Biblical first names: meanings and ideas for girls and boys in 2026

Choosing a biblical first name for one’s child often involves looking for much more than just a lovely-sounding name. Names such as Adam, Noah, Gabriel, Raphael, David, Joseph, Sarah, Leah, Esther, Mary and Elizabeth carry with them an ancient history, a meaning and, for many families, a particular spiritual dimension.

Biblical first names derive from the characters, places or traditions recounted in the Bible. They may come from either the Old Testament or the New Testament and have been passed down to us from Hebrew, Aramaic or Greek, depending on the era and the characters in question.

In 2026, these first names continue to appeal due to their timeless nature, their international appeal and the richness of the stories with which they are associated. For a Christian family, the choice of a first name can also take on special significance at the time of baptism, particularly through the discovery of a biblical figure or a patron saint linked to the child.

What is a biblical first name?

A Biblical first name generally refers to a name borne by a character in the Scriptures or directly linked to an important element of the biblical narrative. Adam, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, David, Daniel, Sarah, Rachel, Ruth, Esther, Mary, John and Peter are well-known examples.

Some appear in the Old Testament, others in the New Testament. Many of them have stood the test of time to such an extent that they are now used far beyond just practising Christian families. Their history, their simplicity and their ability to be understood in many languages partly explain this longevity.

What is the difference between a biblical, Hebrew and Christian first name?

These three terms are similar, but they do not refer to exactly the same thing.

• A biblical first name is found directly in the biblical texts or is closely linked to their world.
• A Hebrew first name originates from the Hebrew language or culture. Many biblical first names are Hebrew, but not all contemporary Hebrew first names are necessarily biblical.
• A Christian first name is a broader concept. It may be biblical, but it may also be associated with a saint who lived well after biblical times.

Bernadette, for example, is a name deeply linked to the Christian tradition and to Saint Bernadette Soubirous, but it is not a biblical name. This distinction helps to avoid grouping names that do not appear in the Scriptures under the heading ‘biblical names’.

Which biblical boys’ names should you choose in 2026?

For a boy, there are plenty of options. Some Biblical boys’ names are very short and contemporary, whilst others have a more traditional ring to them. Rather than drawing up an artificial ranking for 2026, here is a selection of timeless names that continue to appeal to families because of their history and meaning.

Adam: the earth and our origins

Adam is the first man in the story of Genesis. His name is traditionally associated with man and the earth. Short, simple and international, it has a contemporary ring to it despite its ancient origins.

Noah: rest

A major figure in Genesis, Noah is associated with the story of the Ark and the Flood. His name is traditionally linked to the idea of ‘rest’. Very short and easy to pronounce, it fits naturally amongst today’s first names.

Gabriel: God is my strength

The name Gabriel traditionally means ‘God is my strength’ or ‘strength of God’. The archangel Gabriel plays a particularly important role in the story of the Annunciation to Mary, which gives this name a strong Christian and Marian dimension.

Raphaël: God heals

Raphaël means ‘God heals’. In the Book of Tobit, the archangel Raphael accompanies Tobit on his journey. The name thus evokes the themes of companionship and healing in its etymology.

David: the beloved

David means ‘beloved’. King of Israel and a major figure in the Old Testament, he is also strongly associated with the tradition of the Psalms. David remains a simple, international and instantly recognisable name.

Joseph: God adds

Joseph traditionally means ‘God adds’. Several important biblical figures bear this name: Joseph, son of Jacob, plays a central role in Genesis, whilst Saint Joseph, husband of Mary and foster father of Jesus, holds a major place in the New Testament and Christian tradition.

Samuel: God has heard

Samuel is traditionally interpreted as ‘God has heard’. The account of Samuel’s calling makes it a name particularly associated with listening to and being responsive to God.

Daniel: God is my judge

Daniel means ‘God is my judge’. The prophet Daniel is particularly well known for the episode of the lions’ den, a story that highlights his faith and loyalty in the face of adversity.

Elijah: my God is the Lord

Elijah is one of the great prophets of the Old Testament. His name traditionally means ‘my God is the Lord’. Although it is a very ancient name, it retains a concise sound that is particularly contemporary.

John: God is gracious

John means ‘God is gracious’. The New Testament refers in particular to John the Baptist as well as John the Apostle and Evangelist. This name is one of the great classics of the Christian tradition.

Which biblical names for girls should you choose in 2026?

Biblical girls’ names also encompass a wide range of figures: women from Genesis, queens, disciples and major characters from the New Testament. Here are several ideas whose history and meaning continue to resonate with families today.

Sarah: the princess

Sarah, wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac, plays a major role in Genesis. Her name traditionally means ‘princess’. Ancient and universal, it is used across a wide range of cultures.

Leah: a figure from Genesis

Leah is Jacob’s first wife and the mother of several of his sons. There have been various interpretations of the etymology of her name; it is therefore best to focus primarily on its biblical roots and its important place in Genesis, rather than reducing her name to a single translation.

Rachel: the ewe

Rachel traditionally means ‘sheep’. As Jacob’s wife, she is the mother of Joseph and Benjamin. Her story is one of the great family narratives of Genesis.

Esther: the courageous queen

Esther lends her name to a book of the Bible. A courageous queen, she intercedes on behalf of her people. Her story makes her a figure often associated with courage, loyalty and determination.

Ruth: the faithful friend

The Book of Ruth tells a story of faithfulness, family bonds and trust. Ruth also appears in David’s genealogy. Her name is traditionally associated with the idea of ‘friend’ or ‘companion’ ’.

Mary: the mother of Jesus

Mary occupies a central place in the New Testament and in the Christian faith. The etymology of her name is ancient and a matter of debate: it would therefore be reductive to assign it a single translation. For Christians, its significance rests above all on the figure of the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus.

Elizabeth: God is my oath

Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist, features notably in the account of the Visitation, when she receives Mary. Her first name is traditionally interpreted as ‘God is my oath’.

Anne: grace

The name Anne is generally associated with the idea of ‘grace’. One important point should be noted, however: Saint Anne, traditionally recognised as the mother of the Virgin Mary, belongs to the Christian tradition but is not mentioned in the canonical Gospels. Her example clearly illustrates the difference between the Bible and Tradition.

Eve: life

As the first woman in the Genesis narrative, Eve bears a name traditionally associated with ‘life’. Very ancient, it remains extremely simple and instantly recognisable.

Myriam: the origins of Mary

Miriam is notably the sister of Moses and Aaron in the Old Testament. This ancient form also sheds light on the linguistic link with the name Mary.

Which rare or unusual biblical first names should you choose?

Are you looking for a rare biblical first name or one that is less common? The Bible contains many options that remain authentically linked to the Scriptures without necessarily being among the most familiar first names.

For a boy: Amos, a prophet of the Old Testament; Ezekiel, a great biblical prophet; Joshua, Moses’ successor; Tobit, the central figure in the Book of Tobit; Zechariah, a name borne by several biblical figures; Jonah, the prophet sent to Nineveh; Isaac, son of Abraham and Sarah; Abel, son of Adam and Eve.

For a girl: Deborah, prophetess and judge of Israel; Judith, heroine of the book bearing her name; Bathsheba, mother of Solomon; Jael, a figure from the Book of Judges; Naomi, Ruth’s mother-in-law; Salome, a name found in the New Testament; Susanna, a name borne by several figures in the biblical tradition.

A less common first name can be a lovely way to combine originality with history. However, it is still worth checking its pronunciation and how easy it is to use in everyday life.

How to choose a biblical name for your child?

Choosing a name is a very personal decision. The Bible offers a vast heritage of names, but their value lies not solely in their antiquity. Several criteria can help expectant parents find the one that truly suits their family.

Look up the meaning of the name

Etymology can add an extra dimension to the choice. ‘God heals’ for Raphael, ‘beloved’ for David or ‘princess’ for Sarah give the name a special resonance. However, it is advisable to exercise caution: some ancient etymologies are open to multiple interpretations.

Discover the story of the biblical figure

A first name is never limited to its translation. The story of the person who bore that name in the Bible may be even richer. Parents may be interested in that person’s journey, their qualities, the trials they faced and their place in the biblical narrative.

Consider the sound and the surname

Say the first name out loud with the surname. A first name that sounds lovely on its own may sound quite different when combined with the surname. This simple test often helps to narrow down several options.

Choosing a first name that the child can keep for life

Ease of pronunciation, spelling and the name’s potential international appeal may also be factors to consider. The key is to choose, with care, a first name that the child will be able to embrace as they grow up.

What is the connection between a biblical first name, a patron saint and baptism?

For Christian families, choosing a child’s first name can also be an opportunity to discover the biblical figure or saint with whom that name is associated. This aspect takes on particular significance during the child’s baptism.

Baptism is the first sacrament of Christian initiation. The first name is an integral part of the child’s identity and may recall a biblical figure, an apostle, a martyr or a saint who has left their mark on the history of the Church.

The parents, godfather and godmother can then pass on this story to the child as they grow up. However, this does not mean that a child must necessarily have a biblical first name to be baptised: families can simply look up the saint or Christian figure associated with the chosen first name.

Discover our selection of religious items to help you prepare for and celebrate a child’s baptism.

What religious gift should you give for a christening?

A christening is an important day for the child and their family. Parents, godparents, grandparents or close relatives can choose a religious christening gift intended to accompany the child or to serve as a memento of the celebration.

The cradle medal: a symbolic gift for a baby

The cradle medal is a religious item intended to be placed near the cradle or in a child’s bedroom. It usually depicts the Virgin Mary, Jesus, an angel or a religious scene.

Given as a gift for a birth or a christening, it can accompany the child through their early years as a sign of faith and become a family heirloom that they will keep as they grow up. Placed in the baby’s bedroom, the cradle medal expresses the family’s prayers and trust without being presented as a guarantee of physical protection.

Le Palais du Rosaire offers, amongst other items, a Lourdes star cradle medal as well as a silver Lourdes cradle medal, two ideas for religious keepsakes that can be given to mark a birth or a christening.

Discover our christening medals to give as a religious keepsake to mark a birth or a christening.

A baptism candle

Light plays a central role in the celebration of baptism: it symbolises, in particular, Christ, the light of the world, and the new life received through faith. A baptismal candle with display box can thus be used during the ceremony and kept afterwards as a keepsake.

The golden Cross and Holy Spirit baptismal candle is another option for embodying this symbolism of light during the celebration.

A cross for the child’s bedroom

A wall-mounted cross can be placed in the child’s bedroom and help to create a Christian family environment. As the child grows up, it can also serve as a tool to gradually teach them the sign of the cross and their first prayers. For example, you might like to take a look at this children’s rosary can accompany them as they grow up and gradually begin to discover Marian prayer, with the help of their family, godfather and godmother.

A baptism keepsake box

A keepsake box allows you to collect certain mementos from this special day. The ‘My Baptism’ box set can be used to keep various items associated with the celebration.

Useful accessories for the ceremony

Preparing for a baptism may also require several practical accessories: a christening gown, a hand towel or a keepsake bookmark. Le Palais du Rosaire offers, amongst other things, a christening gown with candle embroidery, an baptism bookmark.

Discover all our religious items and gifts for a christening.

Prayer for a child on the occasion of their baptism

FAQ on Biblical first names

Prepare for your child’s christening and discover the cradle medallions, candles, votive candles, crosses, rosaries and religious keepsakes available at the Palais du Rosaire.

Discover the Palais du Rosaire’s christening range