In the Social Security Administration’s list of names for babies born in 2025, Noah ranked No. 2 for boys, James No. 6 and Elijah No. 7. At the same time, quieter Bible names like Keziah, Boaz and Tabitha are rare enough to feel fresh.

Below are 108 biblical baby names for girls and boys, grouped by Old and New Testament, plus a short list of names taken from biblical places and words. Each table gives the meaning, the original language and a quick note on who the person was, so you know the story that comes with the name before you choose it.

Old Testament vs. New Testament Names: What’s the Difference?

The Old Testament (the Hebrew Bible) was written mostly in Hebrew, with a few passages in Aramaic. That is why nearly all of its names are Hebrew. Many of them are built around a name for God. El means “God,” and Yah or Yahu is a short form of Yahweh, the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible.

Once you know those pieces, many meanings click into place. Daniel means “God is my judge,” Michael asks “Who is like God?” and Elijah combines both parts to mean “my God is Yahweh.” Endings like -el and -iah (Gabriel, Isaiah, Josiah, Zechariah) are a reliable clue that a name carries a statement about God.

The New Testament was written in Greek, and its names reflect the mixed world of first-century Judea under Roman rule. Some are Hebrew or Aramaic names passed through Greek, such as John (from Yohanan) and Mary (from Miriam). Others are fully Greek, like Stephen, Timothy, Phoebe and Chloe, or Latin, like Paul, Julia and Claudia.

Several names have an Old Testament “parent” and a New Testament “child.” Hannah became Anna, Elisheba became Elizabeth, Judah became Jude, and Jacob eventually became James in English. Even the name Jesus is the Greek form of Yeshua, a form of Joshua. If you love a name from one testament, its partner from the other can make a lovely sibling or middle name.

How Hebrew Name Meanings Work

Hebrew names often read like a short sentence or a prayer: “God has given” (Nathan, Jonathan), “God has heard” (Samuel), “God is gracious” (John, Joanna). Parents in the ancient world often chose names to express thanks or hope at a child’s birth.

The Bible itself sometimes explains a name through a story. Isaac’s name is tied to laughter because Sarah laughed when she heard she would have a son in old age. Abraham’s name is explained in Genesis as “father of many nations.” Moses is linked in Exodus to being drawn out of the water, though many scholars think the name has Egyptian roots.

Not every meaning is settled. Names like Miriam, Boaz and Shiloh are old enough that scholars still debate them, and you will see different meanings in different baby name books. In the tables below, we note when a meaning is uncertain instead of picking the most flattering guess.

Biblical Girl Names From the Old Testament

These names belong to matriarchs, prophetesses, queens and heroines. Classics like Sarah, Hannah and Leah sit beside bolder picks like Jael, Keziah and Zipporah.

Biblical Girl Names From the New Testament

New Testament women include disciples, church leaders and the families who hosted the early Christian communities. Many of these names are Greek or Latin, which gives them a softer, more classical sound.

Biblical Boy Names From the Old Testament

This is the richest source of boy names in the whole Bible, from the patriarchs of Genesis to the prophets. Many of today’s most popular boy names come from this list.

Biblical Boy Names From the New Testament

Apostles, Gospel writers and Paul’s traveling companions give you names that range from everyday (John, Mark, Luke) to distinctive (Barnabas, Cornelius, Matthias).

Unisex Names From Biblical Places and Words

Not every biblical name belongs to a person. Rivers, towns, mountains and even a word from the Psalms have become baby names, and many work for any gender.

Popular Picks vs. Hidden Gems

If you want a biblical name that will feel familiar to teachers and relatives, the top of the SSA list is full of them. Noah, James and Elijah are in the boys’ top 10 for 2025, and Mateo, at No. 8, is the Spanish form of Matthew. Names like these come with the advantage of easy spelling and instant recognition, but your child may share the name with classmates.

If you would rather stand out, look a little deeper into the text. Keziah, Jemima, Adah and Zipporah are rarely heard in the U.S., and boy names like Boaz, Enoch, Amos and Malachi have a vintage feel without being unfamiliar. You can browse more timeless picks in our guide to classic baby names that never go out of style.

The Same Biblical Name in Many Languages

Because the Bible has been translated into so many languages, one biblical name can have a dozen forms around the world. John, from the Hebrew Yohanan, is Juan in Spanish, Jean in French, Giovanni in Italian, Johann in German, Ivan in Russian and Seán in Irish. Mary appears as María, Marie, Maria and the Irish Máire. Joseph becomes José in Spanish and Giuseppe in Italian.

These international forms are a lovely way to honor both faith and heritage. A family with Mexican roots might choose Mateo instead of Matthew, while a family with French roots might prefer Élise, a short form of Elizabeth. You can also use one form as a first name and another as a nickname, such as Johanna who goes by Hanna.

Building Sibling Sets and Middle Names

Biblical names make it easy to create sibling sets that feel connected without being matchy. Some parents choose names from the same book or story, such as Ruth and Naomi or Jacob and Rachel. Others pick names that share a theme, like the prophets Micah, Jonah and Ezra, or the Gospel writers Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Biblical names also work well in the middle spot. A short, strong name like Ruth, Jude, Eve or Seth balances a longer first name, while a longer biblical name like Elizabeth or Josiah adds weight to a short first name. Read the pair out loud to make sure the rhythm feels right.

Tips for Choosing a Biblical Baby Name

• Read the story first. Some biblical figures have complicated stories. Delilah, for example, is a popular name today even though the biblical Delilah betrayed Samson. Decide whether the story matters to you.
• Look at spelling variants. Many names have Greek, Latin or English forms: Elijah and Elias, Hannah and Anna, Jacob and James. One version may suit your surname better.
• Consider your tradition. Catholic and Orthodox Bibles include books such as Tobit, where the names Tobias and Raphael appear. Your family’s Bible may shape which names feel most meaningful.
• Pair the testaments. An Old Testament first name with a New Testament middle name (or the reverse) can honor both parts of the Christian Bible.
• Use meaning as a link. If you love the idea of “God is gracious,” you could choose John, Joanna or a related form for a middle name. Our list of baby names with beautiful meanings has more ideas.
• Say it out loud. Try the full name with your last name and any nicknames. Our step-by-step guide on how to choose a baby name walks through this.

Tip: If you love biblical names but want a broader list of what’s trending, compare these tables with our lists of popular baby girl names in the U.S. and popular baby boy names in the U.S..

Finding a Biblical Name That Fits Your Family

A biblical name connects your child to stories that have been told for thousands of years, whether your family is religious or simply loves the history and sound of these names. Start with the figures whose stories speak to you, check the meaning and the original language, and then say your favorites out loud.

If you are drawn to ancient names with a different flavor, our collection of Greek mythology baby names is a natural next stop.

Emma Carter

Hello! I’m Emma Carter, born in 1990, and a passionate child development specialist. Alongside my work, I have a deep love for helping parents discover beautiful and meaningful baby names. I believe a name is more than just a label — it’s the beginning of a child’s story. I draw inspiration from languages, cultures, traditions, and even the hidden meanings behind names to help find the perfect fit for every little one’s bright future.