The Complete Guide to Biblical Girl Names: Meanings, Origins & Scripture
Biblical girl names carry a special kind of beauty—they combine timeless elegance with profound spiritual meaning that has inspired parents for over three thousand years. From the gentle grace of Mary to the courageous spirit of Esther, these 125+ names tell stories of faith, love, and divine purpose. Whether you seek a popular classic like Hannah or a rare treasure like Keturah, our carefully researched collection offers meaningful options for every Christian family seeking the perfect name for their daughter.
Most Popular Biblical Girl Names in 2026
Certain biblical names have maintained their popularity across generations, consistently appearing in top baby name lists. These beloved classics combine beautiful sounds with rich spiritual heritage:
Hannah
Hebrew: "Grace, Favor" — The devoted mother whose prayers were answered with the prophet Samuel. Her song of praise (1 Samuel 2) inspired Mary's Magnificat.
Abigail
Hebrew: "Father's Joy" — The intelligent and beautiful woman who became King David's wife, praised for her wisdom (1 Samuel 25).
Elizabeth
Hebrew: "God is My Oath" — The righteous mother of John the Baptist, relative of Mary, filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1).
Sarah
Hebrew: "Princess" — The mother of nations, Abraham's beloved wife, who laughed with joy at God's promise fulfilled (Genesis 17-21).
Naomi
Hebrew: "Pleasantness" — Ruth's devoted mother-in-law whose faithfulness was rewarded with a place in Jesus's lineage (Ruth 1-4).
Leah
Hebrew: "Weary" but also "Cow" (symbolizing abundance) — Jacob's first wife and mother of six tribes of Israel (Genesis 29-35).
Unique & Rare Biblical Girl Names Worth Considering
For parents seeking distinctive names that still carry deep scriptural meaning, the Bible offers hidden treasures. These rare biblical names give your daughter a unique identity while connecting her to powerful stories of faith:
- Selah — A musical term from Psalms meaning "pause" or "reflect" — appears 74 times in the Psalms
- Keturah — "Incense, Fragrance" — Abraham's wife after Sarah's death, mother of six sons (Genesis 25:1)
- Jemima — "Dove" — Job's beautiful daughter, one of three sisters given inheritance (Job 42:14)
- Tabitha — Aramaic: "Gazelle" — The charitable disciple raised from the dead by Peter (Acts 9:36-42)
- Priscilla — Latin: "Ancient, Venerable" — Early church leader who taught Apollos (Acts 18)
- Dinah — "Judged, Vindicated" — Jacob's only named daughter (Genesis 34)
- Hadassah — "Myrtle Tree" — Esther's Hebrew name before she became queen (Esther 2:7)
- Bethany — "House of Figs" — The village where Jesus stayed with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus (John 11)
Old Testament Girl Names: Hebrew Heritage
The Hebrew Bible features remarkable women whose names carry deep theological significance. These Old Testament names connect your daughter to the matriarchs, queens, and heroines who shaped Israel's history:
- Eve (Chavah) — "Life, Living" — The first woman, mother of all humanity (Genesis 3:20)
- Rebecca (Rivka) — "To Bind, Captivating" — Isaac's wife chosen by divine guidance (Genesis 24)
- Rachel — "Ewe, Lamb" — Jacob's beloved wife, mother of Joseph and Benjamin (Genesis 29-35)
- Miriam — "Wished-for Child, Rebellion" — Moses's sister, prophetess and worship leader (Exodus 15)
- Deborah — "Bee" — The only female judge of Israel, warrior and prophetess (Judges 4-5)
- Esther — Persian: "Star" — The queen who saved her people from destruction
New Testament Girl Names: Greek & Aramaic Beauty
The New Testament introduces women who played vital roles in Jesus's ministry and the early church. Their names blend Hebrew tradition with Greek elegance:
- Mary (Miriam) — "Beloved, Wished-for Child" — The mother of Jesus and most honored woman in Scripture
- Martha — Aramaic: "Lady, Mistress" — The devoted hostess and sister of Lazarus (John 11)
- Lydia — Greek: "From Lydia" — First European convert, successful businesswoman (Acts 16:14)
- Phoebe — Greek: "Bright, Radiant" — Deaconess commended by Paul (Romans 16:1)
- Dorcas — Greek: "Gazelle" — Known for charitable works, raised from death (Acts 9)
- Joanna — Hebrew: "God is Gracious" — One of the women who supported Jesus's ministry (Luke 8:3)
Women of Courage: Names with Powerful Stories
Some biblical women demonstrated extraordinary courage and faith. Their names carry the weight of their inspiring stories:
Esther — "Star"
The Jewish orphan who became Queen of Persia and risked her life to save her people. Her famous words—"If I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:16)—embody courage and faith. The Jewish festival of Purim celebrates her bravery to this day.
Ruth — "Friend, Companion"
The Moabite widow whose loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi became legendary. Her declaration—"Where you go I will go" (Ruth 1:16)—is among the Bible's most beautiful expressions of devotion. She became the great-grandmother of King David and ancestor of Jesus.
Deborah — "Bee"
The only female judge in Israel's history who led her nation to military victory and judged the people under a palm tree (Judges 4-5). Her Song of Deborah is one of the oldest passages in the Bible.
How to Choose the Perfect Biblical Name for Your Daughter
Selecting a name for your daughter is one of the most meaningful decisions you'll make. Here are thoughtful tips for choosing a biblical name she'll cherish:
- Read Her Story: Study the biblical woman who bore the name. Her character and journey add depth and meaning to your daughter's name.
- Consider the Meaning: Biblical names were often prophetic blessings. Choose a meaning that reflects your hopes and prayers for your daughter.
- Listen to the Sound: Say the full name with your surname. Consider how it flows and what nicknames might arise.
- Think About Her Future: Picture the name on diplomas, wedding invitations, and professional cards. Biblical names age beautifully.
- Balance Popularity: Decide if you prefer a familiar name or something more distinctive—both have their charm.
The Gift of a Biblical Name
In Hebrew culture, a name was considered a blessing spoken over a child's life. Names like Hannah ("grace") or Abigail ("father's joy") weren't just labels—they were prayers. By choosing a biblical name for your daughter, you're continuing this beautiful tradition of speaking blessing and purpose over her life, connecting her to a heritage of faithful women who changed history.
Continue Your Search
Try our interactive Biblical Baby Name Spinner to discover names in a fun, engaging way, or explore our collection of boy names and detailed name meanings with scripture references.