Old Testament Girls' Names

Like Old Testament boys' names, names for girls often take their meaning from the Biblical person's place of birth, a physical characteristic or other personal qualities. Start to imagine what qualities you would value most in a child and see if any of these names match.

More: Genealogy: What's in a Name?

Positive, Meaningful Names

Abigail: "Father is rejoicing." Abigail was a wife of King David. Abigail has often appeared in top most popular baby names' lists.

Famous Abigails: Actress Abigail Breslin, First Lady Abigail Adams

Eve: "Life." The name of the first woman in the Bible.

Famous Eves: First Lady of Argentina Eva Peron, Rapper Eve, Actress Eve Arden.

Hannah: "Gracious" or "full of grace." Hannah was the mother of Samuel.

Famous Hannahs: YouTube star Hannah Hart, Philosopher Hannah Arendt.

Judith: This name is the feminine form of the male name Yehudit, meaning "He will be praised." Judith was one of the wives of Esau.

Famous Judiths: Actress Judith Light, Judge Judith Blum (Judge Judy)

Naomi: "Joy" or "delight." Naomi was the wife and mother who lost her family; her story is told in the book of Ruth.

Famous Naomis: Model Naomi Campbell, Actress Naomi Watts, Singer Naomi Judd.

Rebekah: "To join family." Rebekah was the wife of Isaac and the mother of the twins Esau and Jacob. Also spelled Rebecca.

Famous Rebekahs: Singer Rebecca Black, Actress Rebecca Romjin.

Ruth: "Friend" or "companion." Ruth was Naomi's daughter-in-law, who took care of her after the death of her husband and children.

Famous Ruths: Chief Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Actress Ruth Gordon.

Edgy, Meaningful Names

Dinah: "Judged" or "vindicated." She was a daughter of Jacob and Leah.
Famous Dinahs: Actress Dinah Shore, Singer Dinah Jane Hansen.

Miriam: This name is thought to mean "bitter" or "rebellious," although no one knows for sure. Miriam was the sister of Aaron and Moses.

Famous Miriams: Actress Miriam Shor, Author Miriam Leslie.

Delilah: "Delicate." Also the name of Samson's mistress. She cut off all his hair and rendered him defenseless in the face of the Philistines.

Famous Delilahs: Radio personality Delilah, Actress Delilah Cotto. 

Names for Leaders

Michal: "Who is like God?" Michal was the first wife of David, who cast aspersions on him after she saw him rejoicing in the streets following his recovery of the ark of the covenant. The resulting division in their marriage is what is believed to have kindled David's desire for Bathseba.

Sarah: "Princess." Sarah was the half sister and wife of Abraham.

Famous Sarahs: Actresses Sarah Jessica Parker and Modern Family star Sarah Hyland.

More: Virtue Names and Their Meanings

Animal-inspired Names

Jemimah: "A dove." She was the first of Job's three daughters.
Famous Jemimahs:  Actress Jemima Kirke, English writer Jemima Khan.

Deborah: "Bee." Deborah was an important prophetess and judge.

Famous Deborahs: Singer Deborah Gibson, Actress Deborah Kerr. 

Leah: "Gazelle" or "wild cow." Leah was the oldest daughter of Laban and became Jacob's first wife.

Famous Leahs: Actress Leah Remini, Judge Leah Ward Sears. 

Rachel: "Ewe." Rachel was the younger daughter of Laban, who was also given to Jacob as a wife.

Famous Rachels: Actress Rachel McAdams, Biologist Rachel Carson.

Names Related to Flowers, Nature or Astronomy

Tamar: "Date palm." There are two Tamars in the Bible: one was a daughter-in-law of Judah; the other was a daughter of King David.

Famous Tamars: Israeli politician Tamar Zandberg, Queen Tamar of Georgia. 

Esther: From the Persian word for "star". Esther was the wife and queen of Ahasuerus who saved her people from the evil Haman.

Famous Esthers: Actress and swimmer: Esther Williams.

Some names from the Bible are more familiar and common in their Anglicized versions, such as "Rebecca" instead of "Rebekah". Use whichever spelling appeals to you. If you're religious, you can also look forward to reading the passage in the Old Testament that references your child's name when she is older.

While variations of the name "Eve" are very popular nowadays, if you're on a quest for a unique name for your girl, picking one of these ancient names might provide a solution. Say each name out loud with possible middle and last names to confirm that you like the sound. Don't forget, our Baby Name Finder is only a click away for when you get the urge to try out another name for your baby-to-be.

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