Names for Baby Girls from the Bible
Unique Old and New Testament Little Girl Names and Their Meanings
Nov 13, 2009
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. 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
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
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 is gracious giver
Jochebed – glory of Yahweh
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
Melita – of honey
Moriah – instructed by Yahweh
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
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.
Related articles that may Interest the reader:
Tips on Saving Money from the Bible looks at updated information that comes from an ancient book.
How to Prepare Pets for a Baby's Arrival examines the practical aspects of introducing canine family members to a new baby.
Where to Find the Best Gifts for a Tween Girl: Hot products for girls between 8 and 12.
Source:
Insight in the Scriptures, Volumes I and II, published by WT Bible and Tract Society, Pennsylvania
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