210 Biblical boy names and their meanings (powerful and unique ideas)
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Biblical boy names like Adam, James, Samuel, etc., have stood the test of time. They’re rooted in scripture and faith and often carry powerful meanings and connections to well-known figures of strength, wisdom, and devotion.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- Biblical names carry deep spiritual, moral, or symbolic meanings, such as Daniel (God is my judge) or Samuel (Heard by God).
- Many Biblical boy names have remained popular across generations and cultures, making them classic choices.
- These names are rooted in Christian, Jewish, and often Islamic traditions.
- Names like Joshua, Elijah, and David are tied to courageous and faithful figures whose stories continue to inspire.
- Choosing a Biblical name is more than picking a label; it's often seen as speaking a blessing or identity over a child’s life.
Old Testament Biblical names for boys
Old Testament Biblical names for boys are rich in history. They come from some of the most influential figures in the Bible: patriarchs, prophets, kings, and warriors, whose lives shaped the foundation of Judeo-Christian belief. Here’s the list:
- Adam – Man, earth
- Abel – Breath; Vanity
- Abraham – Father of many nations
- Aaron – Exalted, strong
- Isaac – He will laugh
- Jacob – Supplanter
- Joseph – God will increase
- Moses – Drawn out (of water)
- Noah – Rest, comfort
- Elijah – My God is Yahweh
- Elisha – God is salvation
- Enoch – Dedicated, trained
- Ezra – Helper
- Nehemiah – God comforts
- Samuel – Heard by God
- Saul – Asked for, prayed for
- David – Beloved
- Solomon – Peaceful
- Isaiah – Salvation of the Lord
- Jeremiah – Exalted by God
- Ezekiel – God strengthens
- Daniel – God is my judge
- Joel – The Lord is God
- Jonah – Dove
- Micah – Who is like God?
- Nahum – Comfort
- Obadiah – Servant of the Lord
- Zephaniah – The Lord hides or protects
- Habakkuk – Embrace
- Amos – Burden bearer
- Hosea – Salvation
- Malachi – My messenger
- Reuben – Behold, a son
- Simeon – He has heard
- Levi – Joined, attached
- Judah – Praise
- Benjamin – Son of the right-hand
- Gad – Good fortune
- Asher – Happy, blessed
- Naphtali – Wrestling
- Zebulun – Dwelling, honour
- Issachar – There is reward
- Dan – Judge
- Ephraim – Fruitful
- Manasseh – Causing to forget
- Caleb – Faithful; Wholehearted
- Joshua – The Lord is salvation
- Jesse – Gift
- Ishmael – God hears
- Esau – Hairy
- Lamech – Powerful; Strong
- Methuselah – Man of the dart; When he dies, it shall come
- Seth – Appointed
- Cain – Acquired, possession
- Zachariah (Zechariah) – The Lord remembers
New Testament Biblical boy names and meanings
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New Testament Biblical boy names are inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, his apostles, and early Christian leaders. These names carry rich spiritual meaning and reflect the values of faith, love, and redemption. They include:
- Andrew – Manly, brave
- Bartholomew – Son of Talmai
- Barnabas – Son of encouragement
- Philip – Lover of horses
- James – Supplanter (New Testament usage distinct from Old Testament Jacob)
- John – God is gracious
- Peter – Rock, stone
- Matthew – Gift of the Lord
- Mark – Warlike
- Luke – From Lucania; Light-giving
- Thomas – Twin
- Timothy – Honouring God
- Titus – Honorable
- Silas – Man of the forest, wood
- Stephen – Crown
- Theophilus – Friend of God, Loved by God
- Apollos – Destroyer of Apollo
- Cornelius – Horn, strong
- Ananias – The Lord is gracious
- Simeon – God has heard (used in a different NT context from OT Simeon)
- Zacchaeus – Pure, Innocent
- Lazarus – God has helped
- Demetrius – Belonging to Demeter, earth-lover
- Felix – Happy, fortunate
- Festus – Festive, joyful
- Justus – Just, righteous
- Nicodemus – Victory of the people
- Onesimus – Useful, profitable
- Philemon – Loving, affectionate
- Archippus – Master of the horse
- Aristarchus – Best ruler
- Gaius – Rejoice, happy
- Jason – Healer
- Tertius – Third
- Quartus – Fourth
- Sosthenes – Safe in strength
- Nathanael – Gift of God
- Manaen – Comforter, consoler
- Eutychus – Fortunate
- Tychicus – Fateful, fortunate
- Erastus – Beloved, worthy of love
- Lucius – Light, bright
- Rufus – Red-haired
- Alexander – Defender of men
- Hermas – Interpreter, messenger
- Linus – Flax-coloured hair
- Crispus – Curly-haired
- Fortunatus – Fortunate, lucky
- Aquila – Eagle
- Matthias – Gift of Yahweh
- Levi (used again in NT, context as disciple) – Joined, attached
- Cephas – Rock (Aramaic for Peter)
- Thaddaeus – Heart, courageous
- Jude – Praise
- Carpus – Fruit, fruitful
Unique Biblical boy names
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Unique Biblical boy names are spiritual and offer individuality. They’re often lesser-known but rich in meaning, allowing parents to choose something distinct while still rooted in biblical tradition. Here is a list of the unique boy names:
- Abidan – Father of judgment
- Abiezer – My father is help
- Adaiah – The Lord has adorned
- Ahlai – Ought, sorrowing
- Amasai – Burden-bearer
- Aner – Sprout, boy
- Asahel – Made by God
- Azariah – The Lord has helped
- Benaiah – Built by the Lord
- Beor – Burning, torch
- Boaz – Strength
- Bukki – Wasting, the mouth of the Lord
- Chilion – Frail, wasting away
- Carmi – Vineyard, garden
- Dodo – Beloved, uncle
- Eliezer – God is my help
- Eliab – God is my father
- Eliphelet – God is deliverance
- Elihu – He is my God
- Elkanah – God has created
- Ethni – Strong
- Ezer – Help
- Gehazi – Valley of Vision
- Gemariah – The Lord has completed
- Gideoni – Hewer, one who cuts trees
- Haggi – Festive, joyful
- Hanamel – God is gracious
- Helez – Strong, vigor
- Heman – Faithful, trustworthy
- Hobab – Beloved, affectionate
- Hoshaiah – The Lord has saved
- Ibzan – Noble, illustrious
- Igal – He redeems
- Irijah – The Lord sees
- Ishod – Man of Glory
- Jehu – The Lord is He
- Jephthah – He opens
- Jethro – His excellence
- Joah – Brother of the Lord
- Joash – The Lord has given
- Joram – The Lord is exalted
- Jotham – The Lord is upright
- Kallai – Swift, light-footed
- Kemuel – Raised by God
- Lael – Belonging to God
- Maaz – Anger, wrath
- Mibsam – Fragrance
- Micaiah – Who is like the Lord?
- Nahshon – Enchanter, diviner
- Neriah – Lamp of the Lord
- Obed – Worshiper, servant
- Pallu – Distinguished, separated
- Shallum – Repaid, rewarded
- Tobiah – The Lord is good
- Ziba – Statue, army, gift
Popular Christian baby names for boys
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Christian baby names for boys are an excellent way to honour faith, heritage, and timeless values. They are not only rooted in biblical tradition but also remain popular choices for modern parents. Here’s the list:
- Adrian – From Hadria, dark one (associated with early Christian martyrs)
- Aidan – Little Fire (popularized by Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne)
- Alan – Handsome, cheerful (used among Christian saints)
- Ambrose – Immortal (Saint Ambrose, Church Father)
- Angelo – Messenger, angel
- Anthony – Priceless, highly praiseworthy (Saint Anthony of Padua)
- Augustine – Majestic (Saint Augustine of Hippo)
- Basil – Royal, kingly (Saint Basil the Great)
- Benedict – Blessed (Saint Benedict, founder of Western monasticism)
- Calvin – Little bald one (after Reformer John Calvin)
- Christian – Follower of Christ
- Christopher – Bearer of Christ
- Clarence – Bright, clear
- Clement – Merciful, gentle (Pope Saint Clement I)
- Conrad – Bold advisor (Saint Conrad of Parzham)
- Cyril – Lordly, masterful (Saint Cyril of Alexandria)
- Damien – To tame, subdue (Saint Damien of Molokai)
- Dominic – Belonging to the Lord (Saint Dominic)
- Edward – Wealthy guardian
- Edwin – Rich friend
- Eliot – Jehovah is God
- Emmanuel – God with us
- Everett – Brave as a wild boar
- Francis – Free man (Saint Francis of Assisi)
- Franklin – Free landowner
- Gabriel – God is my strength
- Gideon – Feller, Hewer
- Gregory – Watchful, vigilant (Saint Gregory the Great)
- Henry – Estate ruler
- Hudson – Son of Hugh, heart
- Isaiah – Salvation of the Lord
- Ivan – God is gracious (Slavic form of John)
- Jerome – Sacred name (Saint Jerome, Bible translator)
- Joel – The Lord is God
- Jordan – To descend, flowing down (The river where Jesus was baptized)
- Josephus – God increases (Christian historian)
- Julian – Youthful, downy (Saint Julian)
- Laurence – From Laurentum, Laurel-crowned (Saint Laurence)
- Leo – Lion (Pope Leo the Great)
- Louis – Famous warrior (Saint Louis IX of France)
- Lucian – Light (Saint Lucian of Antioch)
- Martin – Warlike (Saint Martin of Tours)
- Maximus – Greatest (early Christian saints)
- Miles – Soldier, merciful
- Nicholas – Victory of the people (Saint Nicholas)
- Noel – Christmas, born on Christmas Day
- Pascal – Relating to Easter
- Patrick – Nobleman (Saint Patrick of Ireland)
- Paul – Small, humble (Apostle Paul)
- Raphael – God has healed
- Raymond – Wise protector (Saint Raymond Nonnatus)
- Roland – Famous throughout the land
- Sebastian – Venerable, revered (Saint Sebastian)
- Theodore – Gift of God
- Valentine – Strong, healthy (Saint Valentine)
Final word
Biblical boy names combine tradition, meaning, and timeless appeal. Whether from the Old or New Testament, these names connect your child to a rich spiritual heritage and carry deep significance.
Tuko.co.ke has published an article about Biblical names for girls with beautiful meanings. The Bible has many names for girls that have been used across generations. These names are rooted in history and faith. Read this article for ideas.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
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