Names for Baby Girls from the Bible

Unique Old and New Testament Little Girl Names and Their Meanings

Nov 13, 2009 Fleur Hupston

Looking for unusual names for baby girls? Get inspiration for pretty girl names and their meanings from the bible.

Whether trying to choose a name for a new baby girl on the way, or checking out the meaning of one's own name, looking at the names from the old and new testament scriptures can give ideas and inspiration.

In the earlier period of Biblical history, names were given to children at the time of birth. But later, Hebrew boys were named when they were circumcised on the eighth day. Usually either the father or the mother named the infant.

Names given to children were often combined with El (meaning “God”) or an abbreviation of the divine name Yahweh (Jehovah). Such names could express the hope of parents, reflect their appreciation for having been blessed with offspring, or make acknowledgment of God.

"A" Baby Girl Names:

Abi – my father

Abigail – my father has made himself joyful

Alexandra, Alexis, Alexa, Cassandra – defender of mankind

Amanah – permanent, constant, steadfast

Ariel – lion of God

"B" Baby Girl Names:

Bathsheba – daughter of an oath

Bealiah – possessed of Yahweh (Jehovah)

Bernice – bringer of victory

Bethany – house of unripe figs

Beulah – married

"C" Baby Girl Names:

Candace – a title belonging to Ethiopian queens

Carmel – fruitful field

Chloe – verdant, green, fruitful

Christiana, Christina – believer in Christ

"D" Baby Girl Names:

Damara – gentle

Deborah – honey bee

Delilah – delicate

Dinah – one who judges

Dorcus – gazelle

"E" Baby Girl Names:

Elisabeth – God of the oath or covenant

Eliana – my God is Yahweh (Jehovah)

Elisheba – God has sworn

Esther – a Persian name meaning “star”

Eunice – happy victory

Eve – life giver

"G" Baby Girl Names:

Gabriella – feminine form of Gabriel which means man of God

Grace – gift from God

"H" Baby Girl Names:

Hadassah – myrtle tree

Hannah – she is gracious, gracious gift from God

Hatita – my sin is removed

Hosannah – O save us!

"I" Baby Girl Names:

Imlah – God will fulfill

Irene – peace

"J" Baby Girl Names:

Jada – wise

Jael – climber, gazelle, ibex

Japhia – God has beamed forth, splendor

Jasiel – created by God

Jedidah – beloved

Jemimah – dove

Jerusha – inheritance

Joanna – Yahweh (Jehovah) is gracious giver

Jochebed – glory of Yahweh (Jehovah)

Judith – praise

Julia – having soft, curly hair

"K" Baby Girl Names:

Keren – a horn, flask

Kore – partridge

Kuria, Kyra – new testament word meaning “lady”

"L" Baby Girl Names:

Leah – weary, a wild cow

Lois – no retreat, famous in battle

Lydia – a standing pool, firebrand

"M" Baby Girl Names:

Martha – lady or mistress

Miriam – obstinate, stubborn, rebellious

Methea – gift of Yahweh (Jehovah)

Melita – of honey

Moriah – instructed by Yahweh (Jehovah)

Myra – myrtle tree

"N" Baby Girl Names:

Naomi – my delight

Nicole or Nicola – victory for the people

"O" Baby Girl Names:

Orpah – meaning is unknown

Oholibah – my tent of worship is in her

"P" Baby Girl Names:

Peninnah – a ruby

Phoebe – pure, bright, shining

Priscilla – little old woman

"R" Baby Girl Names:

Rachel – a female sheep

Rebekah or Rebecca – loops of a rope

Rhoda – a rose

Rinnah – joyful shout

Ruth – satisfied

"S" Baby Girl Names:

Sachia or Sakia – captive of Yahweh (Jehovah)

Salome – peaceable

Sarah – princess

Sharon – level, righteous

Sophia – wisdom

Susanna – lily

Syntyche – fortunate

"T" Baby Girl Names:

Tabitha – gazelle

Talitha – maiden

Tamara – palm tree

Trypena or Tryphosa – dainty, luxurious

"V" Baby Girl Names:

Vashti – Persian name meaning beautiful woman

"Z" Baby Girl Names:

Zoe – life

Zimrah – melody, psalm

Zipporah - sparrow

In the first century C.E. it was not uncommon for Jews, especially those living outside Israel or in cities having a mixed population of Jews and Gentiles, to have a Hebrew or an Aramaic name along with a Latin or Greek name. This may be why Dorcas was also called Tabitha and the apostle Paul was also named Saul.

Some of the names listed above are well-known, others not so popular. However, the above list is not a fully comprehensive list of girls' names from the bible, there are more unusual baby names that can be found if a parent wants to choose a name that is truly unique.

When choosing a name for a baby girl, it is always wise to choose one that others will be able to pronounce easily and not so unique that the child risks being teased as she grows up.