Bible Names & Their Meanings
In the Bible a name often tells a story — a prayer, a promise or a turning point. Explore what each biblical name means, who carried it and where it appears in Scripture. Meanings follow Roswell D. Hitchcock's Interpreting Dictionary of Scripture Proper Names (1869).
Popular Bible names
Aaron
a teacher; lofty; mountain of strength
Abigail
the father's joy
Abraham
father of a great multitude
Daniel
judgment of God; God my judge
David
well-beloved, dear
Elijah
God the Lord, the strong Lord
Esther
secret; hidden
Eve
living; enlivening
Gabriel
God is my strength
Hannah
gracious; merciful; he that gives
Isaac
laughter
Jacob
that supplants, undermines; the heel
James
same as Jacob
Jeremiah
exaltation of the Lord
Joel
he that wills or commands
John
the grace or mercy of the Lord
Jonah
or Jonas, a dove; he that oppresses; destroyer
Joseph
increase; addition
Joshua
a savior; a deliverer
Leah
weary; tired
Levi
associated with him
Mary
same as Miriam
Matthew
given; a reward
Micah
poor; humble
Miriam
rebellion
Naomi
beautiful; agreeable
Nathan
given; giving; rewarded
Noah
repose; consolation
Paul
small; little
Peter
a rock or stone
Rachel
sheep
Rebekah
fat; fattened; a quarrel appeased
Ruth
drunk; satisfied
Samuel
heard of God; asked of God
Sarah
lady; princess; princess of the multitude
Seth
put; who puts; fixed
Simeon
that hears or obeys; that is heard
Solomon
peaceable; perfect; one who recompenses
Stephen
same as Stephanas