35+ Boy Names from the Bible (Classic, Modern, & Unique)

Download Article

Plus, discover the meanings of these ancient names

Co-authored by Elaine Heredia, BA

Last Updated: October 2, 2025 Fact Checked

Download Article

Classic Names

|

Modern Names

|

Unique Names

From traditional names like Abraham to more contemporary-sounding names like Zachary, many of the most popular boy names in the world originate in the Bible. Come along with us to explore classic, modern, and unique Biblical boy names, as well as learn the ancient and fascinating meanings behind them.

Popular Biblical Boy Names & Meanings

Aaron: "Mountain of strength"; "exalted"; "strong"; "warrior lion"
Abraham: "High father"; "father of multitudes"; "father of nations"
Adam: "Son of red earth"
Benjamin: "Son of the right hand"; "son of the south"; "son of my days"
Caleb: "Whole-hearted"; "dog-like"
Daniel: "God is my judge"

Section 1 of 3:

Classic Biblical Names for Boys

Download Article

Opt for traditional Biblical names like Abraham, Isaac, or Joshua. When parents choose a name from the Bible for their son, they often opt for one of many classics you've probably heard over and over. These names are usually popular because they belong to an important Biblical figure, like Abraham, the forefather of the Hebrews, or Joshua, the hero who helped bring down the walls of Jericho. Some people choose a classic Bible name for its association with a specific hero, while others simply like its meaning or how it sounds. No matter your reason, you can't go wrong with one of the classic Biblical boy names below.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Aaron: "Mountain of strength"; "exalted"; "strong"; "warrior lion"
- Abraham: "High father"; "father of multitudes"; "father of nations"
- Adam: "Son of red earth"
- Benjamin: "Son of the right hand"; "son of the south"; "son of my days"
- Caleb: "Whole-hearted"; "dog-like"
- Daniel: "God is my judge"
- David: "Beloved"
- Elijah: "The Lord is my God"
- Gabriel: "Man of God"
- Isaac: "One who laughs or rejoices"
- Jacob: "Supplanter"
- Joshua: "Yahweh is salvation"
- Noah: "Peaceful"
- Samuel: "God has heard; name of God"
- Feeling confident in how much you know about the holy scriptures? Test your knowledge with our "How Well Do I Know the Bible?" quiz!

Section 2 of 3:

Modern Biblical Names for Boys

Download Article

Choose a Biblical name that sounds modern, like Luke, Mark, or Zach. If you're looking for a Biblical boy name that sounds right at home in modern times, consider choosing a name from the New Testament. Not only are names from the New Testament closer to our time in history than the classic Old Testament names, but many people don't even associate them with the Bible. You might, for example, associate the name "Luke" more with Luke Skywalker from Star Wars than with Luke, Jesus's faithful disciple! Here are some other popular contemporary-sounding Biblical boy names to try.
- Alexander: "Man's defender"; "warrior"
- James: "Supplanter"; "holder of the heel"
- John: "God is gracious"
- Luke: "From Lucania"
- Mark: "Dedicated to Mars"
- Matthew: "Gift of God"
- Thomas: "Twin"
- Zachary: "The Lord recalled"

Section 3 of 3:

Unique Biblical Names for Boys

Download Article

Get creative with uncommon boy names like Lazarus, Phineas, and Zadok. You've probably heard of many of the classic and modern Bible names, like Abraham, Joshua, and Mark. But there are so many other interesting names in the Bible that most people don't even know about or might have forgotten. Consider these unique options as you search for a meaningful, Biblical name for a boy.
- Abel: "Breath, vapor"
- Asher: "Blessed, happy"
- Ezekiel: "Strength of God"
- Ezra: "Yah helps"; "help"
- Hezekiah: "God strengthens"
- Jonathan: "God has given; gift of God"
- Lazarus: "God has helped"
- Levi: "Joined"
- Malachi: "My messenger, my angel"
- Naftali: "My struggle, my wrestlings"
- Omar: "Flourishing"; "long-lived"; "speaker"
- Phineas: "Nubian"; "bronze-colored one"; "snake's mouth"
- Uriah: "My light is Yahweh"; "flame of God"
- Zadok: "Just"; "righteous"