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Are you on a quest to find the perfect name for your little one that’s rich in history and carries a touch of divine inspiration? Whether you’re searching for a name with deep biblical roots or simply love the timeless charm of ancient names, you’ve come to the right place! Our comprehensive guide to biblical boy names explores some of the most significant and meaningful names found in the Bible.
From mighty kings like Solomon and brave warriors such as Joshua, to wise prophets like Elijah and compassionate figures like Zacchaeus, biblical names offer a wealth of inspiration. Each name is not only steeped in historical significance but also resonates with spiritual depth and legacy.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the stories behind these classic names, explore their meanings, and offer insights into how they can add a special touch to your baby’s name. Whether you’re looking for a name that symbolizes strength, wisdom, or faith, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s explore the rich world of biblical boy names and find the ideal one that resonates with you and your family!
Handsome Biblical Boy Names and Meaning
A
Aaron
- Meaning: “Exalted” or “high mountain”
- Bible Reference: Aaron was the brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel, known for his role in the Exodus from Egypt (Exodus 4-7).
Abel
- Meaning: “Breath” or “vapor”
- Bible Reference: Abel was the second son of Adam and Eve, known for being a righteous man whose offering was accepted by God. He was killed by his brother Cain (Genesis 4:1-8).
Abner
- Meaning: “Father of light”
- Bible Reference: Abner was the commander of King Saul’s army and a significant figure in the early monarchy of Israel (1 Samuel 14:50).
Abram
- Meaning: “Exalted father.”
- Bible Reference: Abram is the original name of Abraham before God changed it. He is a central figure in the Bible, known for his faith and the covenant God made with him. (Genesis 11:26; Genesis 17:5).
Abraham
- Meaning: “Father of many nations”
- Bible Reference: Abraham is a central figure in the Bible, known as the father of the Jewish nation. His story begins in Genesis 12, where God calls him to leave his homeland and promises to make him a great nation.
Absalom
- Meaning: “Father of peace”
- Bible Reference: Absalom was the third son of King David, known for his rebellion against his father (2 Samuel 15-18).
Adam
- Meaning: “Man” or “Earth”
- Bible Reference: Adam was the first man created by God, placed in the Garden of Eden, and is the father of all humanity (Genesis 2-3).
Adonijah
- Meaning: “My Lord is Yahweh”
- Bible Reference: Adonijah was one of King David’s sons who attempted to take the throne before Solomon was crowned king (1 Kings 1:5-53).
Adriel
- Meaning: “Flock of God” or “God’s help.”
- Bible Reference: Adriel was the son-in-law of King Saul, married to Merab, Saul’s eldest daughter. He is mentioned in 1 Samuel 18:19 and 2 Samuel 21:8.
Alpheus
- Meaning: “Change” or “He who changes.”
- Bible Reference: Alpheus is mentioned as the father of one of the twelve apostles, James the Less (Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18). Alpheus is not a major biblical figure but is notable for his connection to James.
Amos
- Meaning: “Burden” or “burden bearer”
- Bible Reference: Amos was a prophet who authored the Book of Amos, which calls for social justice and repentance (Amos 1:1).
Ananias
- Meaning: “Yahweh has given” or “Gift of God.”
- Bible Reference: A Christian disciple in Damascus who was sent by God to restore Saul’s sight and baptize him, marking Saul’s transformation into Paul (Acts 9:10-18).
Andrew
- Meaning: “Manly” or “brave”
- Bible Reference: Andrew was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and the brother of Simon Peter (John 1:40).
Asa
- Meaning: “Physician” or “healer”
- Bible Reference: Asa was a king of Judah known for his religious reforms and efforts to eliminate idolatry in the kingdom (1 Kings 15:9-24).
Asaph
- Meaning: “Gather” or “collector”
- Bible Reference: Asaph was a prominent Levite and one of King David’s chief musicians and singers. He is traditionally credited with writing several of the Psalms, including Psalms 50 and 73-83 (1 Chronicles 6:39; 1 Chronicles 15:17; Psalms 50:1).
Asher
- Meaning: “Happy” or “blessed”
- Bible Reference: Asher was one of the twelve sons of Jacob, whose descendants formed the tribe of Asher (Genesis 30:12-13).
Azariah
- Meaning: “Yahweh has helped”
- Bible Reference: Azariah is the name of several biblical figures, including one of the three men thrown into the fiery furnace by King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 1:6-7).
B
Barak
- Meaning: “Lightning” or “blessed”
- Bible Reference: Barak was a judge and military leader who, with the prophetess Deborah, led Israel to victory over the Canaanite general Sisera (Judges 4-5).
Barnabas
- Meaning: “Son of encouragement” or “son of consolation”
- Bible Reference: Barnabas was an early Christian disciple and missionary who traveled with Paul and played a key role in the early church (Acts 4:36-37; Acts 13:2).
Bartholomew
- Meaning: “Son of the furrows” or “son of the farmer”
- Bible Reference: Bartholomew was one of the twelve apostles, often identified with Nathanael (John 1:45-51; Matthew 10:3).
Baruch
- Meaning: “Blessed“
- Bible Reference: Baruch was the scribe and close associate of the prophet Jeremiah. He is known for recording Jeremiah’s prophecies and delivering them to the people (Jeremiah 36:4-32). There is also a Book of Baruch in the Apocrypha, which is attributed to him and is considered canonical in some Christian traditions.
Benaiah
- Meaning: “Yahweh has built” or “built by God”
- Bible Reference: Benaiah was one of King David’s mighty men and later a commander of his army (2 Samuel 23:20-23; 1 Kings 1:38).
Benjamin
- Meaning: “Son of the right hand”
- Bible Reference: Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob and the founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel (Genesis 35:18; Genesis 49:27).
Boaz
- Meaning: “Strength” or “swiftness”
- Bible Reference: Boaz was a wealthy landowner and the husband of Ruth, known for his role in the story of Ruth and his role as a kinsman-redeemer (Ruth 2-4).
C
Caiaphas
- Meaning: “The one who appears”
- Bible Reference: Caiaphas was the high priest who presided over the Sanhedrin and played a significant role in the trial of Jesus (John 11:49-53; Matthew 26:3-65).
Cain
- Meaning: “Acquired” or “possessed”
- Bible Reference: Cain was the first son of Adam and Eve, known for his role in the first murder in the Bible, where he killed his brother Abel out of jealousy (Genesis 4:1-16).
Caleb
- Meaning: “Faithful” or “whole-hearted”
- Bible Reference: Caleb was one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan and, along with Joshua, encouraged the Israelites to enter the Promised Land. He is noted for his faith and courage (Numbers 13:6; Joshua 14:6-15).
Camon
- Meaning: “His resurrection”
- Bible Reference: Camon is mentioned in the Bible as a town in the territory of the tribe of Naphtali. It is noted in the context of the distribution of the land of Canaan among the tribes of Israel (Joshua 19:28).
Christian
- Meaning: “Follower of Christ”
- Bible Reference: The term “Christian” was first used in Antioch to describe the followers of Jesus (Acts 11:26). It is not a personal name in the Bible but is significant as a descriptor for early believers.
Claudius
- Meaning: “Lame” or “Enclosure.”
- Bible Reference: Claudius is mentioned in the New Testament as the Roman Emperor during the time of the Apostle Paul’s imprisonment. He is referenced in Acts 11:28, where a prophecy by Agabus predicts a great famine during his reign. Claudius is also mentioned in Acts 18:2, noting that he had commanded all Jews to leave Rome.
Cornelius
- Meaning: “Horn” or “horned”
- Bible Reference: Cornelius was a Roman centurion described in Acts 10 as a devout and God-fearing man who received a vision from God and was visited by Peter, marking a key moment in the early church’s outreach to Gentiles.
Cyrus
- Meaning: “Sun” or “throne”
- Bible Reference: Cyrus the Great was the Persian king who conquered Babylon and allowed the Israelites to return to their land and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. He is mentioned in Isaiah 44:28 and 2 Chronicles 36:22-23. His decree is significant in the context of the Jewish return from exile.
D
Daniel
- Meaning: “God is my judge”
- Bible Reference: Daniel is a major prophet known for his faithfulness and visions, including the famous story of Daniel in the lion’s den (Daniel 1-12).
Darius
- Meaning: “Possesses good”
- Bible Reference: Darius was a Persian king mentioned in the context of the return of the Jews from exile and the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem (Daniel 6; Ezra 4:5).
David
- Meaning: “Beloved”
- Bible Reference: David was the second king of Israel, known for defeating Goliath and establishing a united kingdom. He is also credited with many of the Psalms (1 Samuel 16-31; 2 Samuel 1-24).
E
Ebenezer
- Meaning: “Stone of help”
- Bible Reference: Ebenezer is a place mentioned in the Bible where the prophet Samuel set up a stone to commemorate God’s help in defeating the Philistines. The name symbolizes God’s assistance and faithfulness (1 Samuel 7:12).
Eli
- Meaning: “Ascended” or “high”
- Bible Reference: Eli was a priest and judge of Israel who mentored the prophet Samuel. His story is found in 1 Samuel 1-4.
Elias
- Meaning: “Yahweh is my God”
- Bible Reference: Elias is a form of the name Elijah, a major prophet who performed miracles and confronted the prophets of Baal (Luke 4:25; James 5:17).
Eliezer
- Meaning: “God is my help”
- Bible Reference: Eliezer was Abraham’s servant who was sent to find a wife for Isaac, and he played a role in the covenant promises to Abraham (Genesis 15:2; Genesis 24:2-10).
Elijah
- Meaning: “Yahweh is my God”
- Bible Reference: Elijah was a prophet who performed miracles, including raising the dead and calling down fire from heaven. His story is detailed in 1 Kings 17-19 and 2 Kings 1-2.
Elisha
- Meaning: “God is salvation”
- Bible Reference: Elisha was a prophet and the successor to Elijah. He performed many miracles, including healing Naaman the Syrian of leprosy and raising the dead. His story is detailed in 2 Kings 2-13.
Emmanuel
- Meaning: “God with us”
- Bible Reference: Emmanuel is a name used in the prophecy of Isaiah to refer to a future child who will be a sign of God’s presence with His people. It is also used in Matthew 1:23 to refer to Jesus, highlighting His role as the fulfillment of this prophecy.
Enoch
- Meaning: “Dedicated”
- Bible Reference: Genesis 5:24 – Enoch walked with God and was taken to heaven without dying.
Ephraim
- Meaning: “Fruitful”
- Bible Reference: Ephraim was the second son of Joseph and Asenath, and his descendants formed one of the tribes of Israel (Genesis 41:52; Joshua 16:5).
Esau
- Meaning: “Hairy” or “Rrough”
- Bible Reference: Esau was the twin brother of Jacob and the eldest son of Isaac and Rebekah. He is known for selling his birthright to Jacob for a meal and losing his blessing (Genesis 25:29-34; Genesis 27:30-40).
Ethan
- Meaning: “Strong” or “firm”
- Bible Reference: Ethan is mentioned as a wise man and a singer in the Book of Psalms. He is noted in Psalm 89, which is attributed to Ethan the Ezrahite (1 Kings 4:31; Psalm 89).
Ezekiel
- Meaning: “God strengthens”
- Bible Reference: Ezekiel was a major prophet who had visions and prophecies during the Babylonian exile. The Book of Ezekiel records his messages and symbolic actions (Ezekiel 1-48).
Ezra
- Meaning: “Help” or “helper”
- Bible Reference: Ezra was a scribe and priest who led a group of Jews back to Jerusalem and was instrumental in the restoration of the Jewish community and the reading of the Law (Ezra 7-10; Nehemiah 8).
F
Felix
- Meaning: “Happy” or “fortunate”
- Bible Reference: Felix was a Roman governor mentioned in the New Testament who heard Paul’s defense and kept him in custody for two years (Acts 23:24; Acts 24:27).
G
Gabriel
- Meaning: “God is my strength.”
- Bible Reference: Gabriel is an archangel who delivers important messages from God, including the announcements of the births of John the Baptist and Jesus (Daniel 8:16; Luke 1:19, 26).
Gad
- Meaning: “Fortune” or “luck”
- Bible Reference: Gad was one of the twelve sons of Jacob and the founder of the tribe of Gad (Genesis 30:9-11; Joshua 13:24-28).
Gideon
- Meaning: “Hewer” or “one who cuts trees”
- Bible Reference: Gideon was a judge of Israel who led the Israelites to victory over the Midianites with a small army (Judges 6-8).
Goliath
- Meaning: “Exiled” or “splendid.”
- Bible Reference: Goliath was the Philistine giant defeated by David in the famous story of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17).
H
Haman
- Meaning: “Magnificent” or “noise”
- Bible Reference: Haman is the antagonist in the Book of Esther. He was a high-ranking official in the Persian Empire who plotted to destroy the Jewish people, but his plan was ultimately foiled by Queen Esther (Esther 3-7).
Haran
- Meaning: “Mountaineer”
- Bible Reference: Haran was the brother of Abraham and the father of Lot. He died in Ur of the Chaldeans before the family moved to Canaan (Genesis 11:27-32).
Herod
- Meaning: “Song of the hero”
- Bible Reference: Herod is a name shared by several rulers in the New Testament, most notably Herod the Great, who ordered the Massacre of the Innocents, and Herod Antipas, who ordered the execution of John the Baptist (Matthew 2:16; Mark 6:14-29).
Hezekiah
- Meaning: “Yahweh strengthens”
- Bible Reference: Hezekiah was a king of Judah who enacted religious reforms and was known for his faithfulness to God. He also witnessed the miraculous defeat of the Assyrian army (2 Kings 18-20; 2 Chronicles 29-32).
Hiram
- Meaning: “My brother is exalted”
- Bible Reference: Hiram was the king of Tyre who provided materials and skilled laborers for the construction of Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem. He is also mentioned as a craftsman in bronze who contributed to the temple’s furnishings (1 Kings 5:1-10; 1 Kings 7:13-14).
Hosea
- Meaning: “Salvation”
- Bible Reference: Hosea was a prophet who used his own troubled marriage as a symbol of God’s relationship with Israel. The Book of Hosea contains his prophecies and teachings (Hosea 1-14).
I
Immanuel
- Meaning: “God with us”
- Bible Reference: Immanuel is mentioned in the prophecy of Isaiah and is associated with the coming of Jesus in the New Testament (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23).
Ira
- Meaning: “Watchful” or “alert”
- Bible Reference: Ira was one of David’s mighty warriors and served as one of his chief officers (2 Samuel 23:26; 1 Chronicles 11:28).
Isaac
- Meaning: “Laughter”
- Bible Reference: Isaac was the son of Abraham and Sarah, and the father of Jacob and Esau. He was the child of promise through whom God’s covenant with Abraham was continued (Genesis 21:1-7; Genesis 22:1-19).
Isaiah
- Meaning: “Yahweh is salvation”
- Bible Reference: Isaiah was a major prophet whose book contains prophecies about the coming Messiah and the salvation of God’s people (Isaiah 1-66).
Ishmael
- Meaning: “God hears”
- Bible Reference: Ishmael was the son of Abraham and Hagar, Sarah’s maidservant. He is considered the ancestor of many Arab nations and has a complex relationship with Isaac (Genesis 16:11-12; Genesis 21:8-21).
J
Jacob
- Meaning: “Supplanter” or “holder of the heel”
- Bible Reference: Jacob was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. He is known for his struggle with God and being renamed Israel (Genesis 25:26; Genesis 32:28).
Jair
- Meaning: “He shines” or “He enlightens”
- Bible Reference: Jair was a judge of Israel who led for 22 years and had 30 sons who rode on 30 donkeys (Judges 10:3-5).
Jairus
- Meaning: “God enlightens.”
- Bible Reference: Jairus was a synagogue ruler whose daughter was raised from the dead by Jesus (Mark 5:22-43; Luke 8:41-56).
James
- Meaning: “Supplanter”
- Bible Reference: James is a common New Testament name, most notably associated with James, the brother of Jesus and a leader of the early Christian church. He is also the author of the Epistle of James (James 1:1; Acts 15:13).
Jason
- Meaning: “Healer”
- Bible Reference: Jason was an early Christian who hosted Paul and Silas in Thessalonica and was dragged before city officials by an angry mob (Acts 17:5-9). He is also mentioned in Romans 16:21 as a companion of Paul.
Javan
- Meaning: “Youth” or “Effervescent”
- Bible Reference: Javan is mentioned as one of the sons of Japheth, the son of Noah. Javan is traditionally associated with the ancestors of the Greek peoples (Genesis 10:2; Genesis 10:4; Isaiah 66:19).
Jeremiah
- Meaning: “Yahweh will exalt”
- Bible Reference: Jeremiah was a prophet known for his prophecies of judgment and his lamentations over Jerusalem’s destruction (Jeremiah 1-52; Lamentations 1-5).
Jesse
- Meaning: “Gift” or “God’s gift”
- Bible Reference: Jesse was the father of King David, and his lineage is important in the genealogy of Jesus (1 Samuel 16:1-13; Isaiah 11:1).
Jethro
- Meaning: “Excellence” or “abundance”
- Bible Reference: Jethro was the father-in-law of Moses and a priest of Midian. He gave Moses wise counsel on leadership (Exodus 3:1; Exodus 18:17-24).
Joab
- Meaning: “Yahweh is father”
- Bible Reference: Joab was the commander of King David’s army, known for his military prowess and complex loyalty to David (2 Samuel 2:13-32; 2 Samuel 3:27).
Job
- Meaning: “Persecuted” or “hated”
- Bible Reference: Job is the central figure of the Book of Job, known for his patience and faith in God despite immense suffering and loss (Job 1-42).
Joel
- Meaning: “Yahweh is God.”
- Bible Reference: Joel was a prophet who warned of God’s judgment and called for repentance, as recorded in the Book of Joel (Joel 1-3).
John
- Meaning: “Yahweh is gracious.”
- Bible Reference: John the Baptist (Matthew 3:1-17) and John the Apostle (John 21:20-24).
Jonah
- Meaning: “Dove”
- Bible Reference: Jonah was a prophet who tried to flee from God’s command to go to Nineveh. He was swallowed by a great fish and later obeyed God’s call (Jonah 1-4).
Jonathan
- Meaning: “Yahweh has given.”
- Bible Reference: Jonathan was the son of King Saul and a close friend of David. He is known for his loyalty and bravery (1 Samuel 18:1-4; 1 Samuel 20).
Jordan
- Meaning: “To descend” or “flowing down”
- Bible Reference: Jordan refers to the Jordan River, which is significant in several biblical events, including the Israelites’ crossing into the Promised Land and the baptism of Jesus by John (Joshua 3:14-17; Matthew 3:13-17).
Joseph
- Meaning: “He will add”
- Bible Reference: Joseph was the son of Jacob and Rachel, known for his coat of many colors, his dreams, and his rise to power in Egypt (Genesis 37-50).
Joshua
- Meaning: “Yahweh is salvation”
- Bible Reference: Joshua was the successor to Moses who led the Israelites into the Promised Land and conquered Canaan (Joshua 1-24).
Josiah
- Meaning: “Yahweh supports”
- Bible Reference: Josiah was a king of Judah known for his religious reforms and efforts to restore the worship of Yahweh (2 Kings 22-23; 2 Chronicles 34-35).
Judah
- Meaning: “Praise” or “Thanksgiving.”
- Bible Reference: Judah was one of the twelve sons of Jacob, and his descendants became the tribe of Judah, from which King David and Jesus descended (Genesis 29:35; Genesis 49:8-12).
Judas
- Meaning: “Praised” or “gift of God.”
- Bible Reference: Judas Iscariot was one of the twelve apostles who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16; Matthew 27:3-10). Another Judas, often referred to as Judas the Zealot, was one of the apostles (Luke 6:16).
Jude
- Meaning: “Praised”
- Bible Reference: Jude, also known as Thaddaeus, was one of the twelve apostles. He is often identified with the author of the Epistle of Jude (Matthew 10:3; Jude 1).
Justus
- Meaning: “Just” or “righteous”
- Bible Reference: Justus is a name mentioned in the New Testament, referring to several individuals, including a believer who hosted Paul in Corinth (Acts 18:7) and another Justus who was a candidate to replace Judas Iscariot as an apostle (Acts 1:23).
K
Kenan
- Meaning: “Possession” or “acquisition”
- Bible Reference: Kenan was a descendant of Seth, listed in the genealogy from Adam to Noah (Genesis 5:9-14; 1 Chronicles 1:2).
Kemuel
- Meaning: “Helper of God” or “God has raised up.”
- Bible Reference: Kemuel was a member of the tribe of Ephraim and is listed as one of the leaders of the tribe who assisted Moses in taking a census (1 Chronicles 5:9; 1 Chronicles 7:36).
Kish
- Meaning: “A man of strength” or “A man of wealth.”
- Bible Reference: Kish was the father of Saul, the first king of Israel (1 Samuel 9:1-2; 1 Samuel 10:1).
Korah
- Meaning: “Bald” or “ice”
- Bible Reference: Korah was a Levite who led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, which resulted in his and his followers’ destruction (Numbers 16:1-35; Psalm 106:16-18).
L
Laban
- Meaning: “White” or “shining”
- Bible Reference: Laban was the brother of Rebekah and the father of Leah and Rachel. He is known for his interactions with Jacob, who married his daughters (Genesis 24:29; Genesis 29-31).
Lamech
- Meaning: “Strong” or “powerful”
- Bible Reference: Lamech was a descendant of Cain and the father of Noah. He is known for his lament in Genesis 4:23-24 and is an important figure in the genealogy leading to Noah (Genesis 4:18-24; Genesis 5:25-31).
Lazarus
- Meaning: “God is my help”
- Bible Reference: Lazarus is known for being raised from the dead by Jesus in the Gospel of John. He was a friend of Jesus and lived in Bethany (John 11:1-44).
Lemuel
- Meaning: “Belonging to God” or “devoted to God”
- Bible Reference: Lemuel is mentioned in the Book of Proverbs as a king to whom his mother gave wise counsel. Proverbs 31:1-9 is attributed to the sayings of King Lemuel, emphasizing the qualities of a virtuous woman and the responsibilities of a king.
Levi
- Meaning: “Joined” or “attached”
- Bible Reference: Levi was one of the twelve sons of Jacob and the founder of the tribe of Levi. His descendants were set apart for priestly duties and religious service (Genesis 29:34; Exodus 6:16).
Lot
- Meaning: “Veil” or “covering”
- Bible Reference: Lot was the nephew of Abraham and lived in the city of Sodom, which was destroyed by God. He and his family were saved from the destruction (Genesis 13:12; Genesis 19:1-29).
Lucius
- Meaning: “Light” or “illuminated”
- Bible Reference: Lucius is mentioned as a Christian in the early church and as one of Paul’s companions in Rome (Acts 13:1; Romans 16:21).
Luke
- Meaning: “Light-giving” or “bringer of light.”
- Bible Reference: Luke was a physician and the author of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. He is known for his detailed account of Jesus’ life and the early church (Luke 1:1-4; Acts 1:1).
M
Malachi
- Meaning: “My messenger”
- Bible Reference: Malachi was a prophet whose book is the last in the Old Testament, focusing on themes of divine justice and the coming of the Lord (Malachi 1:1; Malachi 4:5-6).
Manasseh
- Meaning: “Forgetting” or “He who makes forget”
- Bible Reference: Manasseh was one of the twelve sons of Jacob and the founder of one of the tribes of Israel. He is also the name of a king of Judah known for his idolatry and later repentance (Genesis 41:51; 2 Chronicles 33:1-13).
Mark
- Meaning: “Warlike” or “Of Mars” (the Roman god of war).
- Bible Reference: Mark, also known as John Mark, was a companion of Peter and Paul and the author of the Gospel of Mark (Mark 1:1; Acts 12:12).
Matthew
- Meaning: “Gift of God”
- Bible Reference: Matthew was one of Jesus’ twelve apostles and the author of the Gospel of Matthew. He was a tax collector before following Jesus (Matthew 9:9; Matthew 10:2).
Matthias
- Meaning: “Gift of God”
- Bible Reference: Matthias was chosen by the apostles to replace Judas Iscariot as one of the twelve apostles (Acts 1:23-26).
Melchizedek
- Meaning: “King of righteousness”
- Bible Reference: Melchizedek was the king of Salem and priest of God Most High who blessed Abraham and received tithes from him (Genesis 14:18-20; Hebrews 7:1-3).
Melech
- Meaning: “King”
- Bible Reference: Melech is less commonly mentioned directly but appears as a name in the genealogies and contexts relating to kingship in the Old Testament (e.g., 1 Chronicles 5:29).
Micah
- Meaning: “Who is like Yahweh?”
- Bible Reference: Micah was a prophet known for his messages of judgment and hope, and for prophesying the birthplace of the Messiah in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2; Micah 6:8).
Michael
- Meaning: “Who is like God?”
- Bible Reference: Michael is an archangel mentioned in the Bible, known for his role as a protector of Israel and a warrior against the forces of evil. He appears in the Book of Daniel, the Book of Revelation, and in Jude (Daniel 10:13; Revelation 12:7; Jude 1:9).
Mishal
- Meaning: “Wished for” or “desirable”
- Bible Reference: Mishal is mentioned as a descendant of Benjamin, the son of Jacob. He is listed in the genealogies in 1 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 8:21).
Mordecai
- Meaning: “Warrior” or “fighter”
- Bible Reference: Mordecai was the cousin and guardian of Esther, who played a crucial role in saving the Jewish people from Haman’s plot (Esther 2:5-7; Esther 10:3).
Moses
- Meaning: “Drawn out” (of the water).
- Bible Reference: Moses was the leader who delivered the Israelites from Egyptian bondage, received the Ten Commandments, and guided them through the wilderness (Exodus 3:10; Deuteronomy 34:5).
N
Nahum
- Meaning: “Comforter” or “consolation”
- Bible Reference: Nahum was one of the twelve minor prophets and is the author of the Book of Nahum. His prophecies primarily focus on the impending destruction of Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire, as a divine judgment for its wickedness (Nahum 1:1; Nahum 3:1-19).
Naphtali
- Meaning: “My wrestling” or “wrestling”
- Bible Reference: Naphtali was one of the twelve sons of Jacob and the founder of the tribe of Naphtali. His descendants were known for their role in the land of Canaan (Genesis 30:8; Joshua 19:32-39).
Nathan
- Meaning: “He gave” or “gift”
- Bible Reference: Nathan was a prophet during the reign of King David. He is known for delivering God’s messages and confronting David about his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 7:2-17; 2 Samuel 12:1-14).
Nathanael
- Meaning: “Gift of God”
- Bible Reference: Nathanael, also known as Bartholomew, was one of Jesus’ twelve apostles. He is noted for his initial skepticism and subsequent recognition of Jesus as the Son of God (John 1:45-51).
Nehemiah
- Meaning: “Comforted by God”
- Bible Reference: Nehemiah was a Jewish leader who oversaw the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls after the Babylonian exile and was a significant figure in the restoration of the city (Nehemiah 1-6).
Nero
- Meaning: “Strong” or “powerful”
- Bible Reference: Nero is mentioned indirectly in the New Testament as a Roman emperor during the time of Paul’s imprisonment (Acts 25:11; 2 Timothy 4:16). While not a biblical name in the traditional sense, it is significant for historical context.
Nicodemus
- Meaning: “Victory of the people”
- Bible Reference: Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish ruling council (Sanhedrin) who came to Jesus by night to discuss His teachings. He is noted for defending Jesus before the Sanhedrin and for helping to prepare Jesus’ body for burial (John 3:1-21; John 7:50-52; John 19:39-40).
Noah
- Meaning: “Rest” or “comfort”
- Bible Reference: Noah was the righteous man chosen by God to build the Ark and preserve life during the Flood. He is a key figure in the Genesis narrative (Genesis 6:9-22; Genesis 9:1-17).
O
Obadiah
- Meaning: “Servant of Yahweh”
- Bible Reference: Obadiah was a prophet and the author of the Book of Obadiah, which is a short prophetic book focusing on the judgment of Edom and the restoration of Israel (Obadiah 1:1; Obadiah 1:15-21).
Oded
- Meaning: “Rest” or “comfort”
- Bible Reference: Oded was a prophet who confronted the people of Israel and Judah during a time of conflict, urging them to treat their captives with mercy (2 Chronicles 28:9-15).
Omri
- Meaning: “Sheaf” or “bundle”
- Bible Reference: Omri was a king of Israel who established a new dynasty and built the city of Samaria (1 Kings 16:23-28; 1 Kings 16:29).
Onesimus
- Meaning: “Useful” or “beneficial”
- Bible Reference: Onesimus was a slave who ran away from his master, Philemon, and met the Apostle Paul. Paul converted him to Christianity and sent him back to Philemon with a letter, advocating for his acceptance as a brother in Christ (Philemon 1:10-16; Colossians 4:9).
Othniel
- Meaning: “Lion of God”
- Bible Reference: Othniel was the first judge of Israel after the death of Joshua. He is known for delivering Israel from the oppression of Cushan-Rishathaim (Judges 3:9-11).
P
Paul
- Meaning: “Small” or “humble”
- Bible Reference: Paul, formerly known as Saul, was an Apostle who played a crucial role in spreading Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. He wrote several Epistles (letters) in the New Testament and was known for his missionary journeys (Acts 9:1-22; Romans 1:1).
Peter
- Meaning: “Rock” or “stone”
- Bible Reference: Peter, originally named Simon, was one of Jesus’ twelve apostles and a prominent leader in the early Christian church. He is known for his confession of faith and his role in spreading Christianity (Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:14-41).
Philip
- Meaning: “Lover of horses”
- Bible Reference: Philip was one of the twelve apostles and later known as Philip the Evangelist, who played a role in spreading the gospel and baptizing the Ethiopian eunuch (John 1:43-46; Acts 8:26-40)
Phinehas
- Meaning: “The Nubian” or “mouth of the serpent”
- Bible Reference: Phinehas was the grandson of Aaron and known for his zealous act that stopped a plague among the Israelites by confronting sin in the camp (Numbers 25:7-13; Joshua 22:13).
Pilate
- Meaning: “Soldier” or “army”
- Bible Reference: Pontius Pilate was the Roman governor who presided over the trial of Jesus and authorized His crucifixion (Matthew 27:2; John 18:28-38).
R
Reuben
- Meaning: “Behold, a son”
- Bible Reference: Reuben was the firstborn son of Jacob and Leah, and his descendants became one of the twelve tribes of Israel (Genesis 29:32; Genesis 49:3-4).
Roman
- Meaning: “Citizen of Rome” or “Roman”
- Bible Reference: Roman is not directly a biblical name but can be seen in the context of Roman citizenship in the New Testament (Acts 22:25-29).
Rufus
- Meaning: “Red” or “reddish”
- Bible Reference: Rufus is mentioned in the New Testament as a Christian in Rome, the son of Simon of Cyrene, who carried Jesus’ cross (Mark 15:21; Romans 16:13).
S
Samson
- Meaning: “Sun” or “sunny”
- Bible Reference: Samson was a judge of Israel known for his extraordinary strength, which was linked to his Nazirite vow and uncut hair. His story is found in the Book of Judges, where he is famous for his feats against the Philistines, including the destruction of the Philistine temple (Judges 13-16).
Samuel
- Meaning: “Heard by God”
- Bible Reference: Samuel was a prophet and judge of Israel who anointed Saul and David as kings. He played a key role in the transition from the period of the judges to the monarchy (1 Samuel 1:20; 1 Samuel 16:13).
Saul
- Meaning: “Asked for” or “requested”
- Bible Reference: Saul was the first king of Israel, anointed by Samuel. His reign was marked by his initial success but later by his disobedience to God, leading to his downfall (1 Samuel 9:1-2; 1 Samuel 28:7-19).
Seth
- Meaning: “Appointed” or “substitute”
- Bible Reference: Seth was the third son of Adam and Eve, born after the death of Abel. He is noted for being a part of the lineage that continued through Noah (Genesis 4:25; Genesis 5:3).
Shem
- Meaning: “Name” or “fame”
- Bible Reference: Shem was one of the three sons of Noah, along with Ham and Japheth. After the Flood, Shem’s descendants are considered to be the ancestors of the Semitic peoples, including the Hebrews. His line includes important biblical figures like Abraham (Genesis 5:32; Genesis 9:26-27; Genesis 11:10-32).
Shepherd
- Meaning: “One who tends to sheep”
- Bible Reference: While “Shepherd” is not a personal name in the Bible, it is a significant role and metaphor. In biblical contexts, shepherds are often symbolic of leaders or caretakers. For instance, Jesus describes Himself as the “Good Shepherd” who lays down His life for His sheep (John 10:11-14).
Silas
- Meaning: “Of the forest” or “Wooded”
- Bible Reference: Silas was a companion of Paul on his missionary journeys and a key figure in the early church. He is mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles and several of Paul’s letters (Acts 15:22-40; 2 Corinthians 1:19).
Simeon
- Meaning: “Heard” or “obedient”
- Bible Reference: Simeon was one of the twelve sons of Jacob and the founder of the tribe of Simeon. He is known for his role in the story of Joseph and his later involvement in the blessings of Israel (Genesis 29:33; Luke 2:25-35).
Simon
- Meaning: “He has heard”
- Bible Reference: Simon was one of the twelve apostles, known for his confession of faith and his name change to Peter by Jesus. Simon is also a common name in the New Testament, with several other individuals bearing this name (Matthew 16:17; Luke 6:14).
Solomon
- Meaning: “Peaceful” or “peaceable”
- Bible Reference: Solomon was the son of David and Bathsheba, known for his wisdom and for building the Temple in Jerusalem. His reign is described in the books of Kings and Chronicles (1 Kings 1:39; 1 Kings 10:1-9).
Stephen
- Meaning: “Crown” or “wreath”
- Bible Reference: Stephen was one of the first seven deacons appointed by the early church to oversee the distribution of food and care for widows. He is known for being the first Christian martyr, stoned to death for his bold testimony about Jesus and his rebuke of the Jewish leaders (Acts 6:1-15; Acts 7:54-60). Stephen’s story is significant for his role in the early church and his courageous faith.
T
Thaddeus
- Meaning: “Courageous heart”
- Bible Reference: Thaddeus, also known as Judas the son of James, was one of Jesus’ twelve apostles. He is sometimes identified with the author of the Epistle of Jude (Matthew 10:3; Luke 6:16).
Thomas
- Meaning: “Twin”
- Bible Reference: Thomas, also known as Didymus, was one of Jesus’ twelve apostles. He is best known for his doubt about Jesus’ resurrection until he saw Jesus’ wounds (John 20:24-29).
Timothy
- Meaning: “Honoring God”
- Bible Reference: Timothy was a young Christian and a companion of Paul, who served as a pastor and was a recipient of two epistles written by Paul, 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy (Acts 16:1-3; 1 Timothy 1:2).
Titus
- Meaning: “Title of honor”
- Bible Reference: Titus was a companion of Paul and is the recipient of the Epistle to Titus. He is known for his role in organizing and encouraging the churches in Crete (2 Corinthians 8:6; Titus 1:4).
Tobias
- Meaning: “God is good”
- Bible Reference: Tobias is a character in the Book of Tobit, which is part of the Apocrypha. He is the son of Tobit and is known for his journey to recover his father’s money and his eventual healing (Tobit 1:1; Tobit 11:1-18).
U
Uriah
- Meaning: “The Lord is my light”
- Bible Reference: Uriah was the husband of Bathsheba, who was arranged to be killed in battle by King David so David could marry Bathsheba. Uriah is noted for his integrity and loyalty (2 Samuel 11:3-17; 2 Samuel 12:9).
Uzziah
- Meaning: “The Lord is my strength”
- Bible Reference: Uzziah was a king of Judah known for his successful reign and military accomplishments. His reign is noted for prosperity, though it ended with his affliction by leprosy due to his pride (2 Kings 15:1-7; 2 Chronicles 26:1-23).
Z
Zacchaeus
- Meaning: “Pure” or “innocent”
- Bible Reference: Zacchaeus was a tax collector in Jericho who is best known for his encounter with Jesus. Despite being despised by many for his profession, Zacchaeus was eager to see Jesus and climbed a sycamore tree to get a better view. Jesus noticed him and chose to stay at his house, leading to Zacchaeus’ repentance and commitment to give half of his possessions to the poor (Luke 19:1-10).
Zachariah
- Meaning: “The Lord has remembered”
- Bible Reference: Zachariah was a prophet and priest, and he is the author of the Book of Zechariah. His prophecies focus on the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the coming of the Messiah (Zechariah 1:1; Zechariah 9:9).
Zebulun
- Meaning: “Exalted” or “honor”
- Bible Reference: Zebulun was one of the twelve sons of Jacob and the founder of the tribe of Zebulun. His tribe settled in the northern region of Israel (Genesis 30:20; Joshua 19:10-16).
Zedekiah
- Meaning: “The Lord is righteous”
- Bible Reference: Zedekiah was the last king of Judah before the Babylonian exile. His reign is noted for the fall of Jerusalem and the subsequent exile of the Jewish people (2 Kings 24:18-20; Jeremiah 52:1-11).
Zephaniah
- Meaning: “The Lord has hidden”
- Bible Reference: Zephaniah was a prophet who authored the Book of Zephaniah, which contains prophecies about the coming Day of the Lord and the judgment of nations (Zephaniah 1:1; Zephaniah 3:14-20).
So there you have it—a collection of powerful and meaningful biblical boy names, each with its own rich story and significance. We hope you’ve discovered some names that resonate with you and that you’ll consider adding to your list. Whether you’re drawn to a name with historic strength or one that carries deep spiritual meaning, these names are brimming with tradition and perfect for your little one.
Take your time to explore each name’s significance and find the biblical boy name that feels just right for your baby. And if you’re still on the lookout for more inspiration, be sure to check out our other fantastic baby name lists!
Happy naming!