Bible Names And Meanings

Bible Names And Meanings

Names in the Bible are significant. Bible names and meanings demonstrated a person’s character and traits. Sometimes a name indicated what kind of life the person would have.

Below you will find a list of some Bible names and meanings. Our list is not all inclusive of every name in the Bible. The Bible names and meanings we are listing include many of the Bible’s main characters. The people in our list played an important role in God’s redemptive plan to save mankind from sin and eternal separation from God.

 

Bible Names And Meanings

Bible Names And Meanings – Aaron to Abraham

Aaron – From the Hebrew name אַהֲרֹן (‘Aharon). The name Aaron is most likely of unknown Egyptian origin. Other theories claim a Hebrew derivation with meanings such as “high mountain” or “exalted”. In the Old Testament Aaron acted as a spokesman for his brother Moses when they appealed to the pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery. Aaron’s rod produced miracles and plagues to intimidate the pharaoh. After the departure from Egypt and arrival at Mount Sinai, God installed Aaron as the first high priest of the Israelites. God promised that his descendants would form the priesthood for Israel.

Abel – From the Hebrew name הֶבֶל (Hevel) meaning “breath”. In the Old Testament he is the second son of Adam and Eve. Abel was murdered by his brother Cain out of envy. 

Abigail – From the Hebrew name אֲבִיגָיִל (‘Avigayil) meaning “my father is joy”. It is derived from the roots אָב (‘av) meaning “father”, and גִּיל (gil) meaning “joy”. In the Old Testament this is the name of Nabal’s wife. After Nabal’s death she became the third wife of King David.

Abram – Means “high father” in Hebrew. In the Old Testament God changed Abram’s name to Abraham (see Genesis 17:5)

Abraham – In Hebrew Abraham means “father of many”. It could also be a contraction of Abram and  הָמוֹן (hamon) meaning “many” or “multitude”. The biblical patriarch Abraham was originally named Abram, but God changed his name (see Genesis 17:5). At God’s direction, he led his wife Sarah and his nephew Lot from Ur into Canaan. He is the founder of the Hebrews through his son Isaac. He is also the father of Ishmael, who is the ancestor of the Arab people.

 

Bible Names And Meanings – Adam to Barnabas

Adam – This is the Hebrew word for “man”. It could be derived from Hebrew אדם (‘adam) meaning “to be red”, referring to the ruddy color of human skin.  It could also be derived from the Hebrew Akkadian adamu meaning “to make”. According to Genesis Adam was created from the earth by God. There is a Hebrew word  אֲדָמָה (‘adamah) meaning “earth”. Adam and Eve were the first humans, living in the Garden of Eden. They ate the forbidden fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil in the garden. As a result they were expelled from Eden to the lands to the east, where they gave birth to Cain, Abel and Seth.

Amos – Hebrew עָמַס (‘amas) meaning “load” or “burden”. Amos is one of the twelve minor prophets of the Old Testament. He is the author of the Book of Amos, which speaks against greed, corruption and oppression of the poor. Written around the 8th century BC, it is one of the oldest of the prophetic books in the Bible.

Andrew – English form of the Greek name Ανδρεας (Andreas), which was derived from  ανδρειος  (andreios) meaning “manly” or “masculine”. In the New Testament Andrew was the first disciple to join Jesus. He is the brother of Simon Peter. He was ultimately crucified on an X-shaped cross.

Barnabas – Greek form of an Aramaic name. In Acts the name Barnabas was given to a man named Joseph. He was a Jew from Cyprus and was a companion of Paul on his missionary journeys. In Acts 4:36 Barnabas is shown to mean “son of encouragement”. 

 

Bible Names And Meanings – Benjamin to Dan

Benjamin – From the Hebrew name בִּנְיָמִין (Binyamin) meaning “son of the south” or “son of the right hand”. The name has the roots בֵּן (ben) meaning “son” and יָמִין (yamin) meaning “right hand or south”. Benjamin in the Old Testament was the 12th and youngest son of Jacob. He was the founder of one of the southern tribes of Israel. He was originally named בֶּן־אוֹנִי (Ben-‘oni) meaning “son of my sorrow” by his mother Rachel, who died shortly after childbirth. It was later changed by his father (see Genesis 35:18).

Cain – Means “acquired” in Hebrew. In Genesis Cain is the first son of Adam and Eve. He killed his brother Abel after God accepted Abel’s offering but did not accept his offering. After this Cain was banished to be a wanderer.

Caleb – The Hebrew כֶּלֶב (kelev) meaning “dog”. An alternate theory suggests it is derived from Hebrew כָּל (kal) meaning “whole or all of” and לֵב (lev) meaning “heart”. In the Old Testament Caleb is one of the twelve spies sent by Moses into the Promised Land. Out of all of the Israelites who left Egypt with Moses, Caleb and Joshua were the only ones who lived to see the Promised Land.

Dan – Means “he judged” in Hebrew. In the Old Testament Dan is one of the twelve sons of Jacob by his wife Rachel’s servant Bilhah.  Dan is the founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. His name is explained in Genesis 30:6.

 

Bible Names And Meanings – Daniel to Elijah

Daniel – From the Hebrew name דָּנִיֵּאל (Daniyyel) meaning “God is my judge”. Daniel is derived from the roots דִּין  (din)  meaning “to judge”, and אֵל (‘el) meaning “God”. Daniel was a Hebrew prophet whose story is told in the Book of Daniel in the Old Testament. He lived during the Jewish captivity in Babylon. He served in the court of the king, rising to prominence by interpreting the king’s dreams. The book also presents Daniel’s four visions of the end of the world.

David – From the Hebrew name דָּוִד (Dawid), which was derived from Hebrew דּוֹד (dod)  meaning “beloved” or “uncle”. David was the second and greatest of the kings of Israel, ruling in the 10th century BC. Several stories about him are told in the Old Testament, including his defeat of the giant Philistine Goliath. Jesus the Messiah was descended from King David.

Deborah – From the Hebrew name דְּבוֹרָה (Devorah) meaning “bee”. In the Old Testament Book of Judges, Deborah is a heroine, prophetess, and judge who leads the Israelites when they are threatened by the Canaanites. She forms an army and they destroy the army of the Canaanite commander Sisera. 

Elijah – From the Hebrew name אֱלִיָּהוּ (‘Eliyyahu) meaning “my God is YAHWEH”. It is derived from the Hebrew אֵל (‘el) and יָה (yah), both referring to the Hebrew God. Elijah was a Hebrew prophet and miracle worker as told in the two Books of Kings in the Old Testament. He was active in the 9th century BC during the reign of King Ahab of Israel and queen Jezebel. Elijah confronted the king and queen over their idolatry of the Canaanite god Ba’al and other wicked deeds. At the end of his life he was carried to heaven in a chariot of fire, and was succeeded by Elisha. In the New Testament, Elijah and Moses appear next to Jesus  when he is transfigured. 

 

 

Bible Names And Meaning

Bible Names And Meanings – Elisha to Enoch

Elisha – From the Hebrew name אֱלִישַׁע (‘Elisha’). It is a contracted form of אֱלִישׁוּעַ (‘Elishu’a) meaning “my God is salvation”.  Elisha was a prophet and miracle worker in the Old Testament. He was the attendant of Elijah and succeeded him after his ascension to heaven.

Elizabeth – From Ελισαβετ (Elisabet), the Greek form of the Hebrew name אֱלִישֶׁבַע (‘Elisheva’) meaning “my God is an oath”. It is derived from the roots אֵל (‘el) referring to the Hebrew God and שָׁבַע (shava’) meaning “oath”. The Hebrew form appears in the Old Testament where Elisheba is the wife of Aaron. The Greek form appears in the New Testament where Elizabeth is the mother of John the Baptist. 

Emmanuel – From the Hebrew name עִמָּנוּאֵל (‘Immanu’el) meaning “God is with us”. It is derived from the roots  עִם  (‘im)  meaning “with”, and אֵל (‘el) meaning “God”. This was the name of the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament, and fulfilled by Jesus.

Enoch – From the Hebrew name חֲנוֹך (Chanokh) meaning “dedicated”.  Enoch is a descendant of Adam, and in Genesis 5:22 it says that Enoch walked with God. Then in Genesis 5:24 “Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.” 

 

Bible Names And Meanings – Eve to Hagar

Eve – From the Hebrew name חַוָּה (Chawwah). It was derived from the Hebrew word  חָוָה  (chawah)  meaning “to breathe”, or the related word חָיָה (chayah) meaning “to live”. According to the Old Testament Book of Genesis, Adam and Eve were the first humans. God created her from one of Adam’s ribs to be his companion. At the urging of the serpent she ate the forbidden fruit and shared some with Adam, causing their expulsion from the Garden of Eden.

Gabriel – From the Hebrew name גַבְרִיאֵל (Gavri’el) meaning “God is my strong man”. It is derived from  גֶּבֶר (gever) meaning “strong man or hero” and אֵל (‘el) meaning “God”. Gabriel is an archangel in Hebrew tradition, often appearing as a messenger of God. In the Old Testament he is sent to interpret the visions of the prophet Daniel. In the New Testament he serves as the announcer of the birth of John to Zechariah, and the birth of Jesus to Mary.

Gideon – Means “feller of” or hewer” in Hebrew. Gideon is a hero and judge in the Old Testament book of Judges. He led the vastly outnumbered Israelites against the Midianites and defeated them. He also killed their two kings.

Hagar – Possibly means “flight” in Hebrew, though it could also be of unknown Egyptian origin. In the Old Testament she is the Egyptian concubine of Abraham and the mother of Ishmael, the founder of the Arab people. After Abraham’s wife Sarah finally gave birth to a child, she had Hagar and Ishmael expelled into the desert. God heard their crying and saved them.

 

Bible Names And Meanings – Hannah to Israel

Hannah – From the Hebrew name חַנָּה (Channah) meaning “favour” or “grace”. It is derived from the root  חָנַן  (chanan). In the Old Testament Hannah is the wife of Elkanah. Her rival was Elkanah’s other wife Peninnah, who had children while Hannah remained barren. After pleading her case to God she finally became pregnant with Samuel, who went on to become one of Israel’s greatest prophets.

Isaac – From the Hebrew name יִצְחָק (Yitzchaq) meaning “he will laugh” or “he will rejoice”. It is derived from צָחַק (tzachaq) meaning “to laugh”. The Old Testament explains this meaning by recounting that Abraham laughed when God told him that his aged wife Sarah would become pregnant with Isaac (Genesis 17:17). Later Sarah laughed when overhearing the same prophecy (Genesis 18:12). When Isaac was a boy, God tested Abraham’s faith by ordering him to sacrifice his son Isaac. Isaac later became the father of Esau and Jacob. 

Isaiah – From the Hebrew name יְשַׁעְיָהוּ (Yesha’yahu) meaning “YAHWEH is salvation”. It comes from the roots יָשַׁע (yasha’) meaning “to save” and יָה (yah) referring to the Hebrew God. Isaiah is one of the four major prophets of the Old Testament, and the author of the Book of Isaiah. He lived in the 8th century BC, at a time when Assyria threatened the Kingdom of Judah. 

Israel – From the Hebrew name יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisra’el) meaning “God contends”. It is derived from the roots שָׂרָה  (sarah) meaning “to contend or to fight”, and אֵל (‘el) meaning “God”. In the Old Testament Israel, who was formerly named Jacob wrestles with an angel. He becomes the father of 12 sons, which became the founders of the 12 tribes of Israel.

 

Bible Names And Meanings – Jabez to Jesus

Jabez – Means “sorrow” in Hebrew. In the Old Testament Jabez is blessed by God after praying “the prayer of Jabez”. He prayed for God to bless him, and that God would multiply his territory. He also prayed that God’s hand would be with him, and that God would keep him from harm and pain.

Jacob – From the Latin Iacobus, which was from the Greek Ιακωβος (Iakobos), which was from the Hebrew name יַעֲקֹב (Ya’aqov). In the Old Testament Jacob (later called Israel) is the son of Isaac and Rebecca and the father of the twelve founders of the twelve tribes of Israel. He was born holding his twin brother Esau’s heel, and his name is explained as meaning “holder of the heel” or “supplanter”, because he twice deprived his brother of his rights as the firstborn son.

Jeremiah –  From the Hebrew name יִרְמְיָהוּ (Yirmiyahu) meaning “YAHWEH will exalt”, from the roots רוּם (rum) meaning “to exalt” and יָה (yah) referring to the Hebrew God. This is the name of one of the major prophets of the Old Testament, the author of the Book of Jeremiah and the Book of Lamentations (supposedly). He lived to see the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem in the 6th century BC.

Jesus – Jesus is the English form of Ιησους (Iesous). Ιησους is the Greek form of the Aramaic name יֵשׁוּעַ  (Yeshu’a).  Yeshu’a is itself a contracted form of Yehoshu’a (Joshua). Yeshua ben Yoseph, better known as Jesus Christ, is the son of God. Jesus means “YHWH is salvation” or “the Lord is salvation”.  Christ is from the Greek word “Christos” and is the equivalent of the Hebrew word “Messiah” meaning  the “annointed one”. Jesus fulfilled many Old Testament prophecies of the coming Messiah.

 

 

Bible Names And Meanings

Bible Names And Meanings – Job to Joseph

Job – From the Hebrew name אִיּוֹב (‘Iyyov), which means “persecuted” or “hated”. In the Book of Job in the Old Testament he is a righteous man who is tested by God. After enduring many tragedies and sufferings Job remained faithful and God blessed Job and restored to him double all that he lost.

John – The English name from the Latin Iohannes. This came from the Greek name Ιωαννης (Ioannes),which is derived from the Hebrew name יוֹחָנָן (Yochanan) meaning “YAHWEH is gracious”. The Hewbrew came from the roots יוֹ (yo) referring to the Hebrew God and חָנַן (chanan) meaning “to be gracious”. John the Baptist is considered the forerunner of the Messiah Jesus. He baptized Jesus and was later executed by Herod Antipas. Another John in the New Testament is an apostle of Jesus. With the apostles Peter and James (his brother), he was part of the inner circle of Jesus. He is the author of the Gospel of John, 3 books of the Bible, and the book of Revelation. 

Jonah – From the Hebrew name יוֹנָה (Yonah) meaning “dove”. Jonah was a prophet swallowed by a great fish, as told in the Old Testament Book of Jonah. Jonah was commanded by God to preach in Nineveh but instead fled by boat. After being caught in a storm the other sailors threw Jonah overboard. Jonah was swallowed by the great fish, 3 days later he was released alive after repenting.

Joseph – From Ioseph, the Latin form of Greek Ιωσηφ (Ioseph). This was derived from the Hebrew name יוֹסֵף (Yosef) meaning “he will add”, from the root יָסַף (yasaf). In the Old Testament Joseph is the eleventh son of Jacob and the first with his wife Rachel. Joseph also occurs in the New Testament, as the husband of Mary and the earthly father of Jesus.

 

Bible Names And Meanings – Judah to Mary

Judah – From the Hebrew name יְהוּדָה (Yehudah), derived from יָדָה (yadah) meaning “praise”. In the Old Testament Judah is the fourth of the twelve sons of Jacob by his wife Leah. He is the ancestor of the tribe of Judah. An explanation for his name is given in Genesis 29:35. His tribe eventually formed the Kingdom of Judah in the south of Israel. King David and Jesus were among the descendants of Judah and his wife Tamar. 

Levi – Means “joined or attached” in Hebrew. Levi was the third son of Jacob and Leah, and the ancestor of one of the twelve tribes of the Israelites. Known as the Levites, this was the tribe that formed the priestly class of the Israelites. Moses and Aaron were descendants of Levi. 

Manasseh – Means “causing to forget” in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this is the name of the oldest son of Joseph and Asenath. Joseph gave him this name to signify that God had caused Joseph to forget his troubles and his family by blessing him. Manessah is the ancestor of one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Mary – Mary is the usual English form of Maria, the Latin form of the New Testament Greek names Μαριαμ (Mariam) and Μαρια (Maria). These were derived from Hebrew מִרְיָם (Miryam). The name means“their bitterness” or “their rebellion”. Mary is the virgin mother of Jesus, the promised Messiah and Savior of all sinners.

 

Bible Names And Meanings – Matthew to Nehemiah

Matthew – English form of Ματθαιος (Matthaios), which was a Greek form of the Hebrew name  מַתִּתְיָהוּ  (Mattityahu) meaning “gift of YAHWEH”. It comes from the roots מַתָּן (mattan) meaning “gift”and  יָה  (yah)  referring to the Hebrew God. Matthew, also called Levi, was one of the twelve apostles. He was a tax collector before turning to Jesus and becoming his disciple. He is the author of the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament. 

Michael – From the Hebrew name מִיכָאֵל (Mikha’el) meaning “who is like God?”. Michael is one of the archangels in the Bible. In the Book of Daniel in the Old Testament he is named as a protector of Israel. In the Book of Revelation in the New Testament he is portrayed as the leader of heaven’s armies in the war against Satan.

Moses – From the Hebrew name מֹשֶׁה (Mosheh), which is most likely derived from Egyptian mes  meaning “son”. Moses also means “deliver” in Hebrew. Moses was drawn out of the Nile by the pharaoh’s daughter and adopted into the royal family, at a time when the Israelites were slaves in Egypt. After 40 years in the wilderness Moses and his brother Aaron were sent to pharaoh to demand the release of the Israelites. Moses led his people across the Red Sea and then to Mount Sinai, where he received the Ten Commandments from God.

Nehemiah – Means “YAHWEH comforts” in Hebrew. It is derived from נָחַם (nacham) meaning “to comfort” and יָה (yah) referring to God. In the Book of Nehemiah in the Old Testament he was a leader of the Jews who was responsible for the rebuilding of Jerusalem after the return from the Babylonian captivity.

 

Bible Names And Meanings – Noah to Rebecca

Noah – From the Hebrew name נֹחַ (Noach) meaning “rest or peaceful”, derived from the root נוּחַ (nuach). Noah was the builder of the Ark that allowed him, his family, and animals of each species to survive the Great Flood. After the flood he received the sign of the rainbow as a covenant from God. He was the father of Shem, Ham and Japheth. 

Paul – From the Roman family name Paulus, which meant “small” or “humble” in Latin. Paul was an important leader of the early Christian church, and one of the most passionate followers of Jesus. He was a Jewish Roman citizen who saved after the resurrected Jesus appeared to him. Paul planted many churches, and went on several mission trips to preach the Gospel and strengthen the churches. He later died for his faith in Christ.

Peter – Derived from Greek Πετρος (Petros) meaning “stone”. This is also the meaning of the Aramaic name Cephas, which was given to the apostle Simon by Jesus.  Simon Peter was one of the most prominent apostles in the early church, and he too late died for serving Christ.

Rebecca – From the Hebrew name רִבְקָה (Rivqah) from an unattested root probably meaning “to join or to tie”. She was the wife of Isaac, and the mother of Esau and Jacob in the Old Testament. 

 

Bible Names And Meanings – Samson to Solomon

Samson – From the Hebrew name שִׁמְשׁוֹן (Shimshon). It is derived from שֶׁמֶשׁ (shemesh) meaning “sun”. Samson was an Old Testament hero granted exceptional strength by God. His mistress Delilah betrayed him and cut his hair, stripping him of his power. He was then captured by the Philistines, blinded, and brought to their temple. In a final act of strength he pulled down the pillars of the temple upon himself and his captors. 

Samuel – From the Hebrew name שְׁמוּאֵל (Shemu’el), which could mean either “name of God” or “God has heard”. In the Books of Samuel he was the last of the ruling judges. He led the Israelites during a period of domination by the Philistines, who were ultimately defeated in battle at Mizpah. Later he anointed Saul to be the first king of Israel. During Saul’s reign he later anointed David as his successor. 

Sarah – Means “lady, princess, noblewoman” in Hebrew. She was Abraham’s wife, considered the matriarch of the Jewish people. She was barren until she became pregnant with Isaac at the age of 90, fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham. Her name was originally Sarai, but God changed it at the same time Abraham’s name was changed from Abram (Genesis 17:15). 

Solomon – From the Hebrew name שְׁלֹמֹה (Shelomoh), which was derived from Hebrew  שָׁלוֹם  (shalom)  meaning “peace”. Solomon was a king of Israel, and the son of David and Bathsheba. He was renowned for his wisdom and wealth. Towards the end of his reign he angered God by turning to idolatry. He was the author of the Book of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and the Song of Solomon.

 

Bible Names And Meanings – Timothy to Zechariah

Timothy – English form of the Greek name Τιμοθεος (Timotheos) meaning “honouring God”. It is erived from  τιμαω (timao) meaning “to honour” and θεος (theos) meaning “god”. Timothy was a companion of Paul on his missionary journeys and was the recipient of two of Paul’s letters that appear in the New Testament. He was of both Jewish and Greek ancestry. 

Zechariah – From the Hebrew name זְכַרְיָה (Zekharyah) meaning “YAHWEH remembers”. Derived from  זָכַר  (zakhar)  meaning “to remember” and יָה (yah) referring to the Hebrew God. This is the name of many characters in the Old Testament, including the prophet Zechariah. He is the author of the Book of Zechariah. The name also appears in the New Testament, belonging to the father of John the Baptist,

 

 

 

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