When skimming the top 10 names in the US, a large portion of them stand out as biblical. Noah, James, Benjamin, and Elijah all belong to this category of names, and with the inclusion of Lucas, a name often associated with the biblical appellation Luke, a solid 50% of the top 10 is composed of names that originated in the Bible. Essentially, parents are drawn to biblical boys' names, whether it be Josiah or Aaron. So, I’ve included three short lists of classic, trending, and bold biblical boys names for you to explore and enjoy. If biblical names aren’t your style, submit my contact form with a category of names you would prefer to see, and I will try my hardest to make it happen. Now, without further adieu, let’s start off with the biblical classics!
The Classics:
Ask someone to name some classic boy names, and chances are, they’ll respond with several biblical choices. James, John, and Stephan all got their start somewhere in the New Testament, and are still being bestowed upon babies today. If you’re looking for a truly timeless choice, one of the names explored below just might be perfect for your growing family. Classic doesn’t have to mean drab or tame, and these next few choices really hit the mark in terms of traditional but lively. In addition, honorable mention goes to Joseph, John, and Caleb.
Benjamin- This evergreen moniker is a name of Hebrew origin meaning “son of the right hand” and has received a lot of use in the past few years. Ranking at #6 in 2018, Benjamin is by far the most popular in the United States, but also ranks in the top 50 in six other countries. The friendly boy-next-door nickname Ben has propelled Benjamin quite far up the charts, while other short form Benji has slunk into obscurity.
Timothy- A Grecian name meaning “honoring God” is far from his glory days in the 60s, but still usable for a baby today. Although the nickname Tim is a bit too popular with older men for many to consider, Timothy, the full form, is a handsome and traditional choice, holding up at #165 in recent data. Not only that, the meaning can hold significance for parents who want to reflect their hopes for their child in his name.
James- James is the ultimate timeless gem. Number four in 1963 and 2018, this biblical boy’s name hasn’t wavered. At #2 in Ireland and #3 in Scotland, James boasts massive popularity, biblical ties, and a boatload of short forms. This English form of Jacob comes with nicknames Jimmy/Jim, Jamie, Jas, and Jay. The one downside is the meaning “supplanter,” or someone who wrongfully takes the place of another.
Ripe For Revival:
Biblical names are the original vintage revivals, and there certainly are some that follow sound patterns or styles that are trendy today. So if you’re looking for a biblical name, but you don’t want to sacrifice a stylish name for your son, one of these may do the trick. Biblical names don’t have to sound old and outdated, and the three names explored below really hit the mark of both trendiness and biblical origins. Honorable mention to Ezra, Jude, and Abel.
Silas- Meaning “forest,” this English name from the New Testament fits the style of names like Atticus and Cyrus (which is also a biblical name!) yet has connections to the Christian faith. However, this name is heating up fast. At #110 and rising, Silas is starting to look like a new biblical favorite.
Tobias- Another ends in -as name, Tobias and vintage nickname Toby are bounding up the charts. At #275 as of 2018 in the USA, I doubt he’ll go anywhere but up in the upcoming years, as the strength and masculinity behind this biblical moniker is very appealing to many parents. Meaning “God is good,” Tobias’s future looks very bright.
Asher- We’ve loved Ashley, Ashton, Ashlynn, and just plain Ash for decades now, and Asher looks to be the next Ash craze. With that beloved -er sound that accompanies names like Hunter and Carter, and the help of biblical ties and significant meaning, it’s a wonder Asher hasn’t already cracked the top 20. This name is #47 and means “fortunate and happy.”
Bold Biblical:
Although many biblical names are classic and well-used names in this era, others don’t blend in quite as much. Noah, James, and Benjamin are just as special as Zachariah and Abner, but the second set of names reads more biblical and bold. If you’re searching for a biblical name that stands out from the crowd, you may want to consider one of these. Biblical names aren’t all popular, and these definitely aren’t! Honorable mention goes to Obadiah, Malachi, and Lazarus.
Zechariah- This bold Hebrew name screams biblical while having the safety net of Zach in case your son prefers to blend in to the crowd. With the meaning “the Lord has remembered,” this obscure moniker resides in the mid-700s on the charts. Although this spelling is the original, the spelling Zacharaiah may be more optimal if you intend to shorten the name to Zach.
Mordecai- With the recent success of Kai, Mordecai could have a moment sometime soon. A brother name to Malachi, this name meaning “warrior” has yet to even crack the top 1,000. This makes him an excellent option for parents who want to avoid popular biblical choices and go for something a bit more individual. Similarly to Zechariah, this name comes with a contemporary nickname (Cai) if your little boy finds his lengthy appellation burdensome.
Thaddeus- The name of one of the 12 apostles, Thaddeus may be prepping for a comeback. With Theodore and ends in -s names climbing the charts, this ancient treasure may resurface. For now, Thaddeus remains just below #700, but with the nickname Tad/Thadd, he may have a future in the top 500.
That concludes my three mini lists of biblical boys' names, and whether biblical names hold a special significance for you and your partner or not, I hope one of these many names at least has a pleasant sound to you. If you’d like me to repeat this list with girls' names, make sure to let me know in the comments section below.
Sincerely,
~Delphina Moon
Do you like biblical names? If not, submit my form with some other styles you prefer and I’ll try my best to create a list!