Abaddon אֲבַדּוֹן m BiblicalMeans
"ruin, destruction" in Hebrew. In Revelation in the New Testament this is another name of the angel of the abyss.
Abednego עֲבֵד־נְגוֹ m BiblicalMeans
"servant of Nebo" in Akkadian,
Nebo being the Babylonian god of wisdom. In the Old Testament Abednego is the Babylonian name given to
Azariah, one of the three men cast into a blazing furnace but saved from harm by God, as told in the Book of Daniel.
Abiathar אֶבְיָתָר m BiblicalFrom Hebrew
אֶבְיָתָר ('Evyatar) meaning
"my father abounds" or
"my father excels". In the Old Testament Abiathar was a high priest during the reign of King
David.
Abiel אֲבִיאֵל m BiblicalMeans
"God is my father" in Hebrew. This was the name of the grandfather of Saul in the Old Testament.
Abihu אֲבִיהוּא m BiblicalMeans
"he is my father" in Hebrew. This is the name of a son of
Aaron in the Old Testament. He and his brother Nadab were killed by God because they presented him with unauthorized fire.
Abijah אֲבִיָה m & f BiblicalMeans
"my father is Yahweh" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this is the name of several characters, both male and female, including the second king of Judah (also known as
Abijam).
Abimael אֲבִימָאֵל, Ἀβιμαέλ m Biblical, Biblical GreekMeaning uncertain, though the first element is likely Hebrew
אָב ('av) meaning "father". In the Old Testament he is listed as a descendant of Shem.
Abiram אֲבִירָם m BiblicalMeans
"my father is exalted" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament, Abiram is swallowed by an earthquake after rebelling against the leadership of
Moses.
Abishai אֲבִישַׁי m BiblicalMeans
"my father is a gift" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament he is one of King
David's heroes.
Abner אַבְנֵר m English, Biblical, Biblical LatinMeans
"my father is a light" in Hebrew, from
אָב ('av) meaning "father" and
נֵר (ner) meaning "lamp, light". In the Old Testament, Abner was a cousin of
Saul and the commander of his army. After he killed Asahel he was himself slain by Asahel's brother
Joab.
... [more] Absalom אַבְשָׁלוֹם m Biblical, Biblical LatinFrom the Hebrew name
אַבְשָׁלוֹם ('Avshalom) meaning
"my father is peace", derived from
אָב ('av) meaning "father" and
שָׁלוֹם (shalom) meaning "peace". In the Old Testament he is a son of King
David. He avenged his sister
Tamar by arranging the murder of her rapist, their half-brother
Amnon. He later led a revolt against his father. While fleeing on the back of a mule he got his head caught in a tree and was killed by
Joab.
Achaicus Ἀχαϊκός m Biblical, Biblical LatinLatinized form of the Greek name
Ἀχαϊκός (Achaikos), which referred to the region in Greece called
Ἀχαΐα (Achaia), situated on the northern coast of the Peloponnese. In the New Testament this is the name of a Corinthian Christian who aids Saint
Paul.
Achan עָכָן m BiblicalPossibly a variation of the Hebrew word
עֲכָר ('akhar) meaning
"trouble". In the Old Testament, Achan is stoned to death because he steals forbidden items during the assault on Jericho.
Achim 2 Ἀχείμ m BiblicalPossibly means
"he will establish" in Hebrew. In the New Testament this name is listed as an ancestor of
Jesus.
Adaiah עֲדָיָה m BiblicalFrom the Hebrew name
עֲדָיָה ('Adayah) meaning
"Yahweh has adorned". This is the name of numerous Old Testament characters, including the father of
Jedidah.
Adalia אֲדַלְיָא m BiblicalMeaning unknown, possibly of Persian origin. In Book of Esther in the Old Testament this is the name of a son of
Haman the Agagite.
Adino עֲדִינוֹ m BiblicalMeans
"ornament" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this is the name of one of King
David's mighty men.
Adonijah אֲדֹנִיָה m BiblicalMeans
"my lord is Yahweh" in Hebrew. This is the name of one of King
David's sons in the Old Testament. Though he was the eldest surviving son of David, he was passed over as heir to the throne in favour of
Solomon.
Agrippa m & f Ancient Roman, BiblicalRoman cognomen of unknown meaning, possibly from a combination of Greek
ἄγριος (agrios) meaning "wild" and
ἵππος (hippos) meaning "horse" or alternatively of Etruscan origin. It was also used as a praenomen, or given name, by the Furia and Menenia families. In the New Testament this name was borne by Herod Agrippa (a grandson of Herod the Great), the king of Israel who put the apostle James to death. It was also borne by the 1st-century BC Roman general Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa.
Ahab אַחְאָב m Biblical, Biblical LatinMeans
"uncle", from Hebrew
אָח ('ach) meaning "brother" and
אָב ('av) meaning "father". This was the name of a king of Israel, the husband of
Jezebel, as told in the Old Testament. He was admonished by
Elijah for his sinful behaviour. Herman Melville later used this name in his novel
Moby-Dick (1851), where it belongs to a sea captain obsessively hunting for a white whale.
Ahasuerus אֲחַשְׁוֵרוֹשׁ m BiblicalFrom Hebrew
אֲחַשְׁוֵרוֹשׁ ('Achashwerosh), from the Old Persian name
Xšayarša (see
Xerxes). This name appears several times in the Old Testament belonging to a king of Persia. In the Book of Esther, Ahasuerus is the husband of
Esther.
Allon אַלּוֹן m BiblicalMeans
"oak" in Hebrew. This name is mentioned briefly in the Old Testament.
Alvah עַלְוָה m BiblicalMeans
"his highness" in Hebrew. This name is mentioned in the Old Testament as belonging to a descendant of Esau.
Amal 2 עָמָל m BiblicalMeans
"work" in Hebrew. This was the name of an Asherite in the Old Testament.
Amariah אֲמַרְיָהוּ m BiblicalMeans
"Yahweh has said" in Hebrew. This is the name of several Old Testament characters.
Amaziah אֲמַצְיָהוּ m BiblicalMeans
"Yahweh strengthens" in Hebrew. This is the name of several Old Testament characters, including a king of Judah.
Ami 1 אָמִי m BiblicalMeans
"trustworthy, reliable" in Hebrew. This was the name of a servant of King
Solomon in the Old Testament.
Anah עֲנָה f & m Biblical, Biblical HebrewMeans
"answer" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this name belongs to one female character and two male characters.
Areli אַרְאֵלִי m BiblicalMeans
"lion of God, hero" in Hebrew. This was the name of a son of
Gad in the Old Testament.
Aretas Ἀρέτας m BiblicalGreek form of an Aramaic name, of unknown meaning. This was the name of four Nabataean kings of
Petra in Jordan, including the first king (2nd century BC). King Aretas IV is mentioned briefly in the New Testament.
Aridai אֲרִידַי m BiblicalMeaning uncertain, possibly of Persian origin. In the Old Testament this is the name of one of the ten sons of
Haman killed by the Jews.
Artaxerxes Ἀρταξέρξης m Old Persian (Hellenized), Biblical, HistoryGreek form of the Old Persian name
𐎠𐎼𐎫𐎧𐏁𐏂𐎠 (Artaxšaça) meaning
"true reign", derived from
𐎠𐎼𐎫 (arta) meaning "true" and
𐎧𐏁𐏂𐎶 (xšaçam) meaning "reign, kingdom". This was the name of several Achaemenid Persian rulers. It was also borne by the founder of the Sasanian Empire, usually known by the Middle Persian form
Ardashir.
Asaph אָסָף m BiblicalMeans
"collector" in Hebrew. This name belongs to several minor characters in the Old Testament.
Athaliah עֲתַלְיָה f & m BiblicalPossibly means
"Yahweh is exalted" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this is both a feminine and masculine name. It was borne by the daughter of
Ahab and
Jezebel, who later came to rule Judah as a queen.
Azazel עֲזָאזֵל m BiblicalMeans
"scapegoat" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament, this is the name of the recipient of a sacrificial goat. The identity of Azazel is not clear; it may in fact be the name of the place where the goat is to be sacrificed, or it may be the name of some sort of evil desert demon.
Azaziah עֲזַזְיָהוּ m BiblicalMeans
"Yahweh is strong" in Hebrew. This is the name of three minor characters in the Old Testament.
Azel אָצֵל m BiblicalMeans
"reserved" in Hebrew. This is both the name of a minor character and a place name in the Old Testament.
Azriel עֲזְרִיאֵל m BiblicalMeans
"my help is God", derived from Hebrew
עָזַר ('azar) meaning "help" and
אֵל ('el) meaning "God". This is the name of three minor characters in the Old Testament.
Bartholomew m English, BiblicalEnglish form of
Βαρθολομαῖος (Bartholomaios), which was the Greek form of an Aramaic name meaning
"son of Talmai". In the New Testament
Bartholomew is the byname of an apostle, possibly the same person as the apostle
Nathanael. According to tradition he was a missionary to India before returning westward to Armenia, where he was martyred by flaying. Due to the popularity of this saint the name became common in England during the Middle Ages.
Baruch בָּרוּך m Biblical, Biblical Latin, HebrewMeans
"blessed" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this is the name of a companion of the prophet Jeremiah, acting as his scribe and assistant. The deuterocanonical Book of Baruch was supposedly written by him. A famous bearer was Baruch Spinoza (1632-1677), a Dutch-Jewish rationalist philosopher.
Belial בְּלִיַעַל m Biblical, Biblical Latin, Judeo-Christian-Islamic LegendMeans
"worthless" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this term is used to refer to various wicked people. In the New Testament, Paul uses it as a name for Satan. In later Christian tradition Belial became an evil angel associated with lawlessness and lust.
Belshazzar בֵּלְשַׁאצַּר m Babylonian (Anglicized), BiblicalFrom
בֵּלְשַׁאצַּר (Belshatzzar), the Hebrew form of the Akkadian name
Bel-sharra-usur meaning "
Bel protect the king". This was the name of the son of Nabonidus, the last king of the Babylonian Empire before the Persians conquered it in the 6th century BC. In the Old Testament Book of Daniel Belshazzar is the last king of Babylon who sees the mystical handwriting on the wall, which is interpreted by Daniel to portend the end of the empire.
Benaiah בְּנָיָה m BiblicalFrom the Hebrew name
בְּנָיָה (Benayah) meaning
"Yahweh has built". This is the name of numerous Old Testament characters.
Bethuel בֵּתוּאֵל m BiblicalPossibly means
"God destroys" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this is the name of the father of
Rebecca.
Boaz בֹּעַז m Biblical, Hebrew, Dutch, Biblical HebrewMeans
"swiftness" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this is the name of the man who marries
Ruth. This was also the name of one of the two pillars that stood outside Solomon's Temple (with
Jachin).
Buz בּוּז m BiblicalMeans
"contempt" in Hebrew. This is the name of a son of
Abraham's brother
Nahor in the Old Testament.
Carmi כַּרְמִי m BiblicalMeans
"vine" in Hebrew. This was the name of a son of Reuben in the Old Testament.
Carpus Καρπός m Biblical, Biblical LatinLatin form of the Greek name
Καρπός (Karpos), which meant
"fruit, profits". The name is mentioned briefly in the New Testament in the second epistle of Timothy.
Cephas Κηφᾶς m Biblical, Biblical LatinMeans
"rock" in Aramaic. The apostle
Simon was called Cephas by
Jesus because he was to be the rock upon which the Christian church was to be built. In most versions of the New Testament
Cephas is translated into Greek
Πέτρος (Petros) (in English
Peter).
Clopas Κλωπᾶς m BiblicalMeaning unknown, probably of Aramaic origin. In the New Testament Clopas is mentioned briefly as the husband of one of the women who witnessed the crucifixion, sometimes identified with
Alphaeus.
Cornelius m Ancient Roman, English, Dutch, German, BiblicalRoman family name that possibly derives from the Latin element
cornu meaning
"horn". In Acts in the New Testament Cornelius is a centurion who is directed by an angel to seek
Peter. After speaking with Peter he converts to Christianity, and he is traditionally deemed the first gentile convert. The name was also borne by a few early saints, including a 3rd-century pope. In England it came into use in the 16th century, partly due to Dutch influence.
Dathan דָּתָן m BiblicalPossibly means
"fountain" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this is the name of one of the conspirators against
Moses.
Delaiah דְּלָיָהוּ m BiblicalMeans
"Yahweh has drawn up" in Hebrew. This is the name of several Old Testament characters.
Diklah דִּקְלָה m & f Hebrew, Biblical, Biblical HebrewPossibly means
"palm grove" in Hebrew or Aramaic. In the Old Testament this is the name of a son of
Joktan. In modern times it is also used as a feminine name.
Dionysius Διονύσιος m Ancient Greek (Latinized), BiblicalLatin form of
Dionysios. Dionysius the Areopagite, who is mentioned in the New Testament, was a judge converted to Christianity by Saint
Paul. This was also the name of many other early saints, including a 3rd-century pope.
Eder 1 עֵדֶר m BiblicalMeans
"flock" in Hebrew. This was the name of a son of Beriah in the Old Testament.
Edom אֱדוֹם m BiblicalFrom Hebrew
אָדֹם ('adom) meaning
"red". According to the Old Testament,
Esau, who is described as having red skin, was given this name because he traded his birthright for a helping of red broth. The bible goes on to tell that Esau was the founder of the ancient nation of Edom, located to the south of the kingdom of Judah.
Ehud אֵהוּד m Biblical, Hebrew, Biblical HebrewMeaning unknown, possibly related to Hebrew
אֶחָד ('echad) meaning
"one". In the Old Testament this is the name of one of the biblical judges. He killed Eglon, the king of Moab, and freed the city of Jericho from Moabite rule.
Elah אֵלָה m Biblical, Biblical HebrewMeans
"terebinth tree" in Hebrew. This was the name of the fourth king of Israel, as told in the Old Testament. He was murdered by
Zimri, who succeeded him.
Elam עֵילָם m BiblicalPossibly means either "hidden" or "eternity" in Hebrew. This is the name of several characters in the Old Testament, including a son of
Shem who was the ancestor of the Elamite peoples.
Eldad אֵלְדָד m BiblicalMeans
"God has loved" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament he is one of the two elders who prophesizes in the Israelite camp.
Elhanan אֶלְחָנָן m BiblicalMeans
"God is gracious" in Hebrew. This is the name of two Old Testament characters.
Eliab אֱלִיאָב m BiblicalFrom Hebrew
אֱלִיאָב ('Eli'av) meaning
"my God is father". This is the name of several people from the Old Testament, including a brother of King
David.
Eliakim אֶלְיָקִים m BiblicalMeans
"God rises" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this is the name of the master of Hezekiah's household.
Elioenai אֶלְיוֹעֵינַי m BiblicalMeans
"my eyes look to God" in Hebrew. This was the name of several minor characters in the Old Testament.
Eliphelet אֱלִיפֶלֶט m BiblicalMeans
"God is release" in Hebrew. This is the name of several people in the Old Testament including a son of
David.
Elnathan אֶלְנָתָן m BiblicalFrom Hebrew
אֶלְנָתָן ('Elnatan) meaning
"God has given". In the Old Testament this is the name of both a grandfather of King Jehoiachin and a son of Akbor.
Elon אֵילוֹן m Biblical, Hebrew, Biblical HebrewMeans
"oak tree" in Hebrew. According to the Old Testament this was the name of one of the ruling judges of the Israelites. A notable modern bearer is the entrepreneur Elon Musk (1971-), who was born in South Africa and also holds Canadian and American citizenship (he is not Jewish).
Eran עֵירָן m BiblicalMeans
"watchful, vigilant" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament he is a grandson of Ephraim.
Erastus Ἔραστος m Biblical, Biblical LatinLatinized form of the Greek name
Ἔραστος (Erastos) meaning
"beloved". This was the name of an assistant of
Paul mentioned in Acts and two epistles in the New Testament.
Esau עֵשָׂו, Ἠσαῦ m Biblical, Biblical Latin, Biblical GreekFrom the Hebrew name
עֵשָׂו ('Esaw), which possibly meant
"hairy". In the Old Testament Esau is the elder of the twin sons of
Isaac and
Rebecca. Once when he was very hungry he sold his birthright to his twin
Jacob for a bowl of stew. Later Jacob disguised himself as Esau and received the elder son's blessing from the blind Isaac. Esau, also called
Edom, was the ancestor of the Edomites.
Eutychus Εὔτυχος m Biblical, Biblical LatinLatinized form of the Greek name
Εὔτυχος (Eutychos), which was derived from Greek
εὐτυχής (eutyches) meaning
"fortunate". The word was formed of the elements
εὖ (eu) meaning "good" and
τύχη (tyche) meaning "chance, luck, fortune". In the New Testament this is the name of a young man who went to sleep while
Paul was preaching and fell from the third story of the building. He was believed to be dead, but later turned out to be alive.
Ezer אֵצֶר m Biblical, Biblical HebrewMeans
"help" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this is the name of a son of Seir, as well as several other minor characters.
Gaius m Ancient Roman, Biblical Latin, BiblicalRoman praenomen, or given name, of uncertain meaning. It is possibly derived from Latin
gaudere "to rejoice", though it may be of unknown Etruscan origin. This was a very common Roman praenomen, the most famous bearers being Gaius Julius Caesar, the great leader of the Roman Republic, and his adopted son Gaius Octavius (later known as Augustus), the first Roman emperor. This name also appears in the New Testament belonging to a bishop of Ephesus who is regarded as a saint.
Gamaliel גַּמְלִיאֵל, Γαμαλιήλ m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew, Biblical GreekMeans
"my reward is God" in Hebrew. This name appears in the Old Testament belonging to a son of Pedahzur. It was also borne by a 1st-century Jewish priest and scholar, mentioned in Acts in the New Testament as a teacher of Saint
Paul.
Gedaliah גְּדַלְיָהוּ m BiblicalMeans
"Yahweh is great" in Hebrew. This was the name of several characters in the Old Testament, including the governor of Judah appointed by Nebuchadnezzar.
Gemariah גְּמַרְיָהוּ m BiblicalMeans
"Yahweh has completed" in Hebrew. This is the name of a friend of Jeremiah in the Old Testament.
Gera גֵּרָא m BiblicalPossibly means
"a grain" in Hebrew. This was the name of several members of the tribe of Benjamin in the Old Testament.
Gilead גִּלְעָד m BiblicalFrom an Old Testament place name meaning
"heap of witness" in Hebrew. This is a mountainous region east of the Jordan River. Besides being a place name, it is also borne by people in the Bible.
Habakkuk חֲבַקּוּק m BiblicalFrom the Hebrew name
חֲבַקּוּק (Chavaqquq), perhaps meaning
"embrace" from the root
חָבַק (chavaq). In the Old Testament this is one of the twelve minor prophets, the author of the Book of Habakkuk.
Haggai חַגַּי m BiblicalMeans
"festive" in Hebrew, from the root
חָגַג (chagag). This is one of the twelve minor prophets of the Old Testament. He was the author of the Book of Haggai, which urges the exiles returning from Babylonia to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.
Ham חָם m BiblicalMeans
"hot, warm" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament, Ham is one of
Noah's three sons, along with
Shem and
Japheth. He was the ancestor of the Egyptians and Canaanites.
Haman הָמָן m Biblical, Biblical HebrewMeaning uncertain, of Persian origin. In the Book of Esther in the Old Testament Haman, called the Agagite, is an adviser to the Persian king. He plots to have all the Jews in the realm executed, but is foiled by Queen
Esther.
Hanan 1 חָנָן m BiblicalMeans
"gracious" in Hebrew. This is the name of several minor characters in the Old Testament.
Hananiah חֲנַנְיָה m BiblicalMeans
"Yahweh is gracious" in Hebrew. This name appears frequently in the Old Testament. It is the Hebrew name of
Shadrach.
Havilah חֲוִילָה m BiblicalProbably means
"to dance, to circle, to twist" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this is both a place name and a masculine personal name.
Hazael חֲזָאֵל m BiblicalMeans
"God sees" in Hebrew. This is the name of a king of Aram in the Old Testament.
Heber 2 חֶבֶר m BiblicalMeans
"enclave" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this name is borne by a great-grandson of
Jacob and also by the husband of
Jael.
Heli 1 m Biblical, Biblical LatinLatin form of
Eli 1 used in the Old and New Testament. This form of the name is used in most English versions of the New Testament to refer to the father of
Joseph (husband of
Mary) in the genealogy in the Gospel of Luke.
Herod Ἡρῴδης m BiblicalFrom the Greek name
Ἡρῴδης (Herodes), which probably means
"song of the hero" from
ἥρως (heros) meaning "hero, warrior" combined with
ᾠδή (ode) meaning "song, ode". This was the name of several rulers of Judea during the period when it was part of the Roman Empire. This includes two who appear in the New Testament: Herod the Great, the king who ordered the slaughter of the children, and his son Herod Antipas, who had
John the Baptist beheaded.
Hillel הִלֵּל m Biblical, Hebrew, Biblical HebrewDerived from Hebrew
הָלַל (halal) meaning
"praise". This name is mentioned briefly in the Old Testament as the father of the judge Abdon. It was also borne by the 1st-century BC Jewish scholar Hillel the Elder.
Hirah חִירָה m BiblicalMeans
"splendour" in Hebrew. This was the name of a companion of Judah in the Old Testament.
Hiram חִירָם m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew, EnglishFrom Phoenician
𐤇𐤓𐤌 (Ḥirom) meaning
"exalted brother". This was the name of a king of Tyre in the Old Testament. He may have reigned in the 10th century BC. As an English given name,
Hiram came into use after the Protestant Reformation. In the 17th century the Puritans brought it to America, where it gained some currency.
Hosea הוֹשֵׁעַ m BiblicalVariant English form of
Hoshea, though the name is spelled the same in the Hebrew text. Hosea is one of the twelve minor prophets of the Old Testament, the author of the Book of Hosea. Written in the northern kingdom, it draws parallels between his relationship with his unfaithful wife and the relationship between God and his people.
Hoshea הוֹשֵׁעַ m Biblical, Biblical HebrewFrom the Hebrew name
הוֹשֵׁעַ (Hoshe'a) meaning
"salvation", from the root
יָשַׁע (yasha'). In the Old Testament at
Numbers 13:16,
Moses gives the spy Hoshea the new name
Yehoshu'a (see
Joshua), which has a related origin. This name was also borne by an 8th-century BC king of Israel, who was the last ruler of that state before it was conquered by Assyria.
Huri חוּרִי m BiblicalMeans
"linen weaver" in Hebrew. This was the name of the father of Abihail in the Old Testament.
Ichabod אִיכָבוֹד m BiblicalMeans
"no glory" in Hebrew, from
אִי ('i) meaning "not" and
כָּבוֹד (kavod) meaning "glory". In the Old Testament he is the grandson of
Eli and the son of
Phinehas. He was named this because his mother despaired that "the glory has departed from Israel" (
1 Samuel 4:21). This name was also used by Washington Irving for Ichabod Crane, the main character in his short story
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1820).
Iddo עִדּוֹ m BiblicalFrom the Hebrew name
עִדּוֹ ('Iddo), possibly derived from
עָדָה ('adah) meaning "to pass, to continue". This is the name of a few characters in the Old Testament, including an obscure prophet who lived during the reign of
Solomon and the grandfather of the prophet
Zechariah.
Ishmael יִשְׁמָעֵאל m BiblicalFrom the Hebrew name
יִשְׁמָעֵאל (Yishma'el) meaning
"God will hear", from the roots
שָׁמַע (shama') meaning "to hear" and
אֵל ('el) meaning "God". In the Old Testament this is the name of a son of
Abraham. He is the traditional ancestor of the Arab people. Also in the Old Testament, it is borne by a man who assassinates
Gedaliah the governor of Judah. The author Herman Melville later used this name for the narrator in his novel
Moby-Dick (1851).
Ishmerai יִשְׁמְרַי m BiblicalMeans
"he guards me" in Hebrew. This name is mentioned briefly in the Old Testament.
Ishvi יִשְׁוִי m BiblicalMeans
"he resembles me" in Hebrew. This is the name of a son of
Asher in the Old Testament.
Issachar יִשָּׂשׁכָר, Ἰσσαχάρ m Biblical, Biblical Latin, Biblical GreekPossibly means
"man of hire" or
"there is reward", from Hebrew
שָׁכַר (shakhar) meaning "hire, wage, reward". In the Old Testament this is the name of one of the twelve sons of
Jacob (by
Leah) and the founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. A justification for the name's meaning is given in
Genesis 30:18.
Ithiel אִיתִיאֵל m BiblicalPossibly means
"God is with me" in Hebrew. This is the name of a minor character in the Old Testament.
Ittai אִתַּי, אִיתַי m BiblicalFrom a Hebrew name spelled variously
אִתַּי ('Ittai) or
אִיתַי ('Itai) meaning
"with me". In the Old Testament this is the name of one of King
David's mighty men.
Jaala יַעֲלָה m BiblicalMeans
"wild goat" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this is the name of a servant of Solomon.
Jaasau יַעֲשָׂי m BiblicalMeans
"they will do" in Hebrew. This was the name of a descendant of Bani in the Old Testament.
Jabez יַעְבֵץ m BiblicalMeans
"sorrow" in Hebrew. This is the name of a character in the Old Testament who is blessed by God.
Jabin יָבִין m BiblicalMeans
"perceptive" in Hebrew. This name was borne by two kings of Hazor in the Old Testament.
Jachin יָכִין m BiblicalMeans
"he establishes" in Hebrew. This was the name of a son of
Simeon in the Old Testament. It was also the name of one of the two pillars that stood outside Solomon's Temple,
Boaz being the other.
Jadon יָדוֹן m BiblicalPossibly means either
"thankful" or
"he will judge" in Hebrew. This name is borne by a minor character in the Old Testament.
Jahleel יַחְלְאֵל m BiblicalMeans
"God waits" in Hebrew. This name is mentioned briefly in the Old Testament.
Jairus m BiblicalFrom
Ἰάϊρος (Iairos), the Greek form of
Jair used in the New Testament, where it belongs to the father of a young girl brought back to life by
Jesus.
Jamin יָמִין m BiblicalMeans
"right hand" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this is the name of a son of
Simeon.
Japheth יֶפֶת m BiblicalFrom the Hebrew name
יֶפֶת (Yefet) meaning
"enlarged". In the Old Testament he is one of the three sons of
Noah, along with
Shem and
Ham. He was the ancestor of the peoples of Europe and Northern Asia.
Jarah יֲעְרָה m BiblicalMeans
"honeycomb" and
"honeysuckle" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this is the name of a descendant of
Saul.
Javan יָוָן m BiblicalMeans
"Greece" in Hebrew, possibly related to
Ion 2. In the Old Testament this is the name of a grandson of
Noah and the ancestor of the Greek peoples.
Jehiel יְחִיאֵל m BiblicalMeans
"God will live" in Hebrew. This is the name of several people in the Old Testament, including one of King
David's lute players.
Jehoash יְהוֹאָשׁ m BiblicalFrom the Hebrew name
יְהוֹאָשׁ (Yeho'ash), an extended form of
יוֹאָשׁ (see
Joash). According to the Old Testament, this was the name of a king of Israel. He probably reigned in the 8th century BC.
Jehohanan יְהוֹחָנָן m BiblicalFrom the Hebrew name
Yehochanan, an extended form of
Yochanan (see
John). It is borne by a few minor characters in the English Old Testament.
Jehoiachin יְהוֹיָכִין m BiblicalMeans
"Yahweh will establish" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this is the name of a king of Judah. Also known as
Jeconiah, he was imprisoned in Babylon by
Nebuchadnezzar after a brief reign in the early 6th century BC.
Jehoiakim יְהוֹיָקִים m BiblicalMeans
"raised by Yahweh" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this is the name of a king of Judah. He lived in the 7th century BC, and was the son of
Josiah and the father of
Jehoiachin.
Jehoram יְהוֹרָם m BiblicalFrom the Hebrew name
יְהוֹרָם (Yehoram) meaning
"exalted by Yahweh". In the Old Testament this is the name of a king of Judah and a king of Israel, both of whom ruled at about the same time in the 9th century BC.
Jehoshaphat יְהוֹשָׁפָט m BiblicalMeans
"Yahweh has judged" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament he is the fourth king of Judah, noted for having a generally peaceful and prosperous reign.
Jehu יְהוּא m BiblicalMeans
"Yahweh is he" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this is the name of a king of Israel. He ruled in the 9th century BC, coming to power by overthrowing
Jehoram. This was also the name of a prophet during the reign of the king Baasha.
Jehudi יְהוּדִי m BiblicalMeans
"Jew" in Hebrew, ultimately referring to a person from the tribe of
Judah. In the Old Testament this is the name of a servant of King
Jehoiakim.
Jephthah יִפְתַח m BiblicalMeans
"he opens" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this name belongs to a ruling judge. He successfully defended Israel from the Ammonites, but was then obliged to sacrifice his daughter because of a vow he had made.
Jerahmeel יְרַחְמְאֵל m BiblicalFrom Hebrew
יְרַחְמְאֵל (Yerachme'el) meaning
"God will have pity". This name is borne by a few minor characters in the Old Testament.
Jeriah יְרִיָהוּ m BiblicalMeans
"taught by Yahweh" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament, Jeriah is a descendant of Hebron.
Jeroboam יָרָבְעָם m BiblicalFrom the Hebrew name
יָרָבְעָם (Yarav'am) meaning
"the people contend". According to the Old Testament, this was the name of the leader of the revolt against King
Rehoboam of Israel. The kingdom was split into Judah in the south and Israel in the north, with Jeroboam becoming the first king of the latter.
Jethro יִתְרוֹ m BiblicalFrom the Hebrew name
יִתְרוֹ (Yitro), which was derived from the Hebrew word
יֶתֶר (yeter) meaning
"abundance". According to the Old Testament, Jethro was a Midianite priest who sheltered
Moses when he fled Egypt. He was the father of
Zipporah, who became Moses's wife. A famous bearer of the name was Jethro Tull (1674-1741), an English inventor and agriculturist.
Joab יוֹאָב m BiblicalMeans
"Yahweh is father" in Hebrew. According to the Old Testament, he was the commander of King
David's army. In separate incidents he killed both
Abner and
Absalom. When
Solomon came to power he was executed.
Joah יוֹאָח m BiblicalMeans
"Yahweh is brother" in Hebrew. This is the name of four people in the Old Testament.
Joash יוֹאָשׁ m BiblicalFrom the Hebrew name
יוֹאָשׁ (Yo'ash), possibly meaning
"fire of Yahweh". In the Old Testament this name was borne by several characters including the father of
Gideon, a king of Judah, and a son of King
Ahab of Israel.
Job אִיּוֹב m Biblical, Biblical French, DutchFrom the Hebrew name
אִיּוֹב ('Iyyov), which means
"persecuted, hated". In the Book of Job in the Old Testament he is a righteous man who is tested by God, enduring many tragedies and hardships while struggling to remain faithful.
Johanan יוֹחָנָן m BiblicalForm of
Yochanan (see
John) used in the English Old Testament, where is borne by several people including a military leader in the time of the prophet
Jeremiah.
Joktan יָקְטָן m BiblicalMeans
"small" in Hebrew. This is the name of a son of Eber in the Old Testament.
Jorah יוֹרָה m Biblical, LiteratureFrom the Hebrew name
יוֹרָה (Yorah) meaning either
"he teaches" or
"rain". This name is mentioned briefly in the Book of Ezra in the Old Testament. It was used by George R. R. Martin for a character in his fantasy series
A Song of Ice and Fire (first published 1996) and the television adaptation
Game of Thrones (2011-2019). It is not known if Martin took the name from the Bible.
Joram יוֹרָם m BiblicalContracted form of
Yehoram (see
Jehoram). This name belongs to several minor characters in the Old Testament, as well as being another name for the kings Jehoram of Israel and Jehoram of Judah.
Joses Ἰωσῆς m BiblicalFrom
Ἰωσῆς (Ioses), a Greek variant of
Joseph used in the New Testament to distinguish Joseph the brother of James from the many other characters of that name.
Jotham יוֹתָם m BiblicalMeans
"Yahweh is perfect" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this is the name of both a son of
Gideon and a king of Judah.
Jubal יוּבָל m BiblicalMeans
"stream" in Hebrew. This name is mentioned in Genesis in the Old Testament as belonging to the first person to be a musician.
Judas Ἰούδας m BiblicalFrom
Ἰούδας (Ioudas), the Greek form of
Judah. This is the name of several characters in the New Testament including the infamous Judas Iscariot, the apostle who betrayed
Jesus to the Jewish authorities in exchange for money.
Kemuel קְמוּאֵל m BiblicalFrom the Hebrew name
קְמוּאֵל (Qemu'el) meaning
"raised by God". This is the name of a nephew of
Abraham in the Old Testament.
Kenan 1 קֵינָן m BiblicalPossibly means
"possession" in Hebrew. He is a son of
Enosh and a great-grandson of
Adam in the Old Testament.
Kenaniah כְּנַנְיָהוּ m BiblicalMeans
"Yahweh establishes" in Hebrew. This was the name of two minor Old Testament characters.
Lael לָאֵל m Biblical, Biblical HebrewMeans
"of God" in Hebrew. This is the name of the father of Eliasaph in the Old Testament. It is misspelled as
Δαήλ (Dael) in the Greek translation, the Septuagint.
Lamech לֶמֶכְ, Λάμεχ m Biblical, Biblical Latin, Biblical GreekPossibly means
"to make low" in Hebrew. This is the name of two characters in Genesis in the Old Testament, the first being a descendant of
Cain, and the second being a descendant of
Seth and the father of
Noah.
Lemuel לְמוּאֵל m Biblical, Mormon, Biblical HebrewMeans
"for God" in Hebrew. This was the name of a king briefly mentioned in Proverbs in the Old Testament. In the Book of Mormon it is the name of a rebellious son of
Lehi and
Sariah. It is also borne by the hero of Jonathan Swift's novel
Gulliver's Travels (1726).
Leviathan לִוְיָתָן m BiblicalFrom Hebrew
לִוְיָתָן (Liwyatan), derived from
לִוְיָה (liwyah) meaning
"garland, wreath". This is the name of an enormous sea monster mentioned in the Old Testament.
Lot 1 לוֹט m Biblical, Biblical HebrewMeans
"covering, veil" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this is the name of a nephew of
Abraham. Before Sodom was destroyed by God, he was directed to flee the city without looking back. However, his wife looked back on the destruction and was turned into a pillar of salt.
Lucius m Ancient Roman, Biblical, EnglishRoman praenomen, or given name, which was derived from Latin
lux "light". This was the most popular of the praenomina. Two Etruscan kings of early Rome had this name as well as several prominent later Romans, including Lucius Annaeus Seneca (known simply as Seneca), a statesman, philosopher, orator and tragedian. The name is mentioned briefly in the New Testament belonging to a Christian in Antioch. It was also borne by three popes, including the 3rd-century Saint Lucius. Despite this, the name was not regularly used in the Christian world until after the Renaissance.
Maacah מַעֲכָה f & m BiblicalFrom Hebrew
מָעַך (ma'akh) meaning
"to press, to crush". This name is borne by both male and female characters in the Old Testament.
Maaseiah מַעֲשֵׂיָה m BiblicalFrom the Hebrew name
מַעֲשֵׂיָה (Ma'aseyah) meaning
"work of Yahweh". This is the name of numerous Old Testament characters (mostly minor).
Madai מָדַי m BiblicalMeans
"Medes" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this is the name of a son of
Japheth. He was the ancestor of the Medes, an ancient people related to the Persians.
Mahlah מַחְלָה f & m BiblicalFrom the Hebrew name
מַחְלָה (Machlah), possibly from
חָלָה (chalah) meaning
"weak, sick". This name is used in the Old Testament as both a feminine and masculine name. In some versions of the Bible the masculine name is spelled
Mahalah.
Mahli מַחְלִי m BiblicalFrom the Hebrew name
מַחְלִי (Machli), possibly meaning
"weak, sick". This was the name of two characters mentioned briefly in the Old Testament.
Manasseh מְנַשֶּׁה m BiblicalMeans
"causing to forget" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this is the name of the oldest son of
Joseph and
Asenath and the ancestor of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. It was also borne by a 7th-century BC king of Judah, condemned in the Bible for allowing the worship of other gods.
Mattaniah מַתַּנְיָהוּ m BiblicalMeans
"gift of Yahweh" in Hebrew. This was the original name of Zedekiah, a king of Judah, in the Old Testament.
Mattithiah מַתִּתְיָהוּ m BiblicalForm of
Mattityahu (see
Matthew) used in the English Old Testament, where it belongs to a few minor characters.
Medad מֵידָד m BiblicalMeans
"love" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament Medad is one of the elders who prophesizes in the camp of the Israelites after the flight from Egypt.
Menahem מְנַחֵם m Biblical, HebrewFrom the Hebrew name
מְנַחֵם (Menachem) meaning
"comforter". This was the name of a king of Israel, appearing in the Old Testament. His reign was noted for its brutality.
Merari מְרָרִי m BiblicalMeans
"bitter" in Hebrew. This is the name of the youngest son of
Levi in the Old Testament.
Meshach מֵישַׁך m BiblicalPossibly means
"who is what Aku is?" in Akkadian,
Aku being the name of the Babylonian god of the moon. In the Book of Daniel in the Old Testament this is the Babylonian name of Mishael, one of the three men cast into a blazing furnace but saved from harm by God.
Meshullam מְשֻׁלָּם m Biblical, Biblical HebrewMeans
"friend, ally" in Hebrew, derived from
שָׁלַם (shalam) meaning "to be complete, to be at peace". This is the name of many characters in the Old Testament.
Methuselah מְתוּשֶׁלַח m BiblicalMeans
"man of the dart" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament he is the father of
Lamech and the grandfather of
Noah. He lived to age 969, making him the longest-lived person in the Bible.
Micaiah מִיכָיָהוּ, מִיכָיָה m & f BiblicalMeans
"who is like Yahweh?" in Hebrew. This name occurs in the Old Testament in a variety of Hebrew spellings, belonging to both males and females. It is the full name of
Micah, both the prophet and the man from the Book of Judges. As a feminine name it belongs to the mother of King
Abijah (at
2 Chronicles 13:2), though her name is listed as
Maacah in other passages.
Moab מוֹאָב m BiblicalMeans
"of his father" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this is the name of a son of
Lot. He was the ancestor of the Moabites, a people who lived in the region called Moab to the east of Israel.
Mordecai מָרְדֳּכַי m Biblical, HebrewMeans
"servant of Marduk" in Persian. In the Old Testament Mordecai is the cousin and foster father of
Esther. He thwarted a plot to kill the Persian king, though he made an enemy of the king's chief advisor
Haman.
Nadab נָדָב, Ναδάβ m Biblical, Biblical Latin, Biblical GreekMeans
"generous" in Hebrew. This is the name of a son of
Aaron in the Old Testament. He was consumed by flames and killed when he offered unauthorized fire to God. It was also the name of the second king of Israel.
Nahor נָחוֹר m BiblicalMeans
"snorting" in Hebrew. Nahor is the name of both the grandfather and a brother of
Abraham in the Old Testament.
Nahum נַחוּם m BiblicalMeans
"comforter" in Hebrew, from the root
נָחַם (nacham). Nahum is one of the twelve minor prophets of the Old Testament. He authored the Book of Nahum in which the downfall of Nineveh is foretold.
Naphtali נַפְתָלִי m BiblicalMeans
"my struggle, my strife" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament he is a son of
Jacob by
Rachel's servant
Bilhah, and the ancestor of one of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Nebuchadnezzar נְבוּכַדְנֶאצֲּר m Babylonian (Anglicized), BiblicalFrom
נְבוּכַדְנֶאצֲּר (Nevukhadnetzzar), the Hebrew form of the Akkadian name
Nabu-kudurri-usur meaning "Nabu protect my eldest son", derived from the god's name
Nabu combined with
kudurru meaning "eldest son" and an imperative form of
naṣāru meaning "to protect". This name was borne by a 12th-century BC king of the Babylonian Empire. It was also borne by a 6th-century BC king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. He captured Jerusalem, and ultimately destroyed the city's temple and deported many of its citizens, as told in the Old Testament.
Nereus Νηρεύς m Greek Mythology, Ancient Greek, Biblical, Biblical Latin, Biblical GreekDerived from Greek
νηρός (neros) meaning
"water". In Greek myth this was the name of a god of the sea, the father of the Nereids. It is mentioned briefly in the New Testament, belonging to a Christian in Rome. This was also the name of a Roman saint of the 1st century, a member of the army, who was martyred with his companion Achilleus because they refused to execute Christians.
Nethaniah נְתַנְיָהוּ m BiblicalMeans
"Yahweh has given" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this is the name of the father of
Ishmael (the assassin of Gedaliah), as well as other minor characters.
Nimrod נִמְרֹד m Biblical, Biblical HebrewMeaning unknown, possibly of Akkadian origin or possibly meaning
"rebel" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament Nimrod is a renowned hunter, the great-grandson of
Noah. He was the founder of Babylon.
... [more] Obadiah עֹבַדְיָה m BiblicalMeans
"serving Yahweh" in Hebrew, derived from
עָבַד ('avad) meaning "to serve" and
יָה (yah) referring to the Hebrew God. In the Old Testament this is the name of one of the twelve minor prophets, the author of the Book of Obadiah, which predicts the downfall of the nation of Edom. This is also the name of several other biblical characters.
Ohad אֹהַד m BiblicalMeans
"united" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament he is the third son of
Simeon.
Omri עָמְרִי m Biblical, Hebrew, Biblical HebrewPossibly means
"life" or
"servant" in Hebrew (or a related Semitic language). This was the name of a 9th-century BC military commander who became king of Israel. He appears in the Old Testament, where he is denounced as being wicked.
Onesimus Ὀνήσιμος m Biblical, Biblical LatinLatinized form of the Greek name
Ὀνήσιμος (Onesimos), which meant
"beneficial, profitable". Saint Onesimus was an escaped slave of
Philemon who met Saint
Paul while in prison and was converted by him. Paul sent him back to Philemon carrying the epistle that appears in the New Testament.
Onesiphorus Ὀνησίφορος m Biblical, Biblical LatinLatinized form of the Greek name
Ὀνησίφορος (Onesiphoros), which meant
"bringing advantage, beneficial". This name is mentioned briefly in
Paul's second epistle to
Timothy in the New Testament. According to tradition he was martyred by being tied to horses and then torn apart.
Ophir אוֹפִיר m & f Biblical, HebrewFrom Hebrew
אוֹפִיר ('Ofir), meaning unknown. This is the name of a son of
Joktan in the Old Testament (where it is also used as a place name).
Ophrah עָפְרָה m BiblicalMeans
"fawn" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this is the name of both a man mentioned in genealogies and a city in Manasseh.
Othniel עָתְנִיאֵל m BiblicalMeaning uncertain, possibly
"lion of God" or
"strength of God" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament he is a nephew of
Caleb who becomes the first of the ruling judges of the Israelites.
Pallu פַּלּוּא m BiblicalMeans
"distinguished" in Hebrew. This was the name of a son of Reuben in the Old Testament.
Paltiel פָּלְטִיאֵל m Biblical, Biblical HebrewMeans
"God is my deliverance" in Hebrew, derived from
פָּלַט (palat) meaning "to deliver, to rescue, to escape" combined with
אֵל ('el) meaning "God". This is the name of two Israelites in the Old Testament.
Perez פֶּרֶץ m BiblicalMeans
"breach, burst forth" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this is the name of the twin brother of
Zerah.
Phinehas פִּינְחָס m BiblicalProbably means
"Nubian" from the Egyptian name
Panhsj, though some believe it means
"serpent's mouth" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament Phinehas is a grandson of
Aaron who kills an Israelite because he is intimate with a Midianite woman, thus stopping a plague sent by God. Also in the Bible this is the son of
Eli, killed in battle with the Philistines.
Pontius m Ancient Roman, Biblical Latin, BiblicalRoman family name. The family had Samnite roots so the name probably originated from the Oscan language, likely meaning
"fifth" (a cognate of Latin
Quintus). Alternatively, it could be derived from the name of the ancient province of
Pontus in Asia Minor, itself probably from Greek
πόντος (pontos) meaning
"sea". A notable bearer of this name was Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea who appears in the New Testament.