Popular & Meaningful Christian Names
Well-loved names from Scripture, with their meaning and why they're worth considering.
Boys
Noah
Rest, comfortThe man God saved through the flood to give the world a fresh start — one of the most popular boys' names today.
David
BelovedIsrael's shepherd-turned-king, called "a man after God's own heart" — timeless and still widely loved.
John
God is graciousCarried by both John the Baptist and the beloved Apostle — one of history's most enduring names.
Elijah
My God is YahwehIsrael's fiery prophet, taken up to heaven in a whirlwind — a fast-rising modern favorite.
Joshua
The LORD savesHe led Israel into the Promised Land — and shares the same Hebrew root as the name "Jesus."
Samuel
Heard by GodDedicated to God from birth by his praying mother Hannah — a name of answered prayer.
Gabriel
God is my strengthThe archangel who announced Jesus' birth to Mary — a distinctive name with a beautiful message behind it.
Isaac
Laughter, joyThe long-promised son of Abraham and Sarah, born in old age — a name that literally means joy.
Girls
Mary
Beloved, bitter turned sweetThe mother of Jesus — the most honored woman in Scripture, and one of the most enduring names in history.
Grace
Unearned favorNot a person's name but the central gift of the gospel itself — God's favor freely given, not earned.
Hannah
Favor, graceSamuel's mother, whose years of persistent, tearful prayer were answered — a model for anyone still waiting.
Abigail
My father's joyA wise, quick-thinking woman who prevented disaster and later became David's wife — beautiful and increasingly popular.
Elizabeth
My God is abundanceThe mother of John the Baptist, who conceived in old age as a sign of God's power — a name that has never gone out of style.
Ruth
Friendship, companionA loyal Moabite woman whose devotion became legendary — she's an ancestor of both David and Jesus.
Lydia
Noble oneA successful businesswoman and Europe's first recorded convert to Christ — a name for the strong and independent.
Naomi
PleasantRuth's mother-in-law, whose story of loss turned to restoration is one of the Bible's most tender arcs.