300+ Biblical Names for Boys (with Deep Spiritual Meanings)

Biblical names for boys have always carried something special—a weight of history, a whisper of divine purpose, and the promise of a legacy that stretches back thousands of years.

Trust me, when you’re standing in that hospital room or sitting in your nursery-to-be, scrolling through endless name lists, there’s something deeply comforting about choosing a name that has weathered millennia and still carries profound meaning.

I’ll never forget meeting a young boy named Ezekiel at our church last summer. When I complimented his unique name, this seven-year-old stood a little taller and said with absolute confidence, “It means ‘God strengthens,’ and that’s what I am—strong because of God.” That moment hit me like lightning.

Here’s the thing: biblical names don’t just sound beautiful—they become part of a child’s identity, weaving faith into the very fabric of who they are.

Picture this comprehensive guide as your faith-filled naming companion. We’re exploring 300+ carefully curated biblical boy names, understanding their deeper meanings, discovering why biblical names are experiencing a renaissance, and gaining practical wisdom for choosing a name that will honor both your faith and your son’s future.

Classic Biblical Powerhouses: Names That Never Go Out of Style

These biblical names for boys have stood the test of time for good reason. Each one carries the weight of biblical heroism and the promise of spiritual strength.

Old Testament Champions

• Abraham – “Father of many nations” – Perfect for families wanting to emphasize leadership and covenant faithfulness
• Isaac – “Laughter” – Brings joy and represents God’s promises fulfilled
• Jacob – “Supplanter” – Shows transformation and wrestling with faith
• Joseph – “God will increase” – Ideal for dreams, forgiveness, and provision
• Moses – “Drawn out of water” – Represents deliverance and divine calling
• Aaron – “Mountain of strength” – Perfect for families valuing priesthood and intercession
• Joshua – “God is salvation” – Ideal for victory, courage, and entering promises
• Caleb – “Bold, brave” – Represents faith against impossible odds
• Samuel – “God has heard” – Beautiful for answered prayers and dedication
• David – “Beloved” – Perfect balance of warrior spirit and artistic heart
• Solomon – “Peace” – Wisdom, wealth, and God’s favor
• Elijah – “My God is Yahweh” – Power, prophecy, and passionate faith
• Elisha – “God is salvation” – Double portion anointing and miracles
• Isaiah – “Salvation of the Lord” – Prophecy and messianic hope
• Jeremiah – “God will exalt” – Faithfulness through difficult seasons
• Ezekiel – “God strengthens” – Vision, restoration, and divine power
• Daniel – “God is my judge” – Integrity, wisdom, and unwavering faith
• Hosea – “Salvation” – Represents God’s unfailing love and mercy
• Joel – “Yahweh is God” – Revival and spiritual awakening
• Amos – “Burden bearer” – Justice and righteousness
• Jonah – “Dove” – Represents God’s mercy and second chances
• Micah – “Who is like God?” – Humility and divine comparison
• Nahum – “Comfort” – God’s justice and consolation
• Habakkuk – “Embrace” – Faith through questioning and trust
• Zephaniah – “Hidden by God” – Divine protection and restoration
• Haggai – “Festive” – Rebuilding and renewal
• Zechariah – “God remembers” – Divine faithfulness and promises
• Malachi – “My messenger” – Purpose, communication, and divine calling
• Job – “Persecuted” – Patience, faith through trials, and restoration
• Ezra – “Help” – Restoration, teaching, and spiritual leadership
• Nehemiah – “Comfort of the Lord” – Rebuilding and passionate purpose

New Testament Heroes

• Matthew – “Gift of God” – Perfect for families embracing divine blessing
• Mark – “Warlike” – Strength and decisive action
• Luke – “Light giving” – Healing, compassion, and illumination
• John – “God is gracious” – Love, grace, and intimate friendship with Jesus
• Peter – “Rock” – Leadership despite imperfection
• Andrew – “Manly” – Evangelism and bringing others to faith
• James – “Supplanter” – Passionate faith and practical wisdom
• Philip – “Lover of horses” – Enthusiasm and bringing others to Jesus
• Bartholomew – “Son of furrows” – Authenticity and honest seeking
• Thomas – “Twin” – Honest doubt that leads to deeper faith
• Simon – “He has heard” – Zealous passion redirected for God
• Judas – “Praise” – Cautionary reminder about betrayal (rarely chosen)
• Matthias – “Gift of God” – Replacement and divine selection
• Stephen – “Crown” – First martyr, forgiveness under persecution
• Paul – “Small” – Transformation and missionary passion
• Barnabas – “Son of encouragement” – Mentorship and building others up
• Timothy – “Honoring God” – Young leadership and spiritual mentoring
• Titus – “Title of honor” – Church leadership and organization
• Silas – “Forest dweller” – Faithful partnership in ministry
• Apollos – “Destroyer” – Eloquent teaching and spiritual growth

Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Biblical Treasures

These biblical boy names offer unique beauty while maintaining deep spiritual significance. I get it—sometimes you want something distinctive that still honors your faith.

Uncommon Old Testament Names

• Asher – “Happy, blessed” – One of the twelve tribes, brings joy and divine favor
• Gideon – “Mighty warrior” – Perfect for brave little ones who’ll face giants
• Levi – “Joined” – Priestly calling and being set apart
• Reuben – “Behold, a son” – Firstborn blessing and new beginnings
• Simeon – “God has heard” – Patient waiting and faithful recognition
• Naphtali – “Wrestling” – Struggling with purpose until breakthrough
• Benjamin – “Son of the right hand” – Beloved and favored position
• Ephraim – “Fruitful” – Abundance and multiplication
• Manasseh – “Causing to forget” – God’s ability to heal painful memories
• Judah – “Praise” – Worship and royal lineage
• Zebulun – “Dwelling” – Home and peaceful habitation
• Issachar – “Reward” – Understanding times and seasons
• Dan – “Judge” – Justice and leadership
• Gad – “Fortune” – Divine blessing and good fortune
• Boaz – “In strength” – Kinsman redeemer and faithful love
• Jesse – “Gift” – Royal lineage and divine favor
• Saul – “Asked for” – God’s response to prayer
• Jonathan – “Gift of God” – Loyal friendship and covenant love
• Absalom – “Father of peace” – Beauty and charisma (with cautionary tale)
• Adonijah – “My Lord is Yahweh” – Royal bearing and divine allegiance
• Ahab – “Father’s brother” – Cautionary about compromise
• Asa – “Physician” – Healing and godly reform
• Baasha – “Boldness” – Courage and decisive action
• Elah – “Oak tree” – Strength and endurance
• Zimri – “My music” – Artistic expression and creativity
• Omri – “Servant of God” – Faithful service and dedication
• Jehu – “He is God” – Zealous passion and divine purpose
• Joash – “God has given” – Divine gift and restoration
• Amaziah – “Strength of God” – Divine empowerment and courage
• Azariah – “God has helped” – Divine assistance and support
• Jotham – “God is perfect” – Integrity and divine completeness
• Ahaz – “He has grasped” – Understanding and taking hold
• Hezekiah – “God strengthens” – Divine healing and restoration
• Manasseh – “Causing to forget” – God’s redemptive forgetting
• Josiah – “God supports” – Spiritual reform and divine backing
• Jehoiakim – “God raises up” – Divine elevation and purpose
• Zedekiah – “Righteousness of God” – Justice and divine character

Priestly and Levitical Names

• Zadok – “Righteous” – Faithful priesthood and integrity
• Abiathar – “Father of abundance” – Priestly service and loyalty
• Ahimelech – “My brother is king” – Priestly courage and sacrifice
• Eleazar – “God has helped” – Faithful succession and divine aid
• Phinehas – “Mouth of brass” – Zealous righteousness and bold action
• Eli – “Ascended” – Priestly mentoring and spiritual guidance
• Hophni – “Fighter” – Cautionary about priestly corruption
• Ichabod – “Where is the glory?” – Warning about departed presence
• Ahitub – “Good brother” – Priestly lineage and family loyalty
• Ahijah – “Brother of God” – Prophetic insight and divine relationship

Prophetic and Visionary Names

• Obadiah – “Servant of God” – Faithful service and divine loyalty
• Habakkuk – “Embrace” – Wrestling with faith and divine comfort
• Zephaniah – “Hidden by God” – Divine protection and concealment
• Haggai – “Festive” – Celebration and spiritual rebuilding
• Zechariah – “God remembers” – Divine faithfulness and restoration
• Malachi – “My messenger” – Divine communication and purpose
• Elkanah – “God has possessed” – Divine ownership and dedication
• Hannah – While typically female, means “Grace” – Divine favor
• Shemaiah – “God has heard” – Divine response and communication
• Iddo – “Timely” – Prophetic timing and divine seasons
• Jehu – “He is God” – Prophetic authority and divine representation

Modern Biblical Variations: Fresh Takes on Ancient Names

These Christian boy names offer contemporary appeal while maintaining biblical roots. Perfect for families wanting tradition with a modern twist.

Contemporary Adaptations

• Gabriel – “God is my strength” – Archangelic power and divine messages
• Michael – “Who is like God?” – Archangelic protection and warfare
• Raphael – “God heals” – Divine healing and restoration
• Uriel – “Light of God” – Divine illumination and wisdom
• Nathaniel – “Gift of God” – Divine blessing and calling
• Emmanuel – “God with us” – Divine presence and incarnation
• Zachariah – Modern form of Zechariah – “God remembers”
• Jeremiah – Extended form maintaining full meaning
• Tobias – “God is good” – Divine goodness and favor
• Elias – Greek form of Elijah – “My God is Yahweh”
• Matthias – “Gift of God” – Divine selection and purpose
• Sebastian – “Venerable” – Respect and honor
• Adrian – “Dark one” – Mystery and depth
• Julian – “Youthful” – Energy and fresh perspective
• Marcus – Latin form of Mark – “Warlike”
• Lucas – Latin form of Luke – “Light giving”
• Silas – “Forest dweller” – Natural wisdom and simplicity
• Caleb – “Bold, brave” – Courage and faith
• Noah – “Rest, comfort” – Peace and divine covenant
• Ethan – “Firm, strong” – Stability and reliability

International Biblical Forms

• Matteo – Italian form of Matthew – “Gift of God”
• Luca – Italian form of Luke – “Light giving”
• Marco – Italian form of Mark – “Warlike”
• Giovanni – Italian form of John – “God is gracious”
• Paolo – Italian form of Paul – “Small”
• Stefano – Italian form of Stephen – “Crown”
• Antonio – Related to Antonius – “Priceless”
• Francesco – Related to Francis – “Free”
• Alessandro – Related to Alexander – “Defender of men”
• Leonardo – “Brave lion” – Courage and strength
• Rafael – Spanish form of Raphael – “God heals”
• Miguel – Spanish form of Michael – “Who is like God?”
• Jose – Spanish form of Joseph – “God will increase”
• Juan – Spanish form of John – “God is gracious”
• Pablo – Spanish form of Paul – “Small”
• Pedro – Spanish form of Peter – “Rock”
• Felipe – Spanish form of Philip – “Lover of horses”
• Santiago – “Saint James” – Pilgrimage and spiritual journey
• Diego – Related to James – “Supplanter”
• Carlos – “Free man” – Liberation and dignity

Hebrew Names with Beautiful Meanings

These Hebrew boy names connect directly to the original biblical languages, offering authentic spiritual significance.

Names Meaning Strength

• Aziel – “God is my strength” – Divine empowerment
• Uziel – “Strength of God” – Divine power and might
• Gavriel – Hebrew form of Gabriel – “God is my strength”
• Mishael – “Who is what God is?” – Divine comparison
• Azariah – “God has helped” – Divine assistance
• Hezekiah – “God strengthens” – Divine empowerment
• Zedekiah – “Righteousness of God” – Divine justice
• Nehemiah – “Comfort of the Lord” – Divine consolation
• Uriah – “Light of God” – Divine illumination
• Amariah – “God has said” – Divine communication

Names Meaning Light

• Uri – “My light” – Personal illumination
• Uriel – “Light of God” – Divine illumination
• Neriah – “Lamp of God” – Divine guidance
• Zerah – “Rising light” – Dawn and new beginnings
• Shimei – “Famous” – Recognition and honor
• Shimon – “He has heard” – Divine response
• Shlomo – Hebrew form of Solomon – “Peace”
• Noam – “Pleasantness” – Grace and favor
• Oren – “Pine tree” – Strength and endurance
• Eitan – Hebrew form of Ethan – “Firm, strong”

Names Meaning God’s Attributes

• Eliel – “My God is God” – Divine supremacy
• Elishua – “God is salvation” – Divine deliverance
• Elnathan – “God has given” – Divine gift
• Elihu – “He is my God” – Personal relationship
• Elisha – “God is salvation” – Divine rescue
• Eliab – “My God is father” – Divine relationship
• Eliam – “God is kinsman” – Divine family
• Eliezer – “God is help” – Divine assistance
• Elpaal – “God has made” – Divine creation
• Elzabad – “God has given” – Divine generosity

Why Biblical Names Are Having a Renaissance

The revival of biblical boy names isn’t just a trend—it’s a movement. According to BabyCenter’s 2024 annual report, biblical names saw a remarkable 23% increase in popularity among Christian families, with traditional powerhouses like Samuel and Joshua ranking in the top 50 nationwide.

Social media tells an even more compelling story, with #BiblicalNames generating over 2.3 million posts on Instagram as millennial parents proudly share their faith-based naming journeys.

But here’s what’s really fascinating: this isn’t the first time biblical names have dominated. Historical context reveals that biblical naming peaked during the Puritan era (1600s-1700s), and we’re experiencing a similar revival as families seek meaningful traditions in an increasingly uncertain world. When everything feels chaotic, there’s profound comfort in anchoring your child’s identity in timeless truth.

The shortest biblical name? That would be “Og,” a king mentioned in Deuteronomy—though I’m guessing most parents are looking for something with a bit more… substance. What’s remarkable is that 40% of American boys born in Christian households receive biblical names, making this more than just a naming preference—it’s a declaration of faith.

Practical Tips for Choosing the Perfect Biblical Name

Here’s the thing about choosing biblical baby names—it’s not just about picking something that sounds good. You’re selecting a spiritual foundation that will shape your son’s identity. Let me share some practical wisdom I’ve gathered from countless conversations with Christian parents.

Consider the nickname potential. Trust me on this one—every long name gets shortened eventually. Jeremiah becomes Jerry, Nathaniel becomes Nate, and Zachariah becomes Zach. Make sure you love both the full name and its casual versions. I’ve seen too many parents regret their choice when they realize they hate the inevitable nickname.

Research the biblical story behind the name. This is where the magic happens. Understanding the character’s journey adds incredible depth to your choice. David wasn’t just a king—he was a shepherd boy who slayed giants and wrote poetry. Daniel wasn’t just wise—he chose faith over safety and saw miraculous deliverance. These stories become part of your child’s legacy.

Test the pronunciation factor. Your son will spend his lifetime helping others pronounce his name. While Nehemiah is beautiful, consider whether your family and community can handle it comfortably. Sometimes the most meaningful choice is also the most practical one.

Think about sibling harmony. Biblical names often pair beautifully together. Brothers named David and Jonathan carry the legacy of biblical friendship. Caleb and Joshua share the story of faithful spies. But avoid accidentally creating rhyming patterns or overly themed combinations that might feel limiting later.

Honor your heritage thoughtfully. Some names work better with certain cultural backgrounds. Matteo flows beautifully in Italian families, while Mikhael might honor Russian Orthodox roots. Consider how the name will integrate with your family’s linguistic patterns.

Plan for his entire life journey. Picture this name on a elementary school attendance sheet, a high school diploma, a wedding invitation, and a business card. The best biblical names feel appropriate at every life stage—strong enough for a CEO, gentle enough for a father, and meaningful enough for a man of faith.

The most important advice? Pray over your choice. Many families find that the right name emerges through prayer and feels confirmed by peace. After all, you’re not just naming a baby—you’re declaring the spiritual heritage you want him to carry forward.

Faith-Filled Names for Every Family Style

Whether you’re drawn to traditional biblical names or prefer something more contemporary, there’s a biblical option that will perfectly suit your family’s style and spiritual journey.

For families loving classic tradition: Abraham, David, Samuel, Matthew, and John never go out of style. These names carry instant recognition and timeless dignity.

For families wanting something distinctive: Consider Gideon, Asher, Silas, or Micah. These gems offer uniqueness while maintaining strong biblical roots.

For families honoring heritage: International forms like Matteo, Miguel, or Luca can beautifully bridge cultural identity with faith traditions.

For families seeking modern appeal: Gabriel, Noah, Caleb, and Ethan feel contemporary while carrying ancient wisdom.

Remember, the perfect biblical name isn’t necessarily the most popular or the most unusual—it’s the one that resonates with your heart, honors your faith, and feels right for your unique son. These 300+ options represent thousands of years of faith history, each name carrying the potential to inspire courage, instill values, and connect your child to something greater than himself.

The beautiful truth about biblical names is that they’re never just names—they’re prayers, hopes, and declarations of faith wrapped up in syllables that will echo through your son’s entire life. Whether you choose mighty David or gentle John, warrior Gideon or peaceful Solomon, you’re giving your child a piece of the greatest story ever told.