Popular Biblical Baby Girl Names
Trendy and Common New and Old Testament Names
Sarah? Abigail? Hannah? Here are some of the most common Biblical names that are currently given to little girls.
If you're looking for a classic name for a baby girl with lots of history, you can't go wrong with a Biblical name. Although some Biblical names are more trendy and popular than others, few of them ever completely go out of style. Here's a selection of popular and trendy Biblical names for your little girl, along with their meanings.
Sarah/Sara
Sarah is one of the most enduring Biblical names for girls. Used in many different cultures, Sarah has been in the top 50 name list in the United States since 1972, and the name was also very popular in the late 19th century and early 20th century. In the Bible, Sarah was the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac, and is one of the most significant women in the Old Testament. The name comes from a Hebrew expression that means "princess."
Hannah/Anna
In recent years, Hannah and Anna names have become very popular in English speaking countries. In the past, Ann and Annie were popular choices, and versions of this name are popular all over the wold-- Anya, Annika, Ana, Anita, Aniko, and so forth. These names originate from the Biblical name Channah, who was barren and despondent for many years until she was blessed with her son Samuel. Channah means "favored grace."
Mary
Although not nearly as popular as it used to be, Mary remains a common name that's way too classic to ever go out of style. Variations of the name are popular throughout the world-- Marie, Maria, Maren, Maritza, and so forth. As the mother of Jesus, Mary is by far the most prominent woman in the New Testament. The source of this name is somewhat disputed-- it may come from Miriam, which means "wished for child," or possibly from Mara, which means "bitterness."
Abigail
This old-fashioned name has made a comeback in recent years and has become trendy. In the Bible, Abigail was the wife of David, who married him after her foolish and possibly abusive first husband Nabal died. In Hebrew, the name means "exalted father."
Rachel
Rachel has always been a common Jewish name, and in recent decades it's become a very common name throughout the United States and Great Britain. In the Bible, Rachel was the wife of Jacob, who was fooled into marrying Rachel's older sister Leah until her was allowed to marry Rachel as well. In Hebrew, Rachel means "ewe."
Leah
A fairly popular name in the English speaking world, Leah means "delicate." In the Bible, Jacob was tricked into marrying Leah before he could marry her sister Rachel, and she was less favored by her husband-- but because of this, God was merciful and gave her many more children than her sister.
Rebecca
Also a popular name in the Western world, Rebecca means "to bind." The Biblical Rebecca-- or "Rivka" in Hebrew-- was the beloved wife of Isaac, and the mother of feuding brothers Esau and Jacob.
Deborah/Debra
Extremely popular during the Baby Boom years, Deborah has fallen out of vogue, but is still a common name. In the Bible, Deborah was a prophetess and one of the earliest judges, or leaders, of the Jewish nation. The Hebrew form of Deborah is Dvorah, which means "bee."
Eve
The name of the first woman of the Bible is moderately popular, and the versions Ava, Eva, and Evelyn are becoming quite trendy. The Hebrew form of Eve is Chava, which means "life."
Naomi
Once used almost exclusively by Jewish and African American parents, Naomi has become a very popular name in Great Britain, and is gaining ground in the United States as well. In the Bible, Naomi was the mother-in-law of Ruth, whom Ruth stands by after the death of her husband. In Hebrew, Naomi means "pleasant" or "my joy." Naomi is also an unrelated Japanese name.
See also:
Unusual Biblical Baby Names for Girls
