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

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Plus, discover the meanings of these ancient names

Co-authored by Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson and Elaine Heredia, BA

Last Updated: October 21, 2025 Fact Checked

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Classic Names

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Modern Names

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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. We talked to naming consultant and childhood expert Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson to learn more about the significance of classic, modern, and unique Biblical boy names. We’ll also explore the ancient and fascinating meanings behind them.

Popular Biblical Boy Names & Meanings

Naming consultant and childhood expert Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson says that Biblical names are timeless and familiar, yet still meaningful. Strong examples for boys include:

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

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Opt for traditional Biblical names like Abraham, Isaac, or Joshua. “People are drawn to Bible names, even if they’re not particularly religious, because they feel timeless and familiar, yet still meaningful," says Dr. Wilson. "Many Biblical names have soft, lyrical sounds or a gentle strength that makes them wearable today. They also carry a sense of story and history, which can make them feel special or ‘rooted’ in a way that purely trendy names sometimes don't,” she notes.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson
Naming Consultant and Childhood Expert

Expert Interview} You can't go wrong with one of the classic Biblical boy names below.
- 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!
Meet the wikiHow Expert

Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson is a naming consultant and early childhood expert. She has over 20,000 followers on Instagram, where she shares naming tips, name meanings, and other inspiration.

Section 2 of 3:

Modern Biblical Names for Boys

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Choose a Biblical name that sounds modern, like Luke, Mark, or Zach. Dr. Wilson says, “For modern families, choosing a Bible name can feel like picking something classic and enduring, while still allowing space for individuality and personality.” Dr. Wilson adds that names like Elias and Caleb can “feel both warm and contemporary at the same time.”^{[2]
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Expert Source

Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson
Naming Consultant and Childhood Expert

Expert Interview} 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"
EXPERT TIP

Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson
Naming Consultant and Childhood Expert
Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson is a naming consultant and early childhood expert based in Liverpool, England. Dr. Wilson shares name meanings, naming tips, and other inspiration on social media @little_name_library to over 20k followers on instagram. Dr. Wilson is also a Senior Lecturer in Practice & Employability for the Child and Adolescent Mental Health & Wellbeing degree at Edge Hill University and has extensive experience working with children during early childhood. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Childhood and Adolescence Studies, a Master’s degree in Research, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Liverpool John Moores University.

Dr. Hayley Elizabeth Wilson
Naming Consultant and Childhood Expert

For modern families, Biblical names often connect generations. Biblical names might honour family heritage or carry forward names that have been loved for centuries. Recently, I’ve found that parents like the spiritual meaning behind Biblical names, as it resonates with their family story.

Section 3 of 3:

Unique Biblical Names for Boys

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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"