Word names are all the rage in 2023 (and really for a lot of the last decade!) You’ve heard of Travis Scott’s son “Aire” and you probably have several real-life friends who named their baby a quirky word names! (We know a Honey and Cedar.) While these usually fall outside of our usual focus on ancient biblical names, we thought it was a fun addition and conversation piece!
Word Names from Bible Verses
Banner: Usable B names are hard to find in the Bible. So if it’s a letter you love, it may be a chore to find something biblical that works for you. For this reason, Banner is a great addition, especially when its connected to the verse (and song) that we all know so well.
“He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.” Songs of Solomon 2:4
Honey: Honey was highly prized during ancient times. In Exodus, The Promised Land was said to be “flowing with milk and honey.” This is both literal and metaphorical to show that God was giving the people not just any land, but good land.
“But I said to you, “You will possess their land; I will give it to you as an inheritance, a land flowing with milk and honey.” I am the LORD your God, who has set you apart from the nations.” Leviticus 20:24
“They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.” Psalms 19:10
Acacia: Tree names are a big theme for baby names recently like Willow, Oak, and Aspen. If you love nature names, but want one that’s used in high regard in the Bible, Acacia is a great fit! Many pieces of the tabernacle were built from Acacia tree, including the Ark of the Covenant.
“Moreover, you shall make an altar as a place for burning incense; you shall make it of acacia wood.” Exodus 30:1
Saint: The New Testament uses the word saint or saints 67 times speaking about believers and the bible consistently references all believers as saints! It’s become popular due to several celebrities using it – although they many not have considered its rich biblical meaning of “holy”.
“To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” Romans 1:7
Lion: We’ve seen this name more than once and it’s noteworthy that the Bible has some excellent things to say about the nature of lions! In the Old Testament they are the characterization of strength, boldness and stealth.
“Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered..” Revelation 5:5
Fair: This one sends us back to reading about the Puritans and the many creative names of their children. Justice was incredible popular at one point, and Fair really has a similar feel.
“A full and fair weight you shall have, a full and fair measure you shall have, that you days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.” Deuteronomy 25:15
Dove: The dove is the bird God chose to represent the Holy Spirit at the baptism of Jesus.
“And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased’” Matthew 3:16-17
