Biblical Baby Names for Boys and Girls (Old and New Testament)

Biblical names are some of the most enduring on earth — and you don't have to look far to see why. Names like Noah, Hannah, Benjamin, and Elizabeth have been beloved for thousands of years and sit right at the top of today's charts, proof that a good biblical name never dates. They carry faith, history, and deep meaning, yet many feel completely fresh and modern. Whether you're choosing for religious reasons, for the rich heritage, or simply because these names are beautiful, the Bible is a treasury of wonderful options.

This guide gathers the best biblical names from both the Old and New Testaments — the timeless classics everyone knows, the lesser-known gems waiting to be rediscovered, and the meanings behind them — for boys and girls. I'll also note which feel current and which carry more old-world gravitas. Let's explore one of the richest naming traditions there is.

👦 Biblical boy names

Noah, Benjamin, Elijah, and Asher are the chart-topping classics — biblical and completely current. Ezra, Silas, and Micah are the fresh-feeling gems; Tobias (Toby) the lovable underused pick.

👧 Biblical girl names

Hannah, Elizabeth, Naomi, and Abigail are the beloved classics; Esther (star), Tabitha, and Lydia are the fresher, slightly rarer gems. Eve and Ruth offer beautiful, simple strength.

Lesser-known biblical gems

Beyond the famous names, the Bible holds beautiful, underused names worth rediscovering:

Boys: Boaz (swiftness, strength), Reuben (behold, a son), Ezekiel (God strengthens), Amos (carried by God), Jude (praised), Eli, Phineas, Barnaby (son of consolation), Job, Enoch.

Girls: Keziah (cassia/cinnamon), Tirzah (delight), Selah (a musical pause), Damaris (gentle), Junia, Atarah (crown), Eden (paradise, delight), Zillah, Talitha, Dinah.

Eden (paradise), Keziah, and Selah are especially lovely, fresh-feeling girl gems; Boaz, Jude, and Barnaby are characterful boy options. These give you deep biblical roots with far more rarity than the top-of-chart classics.

Timeless classics vs. old-world gravitas

Biblical names span a spectrum from totally current to deeply traditional — helpful to know which you're choosing:

• Feels completely modern: Noah, Asher, Ezra, Eden, Naomi, Levi, Eve, Silas. You'd never call these "old-fashioned."
• Timeless classic: Benjamin, Hannah, Elizabeth, Samuel, Sarah, Daniel. Beloved across every generation.
• Old-world gravitas: Ezekiel, Bartholomew, Tabitha, Zebediah, Cornelius. Grand and traditional — wonderful if you love the weight, often with friendly nicknames (Ezekiel → Zeke).

The beautiful thing is that biblical names rarely feel dated — they've been in continuous use for millennia, so they've proven they can outlast any trend. Even the modern-feeling ones (Noah, Asher) have thousands of years behind them.

A biblical name carries faith, history, and meaning all at once — a name spoken in these stories for thousands of years, now beginning again with your child. There's a profound sense of continuity in that, whatever your beliefs.

Biblical names with the most beautiful meanings

If meaning matters as much as heritage to you, some biblical names carry especially lovely ones — a wish tucked inside the name:

• Asher — "happy, blessed." One of the most joyful meanings in the Bible.
• Abigail — "my father's joy." Tender and sweet.
• Nathaniel — "gift of God." Beautiful for a treasured baby.
• Samuel — "God has heard." Deeply meaningful for a long-prayed-for child.
• Naomi — "pleasant, lovely." Gentle and warm.
• Eden — "paradise, delight." Pure and fresh.
• Hannah — "grace, favor." In her story, an answered prayer.
• Gabriel / Gabriella — "God is my strength." Angelic and grounded.
• Eliana — "God has answered me." Lovely for a hoped-for baby.

There's a special resonance to biblical names for long-awaited or miracle babies in particular — Samuel ("God has heard"), Nathaniel ("gift of God"), and Eliana ("God has answered me") quietly honor a journey of hoping and waiting. So a biblical name can carry not just faith and history, but a deeply personal wish or thanksgiving — meaning layered upon meaning.

Honest tips before you choose

• Many biblical names are very popular (Noah, Elijah, Hannah) — beloved for good reason, but for the meaning with more rarity, reach for Silas, Ezra, Eden, Keziah, or Tobias.
• Mind the character associations — a few biblical names belong to complicated figures (Delilah, Cain, Jezebel); worth a quick thought, though most parents simply love the sound of Delilah regardless.
• They work for everyone — these names cross faith and secular families alike, which is part of why they're so universal and timeless.

Pairings and sibling sets

Middle names that flow: Noah James, Hannah Grace, Asher Cole, Naomi Rose, Silas Reed, Esther Mae.

Sibling sets with a biblical thread: Noah & Hannah (timeless pair). Asher & Eden (modern-feeling biblical). Silas & Naomi (fresh gems). Or pair classics across testaments (Elizabeth & Elijah) for a set rooted in shared tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are popular biblical baby names?

Popular biblical names include Noah, Elijah, Benjamin, and Asher for boys, and Hannah, Elizabeth, Naomi, and Abigail for girls — all biblical classics that top today's charts.

What are biblical names that feel modern?

Noah, Asher, Ezra, Levi, and Silas for boys, and Eden, Naomi, Eve, and Esther for girls all feel completely current despite their ancient biblical roots.

What are lesser-known biblical baby names?

Beautiful underused picks include Boaz, Jude, Barnaby, and Amos for boys, and Eden, Keziah, Selah, and Tirzah for girls — deep biblical roots with more rarity.

What's the difference between Old and New Testament names?

Old Testament names (Noah, Hannah, Samuel, Sarah) are mostly Hebrew and very ancient; New Testament names (Luke, Mary, Timothy, Lydia) include more Greek and Latin influences. Both traditions are rich with beautiful options.

Do biblical names date or go out of style?

Rarely — they've been in continuous use for thousands of years, so they've outlasted every trend. Even modern-feeling ones like Noah and Asher have deep ancient roots, making them some of the most timeless names available.

Do you have to be religious to use a biblical name?

Not at all — biblical names like Noah, Hannah, and Elizabeth are beloved across faith and secular families alike, chosen for their beauty, history, and meaning as much as for religious reasons.

🔗 More Baby Name Guides You'll Love

Ready to find a name of faith and history?

Whether you want a beloved classic like Noah or Hannah, a fresh gem like Eden or Silas, or a grand traditional name like Ezekiel, there's a biblical name here waiting — one carrying meaning, heritage, and thousands of years of continuity.

👉 Open the free Baby Name Builder and explore over 1,000 names by vibe, origin, and meaning. Swipe, save the meaningful ones, and build a shortlist you love. No signup, no app — just you and a world of names. 💕

Which name carried that timeless weight for you? Trust it — a biblical name has already proven it can last thousands of years, so it will surely suit your little one for a lifetime. Start your shortlist today.