Biblical Baby Names and their Meanings  

Choosing a name for your new baby is something fun that every parent gets to do.  Some parents stick with traditional names for their children.  Others choose names based on their meaning.   

The meaning of a name was important in ancient cultures.  It said something about the person who possessed the name.  Most names were chosen because of the meaning so that children would have a positive start in life.   

For that same reason, parents who choose biblical names for their kids examine the meanings behind the names.  Some of the more popular names for children these days are, in fact, names that originated in the Bible.  Their meanings are taken from events that occurred a long time ago. 

The most popular biblical names for boys include:  Jacob, David, Joshua, Matthew, and Daniel.  On the girls’ side, the most popular biblical names include:  Elizabeth, Sarah, Mary, Rachael, and Rebecca.  The meanings have their basis in the life of the person in the Bible who carried that particular name. 

If you’ve ever read biblical stories these names sound familiar. Joshua means "God is my salvation.” Joshua led the Israelites out of the wilderness and into the Promised Land after the death of Moses. Joshua was also the one who led the Hebrew people to topple the walls of Jericho with only the sound of musical instruments. 

Jacob means “supplanter.”  Jacob tricked his father and stole the birthright of his brother Esau who was the firstborn son.  With the help of his mother, he dressed as his brother which went unnoticed by his father Isaac who was nearly blind. 

David means “beloved.”  David was a shepherd boy that God chose to be king of Israel.  He slew the mighty Philistine named Goliath with only a slingshot and a few smooth stones.  He was the most memorable king of Israel. 

Matthew means “gift of God.”  Matthew was a tax collector in Jerusalem during the time of Jesus.  Matthew left his hated profession to become a disciple of Jesus Christ. 

Daniel means “God is my judge.”  Daniel was a Hebrew prophet taken hostage in Babylon.  He refused to worship the king and was thrown into the lions’ den.  The next morning, he walked out unharmed. 

Elizabeth means “oath of God.”  Elizabeth was promised a son by God in her old age.  She gave birth to John the Baptist who was the cousin of Jesus. 

Sarah means “princess.”  Sarah was the wife of Abraham.  God promised them both that they would be the mother and father of many nations. 

Rachael means “lamb.”  Rachael was to be Jacob’s wife, but her father tricked Jacob into marrying Leah, his oldest daughter, after he had worked seven long years for Rachael.  Jacob eventually married Rachael, his first love. 

Rebecca means “bound.”  Rebecca was the wife of Isaac, Abraham’s son.  Rebecca played favorites and loved her youngest son Jacob best.   

Biblical names have been passed down from generation to generation.  To understand the meanings of other biblical names, just read their stories.  You may find a new name to treasure. 

All meanings are taken from The Name Book by Dorothy Astoria, Copyright ©1997