Biblical Boy Names, Meanings and Where They Appear

ByNamelyra Editorial Team

Biblical boy names and their meanings

  • Noah (Hebrew, with two commonly cited readings, rest and wandering)
  • Gabriel (Hebrew, meaning God is my strength)
  • Zaccai (Hebrew, meaning pure)
  • Samuel (Hebrew, meaning God has heard)
  • Malachi (Hebrew, meaning my messenger)
  • Elijah (Hebrew, meaning my God is Yahweh)
  • Joshua (Hebrew, meaning God is salvation)
  • Isaac (Hebrew, meaning he laughs)
  • Caleb (Hebrew, commonly read as meaning faithful or devoted)
  • Aaron (Hebrew, meaning of uncertain but commonly cited origin, often read as high mountain)

Where these names appear

Noah, Isaac, and Aaron are central Old Testament figures. Gabriel appears as an archangel across both Old and New Testament traditions. Joshua leads the Israelites into Canaan in the Book of Joshua. Malachi is also the name of a Hebrew prophetic book.

Quick facts
Primary language Hebrew
Common meaning themes God’s strength, faithfulness, salvation
Note Noah, Elijah, and Gabriel are all currently among the most popular boys’ names in the US, independent of religious observance

Frequently asked questions

What is the most popular Biblical boy name today?

Noah has been among the top boys’ names in the US for several years running.

Does Noah mean “rest” or “wandering”?

Sources differ, and both readings are commonly cited, since the exact Hebrew root is debated among scholars.

Are Biblical boy names only chosen by religious families?

No. Many, like Noah, Elijah, and Isaac, rank highly in general US naming data independent of religious background, chosen largely for their sound and history.

Related reading

Girl equivalent: Biblical girl names. Related culture cluster: Hebrew and Jewish names.