Moreh: Teacher

October 21, 2023

We have an affinity for unconventional biblical names, and this one undoubtedly tops the list! Moreh felt like a surprising find for a Bible name, as it was one we have read over many times without thinking of it as a name. (Olivet felt like that too!)

Original Language + Form: Hebrew מורה

Range of Meanings: The place name Moreh is generally thought to mean “teacher”. The Hebrew word מורה moreh is identical in spelling to the place name and is thought to mean “early rain” or “teacher”.

Concept:

References or Context: Moreh is mentioned in the Hebrew Bible several times as the “Oak of Moreh” or “Hill of Moreh”. The most noteworthy of these is in the story of Abraham in Genesis 12. It tells of Moreh as the location where God reveals himself to Abraham and promises to give the land of Canaan to his descendants.

“Abram passed through the land to the place at Shechem, to the oak of Moreh.” Genesis 12:6

If you love Moreh and are looking for other place names in the Bible, don’t forget to check out Biblical Places as Baby Names!

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Is the name Rome in the Bible?

October 21, 2023

Is the name Roman in the bible?

Even though the city of Rome isn’t given much spotlight by being directly named in Scripture, it still holds a crucial role in the New Testament’s narrative. You may be surprised to learn there is also an ancient Hebrew word rom which is also pronounced like Rome! If Rome has been on your radar—as it’s rising in popularity for both boys and girls—then it’s worth a look at these biblical roots and uplifting significance!

Original Language: Hebrew רוֹם

Range of Meanings: Lifted up, on high, exalted

Concept: Rom comes from a Hebrew root word that has a meaning ranging from “rise up” to “exalted”.

References or Context: We see the variation rom is used once in Habukkuk 3:10, however the root word is used 194 times throughout the Old Testament.

“The mountains saw you and writhed; the raging waters swept on; the deep gave forth its voice; it lifted its hands on high” Habakkuk 3:10.

“Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth!” Psalm 57:5.

If you like the biblical baby name Rom(e), you will love: Phero

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Best Word Names from Scripture

September 17, 2023

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

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Bronte: Not the Author

September 1, 2023

When consider the biblical name Bronte, one can’t help but think of the charming Bronte sisters. Thus making this the perfect name for lovers of literature and those looking for a strong, un-flowery name for their daughter.

Bronte

Original Language + Form: Greek βροντή

Range of Meanings: Thunder

Concept: Very few of the biblical references of thunder are limited to literal weather occurrences. For example, in both the Old and New Testaments, God’s voice is described as being like thunder. When it’s used in the Bible it’s to show the magnitude of awe (due to the incredible audible power of thunder) and help explain hearing the voice of the Lord.

References or Context:

“Father, glorify your name!”Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.

John 12:28-29

Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns…”

Revelation 19:6

If you like the biblical baby name Meris, you will love: Phero

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Asa: Fit for a King

July 12, 2023

Asa name meaning is "healer". Asa was a biblical King of Judah.

The meaning of Asa is “healer”

You might have noticed that royalty in the Bible get a lot of notice for the good they did while serving the Lord or, in contrast, their failure to do so. King Asa, despite some mishaps, can be an inspiration to use today as it says he was “wholly true to the LORD all his days”.

Asa was popular in the late 1800’s for boys, but has seen a revival recently, probably due to the english actor bearing the name. Even more interesting is that Asa is used for both a boys and a girls name today.

Asa

Original Language + Form: Hebrew אסא

Range of Meanings: Commonly accepted to mean “healer”, but definitive meaning unknown.

Concept: Unknown

References or Context: King Asa was the third king of the kingdom of Judah and he reign for a long 41 years. The majority of Judah’s rulers are known for their evil deeds and did not serve the Lord. In contrast the Bible says in 1 Kings 15:14 says, “the heart of Asa was wholly true to the LORD all his days.” For the complete story of Asa read 2 Chronicles, chapters 14-16.

And Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God.He took away the foreign altars and the high places and broke down the pillars and cut down the Asherimand commanded Judah to seek the Lord, the God of their fathers, and to keep the law and the commandment.He also took out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the incense altars. And the kingdom had rest under him.He built fortified cities in Judah, for the land had rest. He had no war in those years, for the Lord gave him peace.

2 Chronicles 14:2-6

If you like the biblical baby name Asa, you will love: Esli

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Shai: What a Gift!

June 23, 2023

What is the meaning of name shai?

There’s a certain charm to one-syllable names. Within the Hebrew language, there are multiple words for “gift,” yet none compare to the sweetness conveyed by Shai.

Original Language + Form: Hebrew שַׁי

Range of Meanings: Present or tribute (gift)

Concept: Giving something costly as homage.

References or Context: Shai appears three times in the Old Testament in reference to gifts being given to God.

At that time tribute will be brought to the Lord of hosts from a people tall and smooth, from a people feared near and far, a nation mighty and conquering, whose land the rivers divide, to Mount Zion, the place of the name of the Lord of hosts. Isaiah 18:7

If you like the biblical name Shai, you will love: Thelo

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Biblical Places as Baby Names

April 4, 2023

coolest ancient places and their meaning

Biblical

Did you know “coolest ancient names” is a common search when looking for baby names!? While there are numerous pages that discuss in detail the Greek gods and goddesses, or Roman emperors, the Bible presents an alternative, yet remarkable source for ancient names!

Place names, also known as toponyms, have endured as a popular choice for baby names. We know several children named London, Paris, and even Canyon – which all count as toponyms. (We used a few for our kids too!) Since this is an intriguing concept, exploring ancient place names and their meanings, we decided to delve into the Bible to see which we could use right now! (Be sure to click on the names for more information.)

Toponym comes from Ancient Greek τόπος “place” and ὄνομα “name”.

Unique Place Names in the Bible

Zelah: One of the cities of the Tribe of Benjamin and also the burial place of King Saul. Meaning, “side”.

Rhodes: Seen quickly in Acts as Paul and Luke are passing through. The word/place exists before the Greek language would have, however the known Greek meaning is, “Rose”.

Moreh: The location where God revealed himself to Abraham. Meaning, “teacher” or “archer”.

Salem: The city ruled by King Melchizedek in Genesis. Meaning, “Peace”.

Memphis: This is the capital of Egypt mentioned in the Old Testament. Generally accepted as meaning, “Abode of the good”.

Calah: First of the new cities named after Noah’s flood. Uncertain meaning.

Derbe: A city in Asia Minor. Mention in Acts several times and one of the only places the Gospel was accepted immediately. Assumed meaning, “barred gate”.

Cana: A town of Galilee where Jesus did his first miracle. Meaning, “Reed”.

Rome: Where we know Paul wrote his epistles to the Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians, and to Philemon. Uncertain meaning.

Judea: Mentioned in both the New and Old Testament. Meaning, “Land of the Jews”

Caria: Simply mentioned in Acts as a place being traveled through. No known meaning.

Olivet: This place has both Old Testament and New Testament references. Meaning, “Olive” or “Olive Tree”.

What do you think? Would you consider using the names of biblical places for your baby?

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Zelah: Side

March 4, 2023

We would never have guessed the name Zelah is biblical name, would you?! This name feels very up and coming as it reminds us of some of other stylish Z names rising on the charts. (We even used one for our daughter, Zara.)

Zelah

Original Language + Form: Hebrew צֵלָע

Range of Meanings: Side

Concept: The side which is attached and part of the whole

References or Context: The location Zelah is referenced twice in the Bible. First, as one of the fourteen cities of the tribe of Benjamin and again as the location where King Saul was buried. Zelah or Zela are the two common spellings of this place name (toponym).

However, tsela is the common spelling of the Hebrew word meaning “side”. We see this word used throughout text in Genesis 2, where is speaks of God taking from Adam’s “side” to create Eve, and then again when speaking about the “side” of the temple and ark in Exodus & Ezekiel.

If you love Zelah and are looking for other place names in the Bible, don’t forget to check out Biblical Places as Baby Names!

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Judea: A Rare Beauty

March 1, 2023

What is the meaning of Judea in the bible?

There are many variations of Judea through out the Bible, in both Old & New Testament; including Judah and Jude. Most mentions have generally have good associations (minus the well-known Judas), however Judea is rarely used and definitely the most interesting choice for a little girl!

Judea

Original Language + Form: Greek Ἰουδαία adaption of the Hebrew יהודה

Range of Meanings: Land of the Jews

Concept: Judea is the Greco-Latin (or Greco-Roman) form of the land first called “Judah”. Judah is from the Hebrew word “to praise” so Judea is probably better translated as “Land of those who praise”.

References or Context: The gravity of this location, not as a physical location of importance, but as the place God chose for His people, the Jews, and in turn, His Son. Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea and even commissioned his disciples there!

“…But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8

If you like the biblical baby name Judea, you will love: Olivet

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Iris: Rainbow

February 28, 2023

We never appreciated the name Iris enough until studying Greek! Did you know Iris is used in the New Testament and means “rainbow”? Since rainbows are also a sign of God’s promise to humanity, this name feels as though it added significance for Christians today.

Iris

Original Language + Form: Greek ἶρις

Range of Meanings: Rainbow

Concept: Describing a brightly color halo or a circle of light

References or Context: Iris is used twice in Revelation.

“Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven, wrapped in a cloud, with a rainbow over his head, and his face was like the sun, and his legs like pillars of fire.” Revelation 10:1

If you like the biblical name Iris, you will love Meris!

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