Biblical & Faith-Related Baby Names

Why Choose a Biblical or Faith-Based Name?

Biblical and faith-related names connect a child to centuries of cultural and spiritual tradition. They frequently signify virtues (like faith, hope, and charity), important historical or religious figures (prophets, apostles, saints), or attributes of the divine (mercy, light, blessing). Parents may choose these names to honor ancestry, express faith, or give their child a name that carries moral and spiritual resonance.

Popular Biblical & Faith-Based Boy Names

Below are examples of boys’ names from Judeo-Christian scripture and broader faith traditions, with brief meanings or notes.

• Matthew — (Hebrew origin via Greek) “Gift of God”; one of the four Gospel authors.
• Elijah — (Hebrew) a major prophet known for zeal and miracles; means “My God is Yahweh”.
• Daniel — (Hebrew) “God is my judge”; famed for wisdom and faith in the lion’s den.
• David — (Hebrew) “beloved”; king, poet (Psalms), and central biblical figure.
• Joseph — (Hebrew) “He will add”; a name borne by the patriarch and by Jesus’ earthly father in Christian tradition.
• Samuel — (Hebrew) “heard by God”; prophet and judge who anointed Israel’s first kings.
• Jonah — (Hebrew) known for the story of the whale—symbolic of repentance and second chances.
• Paul — (Latin form of Saul) early Christian apostle and prolific writer of New Testament letters.

Popular Biblical & Faith-Based Girl Names

Examples of girls’ names that appear in scripture or are inspired by religious virtues and figures.

• Mary — (Hebrew/Mariam) central in Christianity as the mother of Jesus; a name associated with devotion and humility.
• Hannah — (Hebrew) “grace” or “favor”; mother of the prophet Samuel and model of faithful prayer.
• Ruth — (Hebrew) famed for loyalty and kindness; a book of the Old Testament carries her name.
• Sarah — (Hebrew) “princess”; matriarch of the Israelite people and a name with long historical use.
• Abigail — (Hebrew) “father’s joy”; noted in scripture for wisdom and peacemaking.
• Naomi — (Hebrew) “pleasantness”; mother-in-law of Ruth, representing family devotion.
• Esther — (Persian/Hebrew context) brave queen who saved her people—symbol of courage and providence.
• Elisabeth — (Hebrew) “God is my oath”; in the New Testament mother of John the Baptist.

Names That Symbolize Virtues & Divine Qualities

Many faith-based names literally express virtues or attributes you might wish for your child.

• Faith — a direct virtue name used across traditions.
• Hope — often paired with Faith and Charity in English-speaking contexts.
• Grace — a popular choice connoting divine favor and elegance.
• Emmanuel / Immanuel — (Hebrew) “God is with us”, a name with powerful theological meaning in Christian tradition.

Practical Tips When Choosing a Faith-Based Name

• Understand the origin: research the name’s original language and context—meanings can vary across traditions and translations.
• Consider pronunciation and spelling: faithful names often cross languages—choose a form that fits your family’s linguistic comfort.
• Honor without appropriating: if selecting a name from a tradition different from your own, learn its cultural and religious significance respectfully.
• Balance tradition and modernity: many biblical names have classic status but also sound fresh with modern nicknames or alternative spellings.

Final Thoughts

Biblical and faith-related names are timeless choices that carry layered meaning—historical, spiritual, and moral. Whether you pick a prophet’s name, a virtue, or a figure admired for courage or compassion, these names can offer a lifelong source of identity and inspiration.

Explore more: Try our AI Name Generator to discover biblical and faith-inspired names tailored to your preferences, or browse our Deep-Dive Meaning Pages for origin and history.