Popular Biblical Baby Names
The popularity of biblical baby names is at an all-time high. In 2006, eight of
the top ten boys’ names, and two of the top ten girls’, were biblical
in origin. Parents today are looking not just for a classic name, but for a name
with real meaning and spiritual depth.
As you look at popular biblical names, and imagine one for your baby, the origin
and meaning of each name is an important consideration. We are taking a look at
six of the most popular biblical baby names. They are all wonderful choices, and
have been trusted by generations of parents who are looking for a special name that
will provide their child with a solid spiritual foundation for life.
Currently, the most popular boy’s name is Jacob. It is the Anglicized
version of the Hebrew name Ya’akov. Most experts agree the meaning of the
name Jacob is “held by the heel, supplanted or protected.” This comes
from the biblical text that says Jacob, the younger twin brother of Esau, was born
“gripping Esau’s heel.” At one point, as they grew older, Jacob
tricked his blind father into believing he, Jacob, was Esau, and he received the
father’s blessing in place of Esau, thus “supplanting him.” Another
source gives the meaning of Jacob as “may God protect,” but this seems
to be a minority view. Jacob is one of the towering figures of the Old Testament,
whose sons and grandsons became the ancestors of Israel’s twelve tribes.
Another popular biblical boy’s name is Joshua. The meaning of the name
Joshua is “the Lord is salvation.” The Hebrew equivalent is Yehoshu’a.
Many people feel that biblical names convey a spiritual meaning in addition to the
literal meaning of the name. In Joshua’s case, that spiritual meaning is “bold
leader.” He was the one chosen by God to succeed Moses as leader of the twelve
tribes of Israel, a role that he fulfilled to the utmost, securing Israel’s
position in the Promised Land.
The name Daniel, meaning “God is my judge,” is another enormously
popular biblical baby name. The Hebrew equivalent is Dani’el. In addition
to being an important Old Testament prophet, Daniel is famous for surviving in a
lion’s den, where he had been mistakenly thrown by King Darius of Babylon.
When Darius saw Daniel was protected by God, he ordered that his people should pray
to the same God.
Boys’ names are more prevalent than girls’ names in the bible, but this
does not mean that there aren’t plenty of biblical girls’ names. There
are!
Abigail is a popular girls’ name today, and a well-known biblical name.
It is the Anglicized form of the Hebrew name Aviga’yil, meaning “father’s
joy,” or “my father is joy.” In the bible, Abigail is described
as beautiful and intelligent. She prevents David from seeking retribution against
her husband, who had needlessly insulted and provoked David. Shortly thereafter,
her husband “turned to stone” and died, and Abigail became the wife
of David.
Many parents have chosen the biblical name Hannah for their daughter in recent
years. It is the Anglicized version of the Hebrew name Chana or Chanah, meaning
“grace, gracious, or merciful.” In the bible, Hannah prays to God for
the gift of children, and her prayer is answered, when she becomes the mother of
Samuel. Out of respect for God, Hannah takes Samuel at the age of three to live
with the high priests, and visits him each year. For her selflessness, she is rewarded
by God with five more children.
One of the best-loved biblical girls’ names is Sarah. The Hebrew meaning
of Sarah is “princess” or “noble,” certainly a beautiful
meaning for a little girl! The equivalent name in Hebrew is Sara. She was the wife
of Abraham, and like Hannah she prayed for many years to be able to have children.
She conceived late in life, and gave birth to Isaac. Through him, and through her
grandson Jacob, Sarah became the matriarch of the Jewish people.
Further reading: The Exhaustive Dictionary of Bible Names, by Dr. Judson
Corwall and Dr. Stelman Smith; Classic Biblical Baby Names, by Judith Tropea;
The Comprehensive Dictionary of English & Hebrew First Names, by Alfred
J. Kolatch.
And be sure to visit our own list of
Biblical Baby Names, for a list of suggestions of biblical boy's and girl's names."