Phero: A Royal Feel

February 28, 2023

Learn more about the name Phero meaning “bear”

The title Pharaoh has always been an intriguing one and it’s even been used, more often than we might think, as a name for babies in the US. (Although King and Princess reign on the name charts!)

The Greek word Phero has nothing to do with royalty (in spite of sounding similar), but may make a great ancient alternative if you are looking for a name that could also pass as a royal title.

Phero

Original Language + Form: Greek φέρω

Range of Meanings: To carry, bring, present

Concept: Phero’s biblical meaning also has a large number of figurative uses where it’s translated to “endure”, “bear”, or “sustain (uphold)” and imply that they are continual. For example, God did not only sustain the universe in the past, he will continue to do so.

References or Context:

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

“He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.” Hebrews 1:3

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

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Meris: Partakers

February 18, 2023

“M” names are wildly popular, coming second only to those starting with “j”. If you love the letter and are looking for a distinctive biblical name, Meris is an excellent choice! It’s also close enough to familiar names like Mary, yet still unique in it’s own right.

Meris

Original Language + Form: Greek μερίς

Range of Meanings: Portion, a share

Concept: To take part

References or Context: There are too many mentions of this word to go over all of them, but the idea would that this indicates a share or inheritance of something.

“…but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

Luke 10:42

“…giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.”

Colossians 1:12

If you like the biblical name Meris, you will love: Salem

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Esli: Ancestor of Jesus

February 11, 2023

Meaning is usually what draws us personally to Biblical names, but on rare occasions there are names without meanings that we love. Esli is one of those! While there isn’t a lot of information about the name, it’s mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus.

Esli

Original Language + Form: Greek Ἐσλί

Range of Meanings: Possibly the Greek for the Hebrew “atsalyahu” meaning “Yah has reserved,” “set apart”, but definitive meaning unknown.

Concept: unknown

References or Context: An ancestor of Jesus, listed in Luke’s genealogy (Luke 3:25)

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

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Rufus: Red

February 6, 2023

It’s a charming first-century Christian name. Despite its straightforward meaning, this moniker has earned two mentions in the New Testament with wholesome connotations!

Rufus

Original Language + Form: Latin rūfus

Range of Meanings: Red

Concept: n/a

References or Context: Who was Rufus in the Bible? First, Rufus was the son of Simon the Cyrenian who carried the cross for Jesus (Mark 15:21). Second, he was a friend of Paul, “chosen in the Lord” (Romans 16:13). Some believe these two mentions to be the same man, however they are separated by time of 25 years and by location. Either way Rufus is documented to be a common Latin name during this time and the biblical references are both positive examples of it’s use.

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

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Thelo: Willing

February 3, 2023

The name Thelo is close to Shakespeare’s “Othello” (but with out the depressing ending to that story.) It’s reminiscent of some modern favorites like Theo or Milo, with the bonus of a beautiful biblical meaning.

Thelo

Original Language + Form: Greek θέλω

Range of Meanings: To will, intend, desire, wish

Concept: To show willingness to act or desire to do so

References or Context: Thelo is used 40 times in the New Testament, but many variations are used totaling up to 200 uses over all.

“Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the pious, but sinners, to repentance.”

Matthew 9:13

“And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. “And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.”

Matthew 8:2-3

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

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Chara: A Virtue Name

January 29, 2023

biblical name Chara

Not long ago, virtue names were all the rage (and that trend last for hundreds of years!). The classics include Faith, Hope, and Joy. These sit among a host of names that pay respect to important morals or characteristics parents hoped for their child.

If you love the concept of Joy, but are looking for a more unusual variation, Chara is the perfect Greek choice!

Chara

Original Language + Form: Greek Χαρά

Range of Meanings: Joy

Concept: Inner joy, unrelated to circumstances

References or Context: The Bible Project did a beautiful word study on Chara HERE. You can’t miss it if you are considering using this name.

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

Luke 2:10

If you like the biblical baby name Chara, you will love: Iris

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Beautiful Names of Bad People in the Bible

January 23, 2023

It’s feels appropriate when a villain in the Bible has an awful name. Abimelech is a great example, since both his name and his story are pretty revolting, it seems to fit perfectly. However, some of the names below would be considered rare beauties…if only their association with these biblical examples wasn’t so unfortuate!

Bad guys with good names — The Death of Korah, Dathan and Abiram by Gustave Dore

Cain: The son of Adam and Eve, most well known for murdering his brother, Abel, in Genesis 4. Meaning: “spear.”

Sapphira: Acts 5 tells the story of Sapphira and her husband, the famous hypocrites who lied to God and died instantly. Meaning: “sapphire.”

Delilah: Betrayed Samson to the Philistines in Judges. This was arguably still a beloved girls name in the 2000s, although most people don’t connect it to the infamous biblical character. The song “Hey There Delilah” is probably a more common (and pleasant) association. Meaning: “delicate.”

Aven: Hosea speaks of the place “Beth-El” (house of God), but uses a derogatory term “Beth-Aven” (house of wickedness) because of their sins. Meaning: “vanity” or “wickedness.”

Korah: The most notable biblical Korah is in Numbers 16. He and his followers revolt against Moses. Korah, all of his followers & their families were swallowed up into the ground. Meaning: “baldness.”

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Salem: Peace

January 18, 2023

If you’re looking for the meaning of Salem in Hebrew, you’ve come to the right place!

Salem is hands down one of the best toponyms in the Bible! (If you are curious about place names, you can read more about toponyms here.)

Salem has been at the top of our name list for many years because of it’s sweet meaning. There are many virtue names that have run their course (for the moment), but Salem fits the bill for something modern and edgy, with strong Biblical roots.

Salem

Original Language + Form: Hebrew שלם

Range of Meanings: Peace, Complete

Concept: Since Salem is derived from the Hebrew Shalom שָׁלוֹם, the deeper concept is that being complete or whole is what brings peace. As we see throughout the Bible, when things are in complete (whole), there is peace.

References or Context: Salem is first mentioned when we hear of King Melchizedek, who was a “priest of the most high God” in Genesis 14:18. (If you don’t know the story of Abraham and Melchizedek, now is a great time to catch up on this incredible story!) Because of the reference to the location of Salem in Psalms, the connection is made that Salem and Jerusalem are the same city.

In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling place in Zion.

There brake he the arrows of the bow, the shield, and the sword, and the battle. Selah.
Psalm 76:2-3

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

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Olivet: Common, yet unheard of!

January 14, 2023

The name Olivet is probably the most iconic and well known names in the Bible due to its significance during Jesus lifetime, yet it is without much use in all of history when it comes to names (it has never hit the top 1000 names in the US!)

We love it’s familiarity and majestic spin on the similar name Olive which is popping up everywhere these days. It’s the perfect name if you are searching for something unique & biblical, yet instantly recognizable.

Olivet

Original Language + Form: Latin oliva and Greek ἐλαιών

Range of Meanings: Mount of Olives, Olives, Olive Tree

Concept: n/a

References or Context: Olivet is rich in meaning throughout the life of Jesus, but even long before that it held significance! Mount of Olives is first mentioned by name during the time of King David (2 Samuel 15). Olivet is also thought to be the mountain Ezekiel talks about in Ezekiel 11:23. Most importantly, Olivet played a major role as the location for some incredible events during Jesus day. To name a few, it is the place where Jesus taught His disciples, where He was betrayed, and where He is said to have ascended into heaven.

“And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away”

Acts 1:9-12

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

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Lev: Full of Heart

January 2, 2023

Biblical Name Lev means you should love the Lord you God with all your heart...

Hart has emerged as a popular name in recent years, making the Biblical name Lev a perfect for those searching for an equally endearing biblical name. Both are names ares straightforward, and strong, but the spiritual significance behind Lev definitely gives it our seal of approval! (In fact, we even used this name for one of our sons.)

Although it’s not as commonly used as a first name in Israel today, Lev is a prevalent Israeli surname.

Lev

Original Language + Form: Hebrew לב

Range of Meanings: Heart

Concept: The Israelites spoke of the heart as the center of a person—the place inside us where thoughts, desires, and emotions originate.

References or Context: One of the most beautiful place we see Lev in the Bible, is in the “Shema” in Deuteronomy 6:5, ” You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart…” The Shema is a daily recitation and even considered to be the most important prayer in Judaism.

No one has covered this word in it’s entirety better than The Bible Project, so be sure to check out their video HERE. Seriously, don’t miss it!

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

Deuteronomy 6:5

If you like the biblical baby name Lev, you will love: Salem

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