Biblical Hebrew Names

These names appear in the Hebrew Bible. See also about biblical names.
gender
usage
'Achashwerosh אֲחַשְׁוֵרוֹשׁ m Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Ahasuerus.
'Ach'av אַחְאָב m Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Ahab.
Achinoam אֲחִינֹעַם f Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Ahinoam.
Ada 3 עָדָה f Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Adah.
'Adalya אֲדַלְיָא m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Adalia.
Adam אָדָם m English, French, German, Polish, Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Czech, Slovak, Russian, Ukrainian, Croatian, Serbian, Macedonian, Romanian, Catalan, Greek, Hebrew, Arabic, Georgian, Malay, Indonesian, Dhivehi, Biblical, Biblical Latin, Biblical Greek, Biblical Hebrew
This is the Hebrew word for "man". It could be ultimately derived from Hebrew אדם (ʾaḏam) meaning "to be red", referring to the ruddy colour of human skin, or from Akkadian adamu meaning "to make".... [more]
'Adaya עֲדָיָה m Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Adaiah.
'Adina עֲדִינָא m Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Adina 1.
Adino עֲדִינוֹ m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Probably from Hebrew עָדִין (ʿaḏin) meaning "delicate". In the Old Testament this is the name of one of King David's mighty men.
Adlai עַדְלָי m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Contracted form of Adalia. This is the name of the father of one of King David's herdsmen in the Old Testament.
Adoniram אֲדֹנִירָם m Biblical, Biblical Greek, Biblical Hebrew
Means "my lord is exalted" in Hebrew, derived from אָדוֹן (ʾaḏon) meaning "lord, master" and רוּם (rum) meaning "to exalt". In the Old Testament this is the name of an overseer of tribute under the kings David, Solomon and Rehoboam. He was stoned to death when the Israelites revolted.
'Adoniya אֲדֹנִיָה m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Adonijah.
Adriel עַדְרִיאֵל m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Means "flock of God" in Hebrew, from עֵדֶר (ʿeḏer) meaning "flock, herd" and אֵל (ʾel) meaning "God". In the Old Testament this is the name of a man who married Saul's daughter Merab.
Aharon אַהֲרֹן m Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Aaron.
'Aholivama אָהֳלִיבָמָה f Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Aholibamah.
'Akhsa עַכְסָה f Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Achsah.
Allon אַלּוֹן m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Means "oak" in Hebrew. This name is mentioned briefly in the Old Testament.
Amal 2 עָמָל m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Means "work" in Hebrew. This is the name of an Asherite in the Old Testament.
'Amaryahu אֲמַרְיָהוּ m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Amariah.
'Amatzyahu אֲמַצְיָהוּ m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Amaziah.
Ami 1 אָמִי m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Means "trustworthy, reliable" in Hebrew. This is the name of a servant of King Solomon in the Old Testament.
Amittai אֲמִתַּי m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Means "my truth" in Hebrew, a possessive form of אֱמֶת (ʾemeṯ) meaning "truth". In the Old Testament this is the name of the father of the prophet Jonah.
Ammiel עַמִּיאֵל m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Means "God is my kinsman" in Hebrew, from the roots עַם (ʿam) meaning "people, nation, kinsman" and אֵל (ʾel) meaning "God". This is the name of one of the spies sent out by Moses in the Old Testament.
Amnon אַמְנוֹן m Biblical, Biblical Latin, Biblical Greek, Biblical Hebrew, Hebrew
Means "faithful" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this is the name of the eldest son of King David. He was killed by his half-brother Absalom in revenge for the rape of his sister Tamar.
Amos עָמוֹס m English, Hebrew, Biblical, Biblical Latin, Biblical Greek, Biblical Hebrew
From Hebrew עָמַס (ʿamas) meaning "load, burden". Amos is one of the twelve minor prophets of the Old Testament, the author of the Book of Amos, which speaks against greed, corruption and oppression of the poor. Written about the 8th century BC, it is among the oldest of the prophetic books. As an English name, Amos has been used since the Protestant Reformation, and was popular among the Puritans.
Amram עַמְרָם m Biblical, Biblical Latin, Biblical Hebrew, Hebrew
Means "exalted nation" in Hebrew, from עַם (ʿam) meaning "people, nation" and רוּם (rum) meaning "to exalt". In the Old Testament, Amram is the father of Moses.
'Ana עֲנָה f & m Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Anah.
Anan 2 עָנָן m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew, Hebrew
Means "cloud" in Hebrew. This name is mentioned very briefly in the Old Testament.
Anani עֲנָנִי m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Means "my cloud" in Hebrew, a possessive form of עָנָן (ʿanan) meaning "cloud". This name is mentioned in the Old Testament as belonging to a descendant of King David.
Anat 2 עַנָת f & m Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Anath 1. In modern times it is often used as a feminine name.
'Anaya עֲנָיָה m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Anaiah.
Aram 3 אֲרָם m Biblical, Biblical Latin, Biblical Greek, Biblical Hebrew
From Hebrew אַרְמוֹן (ʾarmon) meaning "fortress, elevated place". This is the name of a few characters in the Old Testament, including a son of Shem who was the ancestor of the Arameans.
Aran 2 אֲרָן m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Means "wild goat" in Hebrew. This is the name of a son of Dishan in the Old Testament.
Areli אַרְאֵלִי m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Possibly means "lion of God, hero" in Hebrew. This is the name of a son of Gad in the Old Testament.
'Ari'el אֲרִיאֵל m Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Ariel.
Arye אַרְיֵה m Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Arieh.
Asa אָסָא m Biblical, Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Possibly means "healer" in Hebrew. This name was borne by the third king of Judah, as told in the Old Testament.
Asaf 1 אָסָף m Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Asaph.
Asher אָשֵׁר m Hebrew, English, Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Means "happy, blessed" in Hebrew, derived from אָשַׁר (ʾashar) meaning "to be happy, to be blessed". Asher in the Old Testament is a son of Jacob by Leah's handmaid Zilpah, and the ancestor of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The meaning of his name is explained in Genesis 30:13.
'Ashtoret עַשְׁתֹרֶת f Biblical Hebrew, Semitic Mythology
Hebrew form of Ashtoreth.
Asnappar אָסְנַפַּר m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
From אָסְנַפַּר (ʾAsnappar), the Hebrew form of Ashurbanipal. This name is used in the Old Testament to refer to the Assyrian king.
'Asnat אָסְנַת f Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Asenath.
'Atalya עֲתַלְיָה f & m Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Athaliah.
Atara עֲטָרָה f Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Atarah.
'Avdi'el עֲבְדִיאֵל m Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Abdiel.
Avidan אֲבִידָן m Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Abidan.
'Avi'el אֲבִיאֵל m Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Abiel.
'Avigayil אֲבִיגַיִל f Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Abigail.
Avihu אֲבִיהוּא m Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Abihu.
'Avima'el אֲבִימָאֵל m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Abimael.
'Avimelekh אֲבִימֶלֶך m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Abimelech.
Aviram אֲבִירָם m Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Abiram.
Avishag אֲבִישַׁג f Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Abishag.
'Avishay אֲבִישַׁי m Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Abishai.
Avital אֲבִיטָל f & m Biblical Hebrew, Hebrew
Hebrew form of Abital, sometimes used as a masculine name in modern times.
'Aviya אֲבִיָה m & f Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Abijah.
Avner אַבְנֵר m Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Abner.
Avraham אַבְרָהָם m Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Abraham.
Avram אַבְרָם m Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Abram 1.
Avshalom אַבְשָׁלוֹם m Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Absalom.
Azarel עֲזַרְאֵל m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Means "God has helped" in Hebrew, derived from עָזַר (ʿazar) meaning "to help" and אֵל (ʾel) meaning "God". This is the name of several minor Old Testament characters.
'Azarya עֲזַרְיָה m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Azariah.
'Azazyahu עֲזַזְיָהוּ m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Azaziah.
Aziel עֲזִיאֵל m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Possibly means "God comforts" in Hebrew, from the roots עוּז (ʿuz) meaning "to take refuge" and אֵל (ʾel) meaning "God". Otherwise it might a variant of Uzziel. This is the name of a musician (also called Jaaziel) in the Old Testament.
'Azri'el עֲזְרִיאֵל m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Azriel.
Ba'al בַּעַל m Semitic Mythology, Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Semitic root bʿl meaning "lord, master, possessor". This was the title of various deities, often associated with storms and fertility, who were worshipped by the Canaanites, Phoenicians, and other peoples of the ancient Near East. It was particularly applied to the god Hadad.
Ba'al Zevuv בַּעַל זְבוּב m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Beelzebub.
Barak 1 בָּרָק m Hebrew, Biblical, Biblical Greek, Biblical Hebrew
Means "lightning" in Hebrew. According to the Old Testament, Barak was a military commander under the guidance of the prophetess Deborah. They defeated the Canaanite army led by Sisera.
Barukh בָּרוּך m Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Baruch.
Barzillai בַּרְזִלָּי m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
From the Hebrew name בַּרְזִלָּי (Barzillai), derived from בַּרְזֶל (barzel) meaning "iron". This is the name of three different characters in the Old Testament, including Barzillai the Gileadite.
Basmat בָּשְׂמַת f Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Basemath and Basmath.
Bat-Sheva בַּת־שֶׁבַע f Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Bathsheba.
Belshatztzar בֵּלְשַׁאצַּר m Biblical Hebrew
Form of Belshazzar found in the Hebrew Bible.
Benaya בְּנָיָה m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Benaiah.
Betu'el בֵּתוּאֵל m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Bethuel.
Be'ula בְּעוּלָה f Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Beulah.
Bilha בִּלְהָה f Biblical Hebrew, Biblical German, Biblical French, Biblical Spanish, Biblical Dutch
Biblical Hebrew form of Bilhah, as well as the form in several other languages.
Binyamin בִּנְיָמִין m Hebrew, Arabic, Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew and Arabic form of Benjamin.
Bitya בִּתְיָה f Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Bithiah.
Boaz בֹּעַז m Biblical, Hebrew, Dutch, Biblical Hebrew
Means "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 Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Means "contempt" in Hebrew. This is the name of a son of Abraham's brother Nahor in the Old Testament.
Chaggai חַגַּי m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Haggai.
Chaggit חַגִּית f Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Haggith.
Cham חָם m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Ham.
Chamutal חֲמוּטָל f Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Hamutal.
Chanan חָנָן m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Hanan 1.
Chananya חֲנַנְיָה m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Hananiah.
Channa חַנָּה f Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Hannah.
Chanokh חֲנוֹך m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Enoch.
Chavaqquq חֲבַקּוּק m Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Habakkuk.
Chawwa חַוָּה f Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Eve.
Chaza'el חֲזָאֵל m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Hazael.
Cheftzi-Vah חֶפְצִי־בָהּ f Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Hephzibah.
Chever חֶבֶר m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Heber 2.
Chiram חִירָם m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Hiram.
Chizqiyahu חִזְקִיָהוּ m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Hezekiah.
Chodesh חֹדֶשׁ f Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Hodesh.
Chulda חוּלְדָה f Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Huldah.
Dan 1 דָּן m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew, Hebrew
Means "he judged" in Hebrew, a derivative of דִּין (din) meaning "to judge". In the Old Testament Dan is one of the twelve sons of Jacob by Rachel's servant Bilhah, and the founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. His name is explained in Genesis 30:6.
Daniyyel דָּנִיֵּאל m Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Daniel.
Daryawesh דָּרְיָוֶשׁ m Biblical Hebrew
Form of Darius used in the Hebrew Bible.
Dawid דָּוִד m Polish, Biblical Hebrew
Polish form of David, as well as the Biblical Hebrew form.
Delayahu דְּלָיָהוּ m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Delaiah.
Delila דְּלִילָה f Biblical Hebrew, Biblical German
Hebrew form of Delilah, as well as the German form.
Devora דְּבוֹרָה f Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Deborah.
Dikla דִּקְלָה m & f Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Diklah. In modern Hebrew it is also used as a feminine name.
Dina 1 דִּינָה f Norwegian, Danish, Swedish, Latvian, Russian, Ukrainian, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew, Biblical Greek, Biblical Latin
Form of Dinah in several languages, as well as the form in the Hebrew, Greek and Latin Old Testament.
Eder 1 עֵדֶר m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Means "flock" in Hebrew. This is the name of a minor character in the Old Testament.
'Edna עֶדְנָה f Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Edna.
Edom אֱדוֹם m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
From Hebrew אָדֹם (ʾaḏom) 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.
Efrat אֶפְרָת f Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Ephrath.
'Efrayim אֶפְרָיִם m Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Ephraim.
Ehud אֵהוּד m Biblical, Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Meaning unknown, possibly related to Hebrew אָחַד (ʾaḥaḏ) meaning "to unite" or הוֹד (hoḏ) meaning "glory". 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.
Ela 3 אֵלָה f & m Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Elah. In modern Hebrew it is usually a feminine name.
Elam עֵילָם m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Possibly 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.
'El'azar אֶלְעָזָר m Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Eleazar.
Elchanan אֶלְחָנָן m Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Elhanan.
Eldad אֵלְדָד m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew, Hebrew
Possibly means "God is beloved" in Hebrew, from אֵל (ʾel) meaning "God" and דּוֹד (doḏ) meaning "beloved". In the Old Testament he is one of the two elders (along with Medad) who prophesies in the Israelite camp.
Eli 1 עֵלִי m English, Hebrew, Biblical, Biblical Greek, Biblical Hebrew
Means "ascension" in Hebrew, a derivative of עָלָה (ʿala) meaning "to ascend". In the Books of Samuel in the Old Testament he is a high priest of the Israelites. He took the young Samuel into his service and gave him guidance when God spoke to him. Because of the misdeeds of his sons, Eli and his descendants were cursed to die before reaching old age.... [more]
Eliav אֱלִיאָב m Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Eliab.
Eliel אֱלִיאֵל m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew, Biblical Greek, Finnish, Portuguese (Brazilian)
Means "my God is God" in Hebrew. This name is borne by a number of characters in the Old Testament.
'Eli'ezer אֱלִיעֶזֶר m Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Eliezer.
'Elifalet אֱלִיפָלֶט m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Eliphalet.
'Elifelet אֱלִיפֶלֶט m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Eliphelet.
Elihu אֶלִיהוּא m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew, English (Archaic)
Means "my God is he" in Hebrew, from אֵל (ʾel) meaning "God" and הוּא (hu) meaning "he". This is the name of several characters in the Old Testament including one of the friends of Job.
Elisha אֱלִישַׁע m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
From the Hebrew name אֱלִישַׁע (ʾElishaʿ), a contracted form of אֱלִישׁוּעַ (ʾElishuaʿ) meaning "my God is salvation", derived from אֵל (ʾel) meaning "God" and יָשַׁע (yashaʿ) meaning "to save, to deliver". According to the Old Testament, Elisha was a prophet and miracle worker. He was the attendant of Elijah and succeeded him after his ascension to heaven.
Elisheva אֱלִישֶׁבַע f Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Elizabeth.
Elishua אֱלִישׁוּעַ m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
From Hebrew אֱלִישׁוּעַ (ʾElishuaʿ), an extended form of אֱלִישַׁע (see Elisha). In the Old Testament this is the name of a son of King David.
'Eliyyahu אֵלִיָּהוּ m Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Elijah.
'Elnatan אֶלְנָתָן m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Elnathan.
Elon אֵילוֹן m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Means "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).
'Elqana אֱלְקָנָה m Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Elkanah.
'Elyaqim אֶלְיָקִים m Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Eliakim.
'Elyo'enai אֶלְיוֹעֵינַי m Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Elioenai.
Enosh אֱנוֹשׁ m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Means "man, person, mortal" in Hebrew. He was a son of Seth and a grandson of Adam according to the genealogies in Genesis in the Old Testament.
Eran עֵרָן m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew, Hebrew
Means "watchful, vigilant" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament he is a grandson of Ephraim.
'Esaw עֵשָׂו m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Esau.
'Ester אֶסְתֵר f Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Esther.
'Etan אֵיתָן m Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Ethan.
'Etzer אֵצֶר m Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Ezer 1.
'Ever עֵבֶר m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Eber.
Evyatar אֶבְיָתָר m Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Abiathar.
Ezer 2 עֵזֶר m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
From Hebrew עָזַר (ʿazar) meaning "to help". This is the name of a few minor characters in the Old Testament. See also the unrelated name Ezer 1, which is spelled differently in Hebrew.
'Ezra עֶזְרָא m Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Ezra.
Gad גָּד m Biblical, Biblical Greek, Biblical Hebrew
Means "fortune, luck" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament, Gad is the first son of Jacob by Leah's slave-girl Zilpah, and the ancestor of one of the twelve tribes of the Israelites. His name is explained in Genesis 30:11. Another Gad in the Old Testament is a prophet of King David.
Gamli'el גַּמְלִיאֵל m Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Gamaliel.
Gavri'el גַּבְרִיאֵל m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Gabriel.
Gedalyahu גְּדַלְיָהוּ m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Gedaliah.
Gemaryahu גְּמַרְיָהוּ m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Gemariah.
Gera גֵּרָא m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Possibly means "a grain" in Hebrew. This is the name of several members of the tribe of Benjamin in the Old Testament.
Gershom גֵּרְשֹׁם m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Probably means "exile" in Hebrew, though the Bible explains that it derives from גֵּר שָׁם (ger sham) meaning "a stranger there" (see Exodus 18:3). This is the name of a son of Moses in the Old Testament.
Gershon גֵּרְשׁוֹן m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Variant of Gershom. This is the name of a son of Levi in the Old Testament.
Gid'on גִּדְעוֹן m Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Gideon.
Gilad גִּלְעָד m Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Gilead.
Golyat גָּלְיָת m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Goliath.
Gomer גֹּמֶר m & f Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Means "complete" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this is the name of both a grandson of Noah and the unfaithful wife of the prophet Hosea.
Hadassa הֲדַסָּה f Biblical Hebrew, Hebrew, Biblical Portuguese, Biblical German
Hebrew form of Hadassah, as well as the usual spelling in Portuguese and German.
Hagar הָגָר f Biblical, Biblical German, Biblical Hebrew
Possibly means "flight" in Hebrew, though it could also be of unknown Egyptian origin. According to the Old Testament she was the second wife of Abraham and the mother of Ishmael, the founder of the Arab people. After Abraham's first wife Sarah finally gave birth to a child, she had Hagar and Ishmael expelled into the desert. However, God heard their crying and saved them.
Haman הָמָן m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Meaning uncertain, probably 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.
Haran הָרָן m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Possibly means "hill, mountain" in Hebrew. This is the name of a brother of Abraham and father of Lot in the Old Testament.
Hevel הֶבֶל m Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Abel.
Hillel הִלֵּל m Biblical, Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Derived 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.
Hodiya הוֹדִיָה f & m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Hodiah.
Hoshea הוֹשֵׁעַ m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
From the Hebrew name הוֹשֵׁעַ (Hosheaʿ) meaning "salvation", from the root יָשַׁע (yashaʿ) meaning "to save". In the Old Testament at Numbers 13:16, Moses gives the spy Hoshea the new name Yehoshuaʿ (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 Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Means "linen weaver" in Hebrew. This is the name of the father of Abihail in the Old Testament.
'Iddo עִדּוֹ m Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Iddo.
'I-Khavod אִי־כָבוֹד m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Ichabod.
Ilai עִילַי m Biblical, Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Possibly from the Hebrew root עָלָה (ʿala) meaning "to ascend". In the Old Testament this is the name of one of King David's mighty men.
Immanuel עִמָּנוּאֵל m Hebrew, German (Rare), Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Form of Emmanuel used in most translations of the Old Testament. Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) was a German philosopher of the Enlightenment who is sometimes called the father of modern philosophy.
Imri אִמְרִי m Biblical Hebrew, Biblical, Hebrew
Possibly means "eloquent" in Hebrew. This name appears in the Old Testament belonging to two minor characters.
'Ira עִירָא m Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Ira 1.
Itamar אִיתָמָר m Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew, Portuguese (Brazilian)
Hebrew form of Ithamar, also used in Brazil.
'Ittay אִתַּי, אִיתַי m Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Ittai.
'Iyyov אִיּוֹב m Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Job.
'Izevel אִיזֶבֶל f Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Jezebel.
Kalev 2 כָּלֵב m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Caleb.
Kazbi כָּזְבִּי f Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Cozbi.
Kena'an כְּנַעַן m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Canaan.
Kenanyahu כְּנַנְיָהוּ m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Kenaniah.
Koresh כּוֹרֶשׁ m Biblical Hebrew
Form of Cyrus used in the Hebrew Bible.
Lael לָאֵל m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Means "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.
Lavan לָבָן m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Laban.
Lemekh לֶמֶךְ m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Lamech.
Lemuel לְמוּאֵל m Biblical, Mormon, Biblical Hebrew
Means "for God" in Hebrew, from the proposition לְמוֹ (lemo) combined with אֵל (ʾel) meaning "God". 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).
Levana 1 לְבָנָה f & m Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Lebanah. In modern Hebrew it is typically a feminine name.
Lewi לֵוִי m Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Levi.
Liwyatan לִוְיָתָן m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Leviathan.
Lo-Ruchama לֹא רֻחָמָה f Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Lo-Ruhamah.
Lot 1 לוֹט m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Means "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.
Ma'akha מַעֲכָה f & m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Maacah.
Ma'aseya מַעֲשֵׂיָה m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Maaseiah.
Machalat מָחֲלַת f Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Mahalath.
Machla מַחְלָה f & m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Mahlah.
Machli מַחְלִי m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Mahli.
Mal'akhi מַלְאָכִי m Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Malachi.
Mara 1 מָרָא f Biblical, Biblical Hebrew, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese
Means "bitter" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this is a name that Naomi calls herself after the death of her husband and sons (see Ruth 1:20).
Mattan מַתָּן m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Means "gift" in Hebrew. This is the name of the father of Shephatiah in the Old Testament.
Mattanyahu מַתַּנְיָהוּ m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Mattaniah.
Mattithyahu מַתִּתְיָהוּ m Biblical Hebrew
Alternate transcription of Ancient Hebrew מַתִּתְיָהוּ (see Mattityahu).
Mattityahu מַתִּתְיָהוּ m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Mattithiah.
Medad מֵידָד m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Possibly means "that which is beloved" in Hebrew, a derivative of יָדִיד (yaḏiḏ) meaning "beloved". In the Old Testament Medad is one of the elders (along with Eldad) who prophesies in the camp of the Israelites after the flight from Egypt.
Mehetav'el מְהֵיטַבְאֵל f Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Mehetabel.
Melech מֶלֶך m Biblical, Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Means "king" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this is the name of a son of Micah (not the prophet).
Menachem מְנַחֵם m Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Menahem.
Menashshe מְנַשֶּׁה m Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Manasseh.
Merari מְרָרִי m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Means "bitter" in Hebrew. This is the name of the youngest son of Levi in the Old Testament.
Merav מֵרַב f Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Merab 1.
Meshullam מְשֻׁלָּם m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Means "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.
Meshullemet מְשֻׁלֶּמֶת f Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Meshullemeth.
Metushelach מְתוּשֶׁלַח m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Methuselah.
Mikha מִיכָה m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Micah.
Mikha'el מִיכָאֵל m Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Michael.
Mikhal מִיכַל f Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Michal 2.
Mikhayahu מִיכָיָהוּ m & f Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Micaiah.
Milka 3 מִלְכָּה f Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Milcah.
Miryam מִרְיָם f Hebrew, Spanish, Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Miriam, as well as a Spanish variant.
Mo'av מוֹאָב m Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Moab.
Mordokhay מָרְדֳּכַי m Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Mordecai.
Moshe מֹשֶׁה m Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Moses.
Na'ama נַעֲמָה f Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Naamah.
Nachum נַחוּם m Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Nahum.
Nadav נָדָב m Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Nadab.
Naftali נַפְתָלִי m Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Naphtali.
Na'omi נָעֳמִי f Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Naomi 1.
Natan נָתָן m Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew, Polish
Hebrew and Polish form of Nathan.
Nechemya נְחֶמְיָה m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Nehemiah.
Nekoda נְקוֹדָא m Biblical, Biblical Greek, Biblical Hebrew
Means "marked" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this is the name of the head of a family of temple servants.
Neriya נֵרִיָה m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Neriah.
Netan'el נְתַנְאֵל m Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Nathanael.
Netanyahu נְתַנְיָהוּ m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Nethaniah.
Nevukhadnetztzar נְבוּכַדְנֶאצַּר m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Nebuchadnezzar.
Nimrod נִמְרֹד m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Meaning 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]
No'a נֹעָה, נוֹעָה f Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Noah 2.
Noach נֹחַ, נוֹחַ m Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew, Biblical German, Biblical Dutch
Hebrew, German and Dutch form of Noah 1.
Nogah נֹגַהּ m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Means "brightness" in Hebrew. This is the name of a son of King David in the Old Testament.
Oded עוֹדֵד m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Means "to restore" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this is the name of a prophet from Samaria.
Ofir אוֹפִיר m & f Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Ophir. In modern times it is also used as a feminine name.
'Ofra עָפְרָה m Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Ophrah.
Ohad אֹהַד m Biblical, Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Meaning uncertain, possibly related to Hebrew אָחַד (ʾaḥaḏ) meaning "to unite". In the Old Testament he is the third son of Simeon.
'Oholivama אָהֳלִיבָמָה f Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Oholibamah.
Omar 2 אוֹמָר m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Derived from Hebrew אָמַר (ʾamar) meaning "speak, say". This is the name of a son of Eliphaz in the Old Testament.
Omri עָמְרִי m Biblical, Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Possibly means "servant" in Hebrew (or a related Semitic language), from the root עָמַר (ʿamar) meaning "to bind". 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.
'Orpa עָרְפָּה f Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Orpah.
'Ovadya עֹבַדְיָה m Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Obadiah.
Oved עוֹבֵד m Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Obed.
Pallu פַּלּוּא m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Means "distinguished" in Hebrew. This was the name of a son of Reuben in the Old Testament.
Paltiel פָּלְטִיאֵל m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Means "God is my deliverance" in Hebrew, derived from פָּלַט (palaṭ) meaning "to deliver, to rescue, to escape" combined with אֵל (ʾel) meaning "God". This is the name of two Israelites in the Old Testament.
Peleg פֶּלֶג m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew, Hebrew
Means "division, channel" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament he is a son of Eber.
Peninna פְּנִנָּה f Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Peninnah.
Penuel פְּנוּאֵל m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Means "facing God" in Hebrew, from פָּנָה (pana) meaning "to turn to" and אֵל (ʾel) meaning "God". This is the name of two minor characters in the Old Testament.
Peretz פֶּרֶץ m Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Perez.
Pinchas פִּינְחָס m Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Phinehas.
Pu'a פּּעָה f Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Puah.
Qayin קָיִן m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Cain.
Qemu'el קְמוּאֵל m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Kemuel.
Qenan קֵינָן m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Kenan 1 and Cainan.
Qeren Happukh קֶרֶן הַפּוּך f Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Keren-Happuch.
Qetura קְטוּרָה f Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Keturah.
Qetzi'a קְצִיעָה f Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Keziah.
Rachel רָחֵל f English, Hebrew, French, Dutch, German, Biblical, Biblical Latin, Biblical Hebrew
From the Hebrew name רָחֵל (Raḥel) meaning "ewe". In the Old Testament this is the name of the favourite wife of Jacob. Her father Laban tricked Jacob into marrying her older sister Leah first, though in exchange for seven years of work Laban allowed Jacob to marry Rachel too. Initially barren and facing her husband's anger, she offered her handmaid Bilhah to Jacob to bear him children. Eventually she was herself able to conceive, becoming the mother of Joseph and Benjamin.... [more]
Rafa'el רָפָאֵל m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Raphael. This name does not appear in any surviving Hebrew text of the Old Testament Apocrypha.
Ram 1 רָם m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Means "exalted" in Hebrew. This is the name of a son of Hezron in the Old Testament.
Rechav'am רֵחַבְעָם m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Rehoboam.
Reuel רְעוּאֵל m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Means "friend of God" in Hebrew, from רֵעַ (reaʿ) meaning "friend" and אֵל (ʾel) meaning "God". In the Old Testament this is another name for Jethro. The fantasy author John Ronald Reuel Tolkien (1892-1973) was a famous bearer.
Reuven רְאוּבֵן m Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Reuben.
Ritzpa רִצְפָּה f Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Rizpah.
Rivqa רִבְקָה f Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Rebecca.
Rut רוּת f Spanish, Icelandic, Swedish, Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Form of Ruth 1 in several languages.
Sancheriv סַנְחֵרִיב m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Sennacherib.
Sarai שָׂרָי f Biblical, Biblical Latin, Biblical Hebrew, Spanish
Means "my princess" in Hebrew, a possessive form of שָׂרָה (sara) meaning "lady, princess, noblewoman". In the Old Testament, this was Sarah's name before God changed it (see Genesis 17:15).
Sargon סַרְגּוֹן m Akkadian (Anglicized), Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
From the Hebrew form סַרְגּוֹן (Sargon) of the Akkadian name Sharru-ukin, from šarru meaning "king" and kīnu meaning "legitimate, true". This was the name of the first king of the Akkadian Empire, beginning in the 24th century BC. It was also borne by the 8th-century BC Assyrian king Sargon II, who appears briefly in the Old Testament. The usual English spelling of the name is based on this biblical mention, applied retroactively to the earlier king.
Satan שָׂטָן m Theology, Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Derived from Hebrew שָׂטָן (saṭan) meaning "adversary". This is the Hebrew name of the enemy of the Judeo-Christian god. In the New Testament he is also known by the title Devil (Diabolos in Greek).
Seraya שְׂרָיָה m Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Seraiah.
Shalmaneser שַׁלְמַנְאֶסֶר m Ancient Assyrian (Anglicized), Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
From שַׁלְמַנְאֶסֶר (Shalmanʾeser), the Hebrew form of the Akkadian name Shulmanu-ashared meaning "Shulmanu is preeminent". This was the name of five Assyrian kings, including the 9th-century BC Shalmaneser III who expanded the empire. He is mentioned briefly in the Old Testament.
Shamgar שַׁמְגַּר m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Meaning unknown, possibly of Hittite origin. Shamgar was one of the Old Testament judges.
Sharar שָׁרָר m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Means "enemy" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this is the name of the father of Ahiam.
Sha'ul שָׁאוּל m Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Saul.
She'alti'el שְׁאַלְתִּיאֵל m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Shealtiel.
She'era שֶׁאֱרָה f Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Sheerah.
Shela שֵׁלָה m Biblical Hebrew
Means "petition, request" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this is the name of a son of Judah. In English Bibles it is usually written as Shelah.
Shelach שֵׁלָח m Biblical Hebrew
Means "dart, weapon" or "plant shoot" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this is the name of a grandson of Shem who is an ancestor of Abraham. In English Bibles it is written as Salah or Shelah.
Shelomit שְׁלֹמִית f & m Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Shelomith.
Shelomo שְׁלֹמֹה m Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Solomon.
Shem שֵׁם m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Means "name" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament, Shem is one of Noah's three sons (along with Japheth and Ham) and the ancestor of the Semitic peoples.
Shema'ya שְׁמַעְיָה m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Shemaiah.
Shemer שֶׁמֶר m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Possibly means "preserved" in Hebrew, derived from שָׁמַר (shamar) meaning "to guard, to watch". In the Old Testament this is the name of the owner of the hill upon which Samaria was built.
Shemu'el שְׁמוּאֵל m Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Samuel.
Shet שֵׁת m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Seth 1.
Shifra שִׁפְרָה f Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Shiphrah.
Shim'at שִׁמְעָת f Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Shimeath.
Shim'i שִׁמְעִי m Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Shimei.
Shimon שִׁמְעוֹן m Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Simeon (and Simon 1).
Shimshon שִׁמְשׁוֹן m Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew form of Samson.
Shoshanna שׁוֹשַׁנָּה f Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Susanna.
Shulammit שׁוּלַמִּית f Biblical Hebrew
Biblical Hebrew form of Shulammite.
Talmai תַּלְמַי m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Means "furrowed" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament this name is borne by both a giant and also the father of King David's wife Maacah.
Tamar תָּמָר f Hebrew, Georgian, Biblical, Biblical Hebrew
Means "date palm" in Hebrew. According to the Old Testament Tamar was the daughter-in-law of Judah and later his wife. This was also the name of a daughter of King David. She was raped by her half-brother Amnon, leading to his murder by her brother Absalom. The name was borne by a 12th-century ruling queen of Georgia who presided over the kingdom at the peak of its power.
Tammuz תַּמּוּז m Biblical, Biblical Hebrew, Semitic Mythology
Hebrew form of Dumuzi. The name of the god appears in the Book of Ezekiel in the Old Testament.