Unusual Biblical Baby Names for Girls

Unique Old and New Testament Name Choices

by Naomi Rockler-Gladen

Looking for a Biblical name that isn't too popular or trendy? Here are some choices:

For parents in search of a name with a classical feel, Biblical names are always a good choice. While some Biblical names are quite popular and trendy-- like Sarah, Hannah, Abigail, and Rachel-- others are used much less commonly. Here's a selection of unusual Biblical baby names for girls, along with their meanings.

Esther - In the Bible, Esther was a heroic queen who saved many of her fellow Jews in Persia, and the book of Esther is read and celebrated during the joyful Jewish holiday of Purim. The name means "myrtle tree." Esther's Hebrew name, Hadassah, is also an uncommon Biblical name.

Miriam - Miriam was the sister of Moses, who hid her brother to protect him from the Pharaoh and then became his nurse. The meaning of this melodic name is somewhat disputed, but it's commonly translated to "wished for child."

Ruth - Popular early in the 20th century throughout much of the English speaking world, Ruth has lost favor-- but as old-fashioned names and Hebrew names become more popular, perhaps this short and strong name will make a comeback. Ruth was the daughter-in-law of Naomi, who demonstrated great loyalty and love. In Hebrew, Ruth means "beloved." A related name is Orpah, Naomi's other daughter-in-law, which means "fawn."

Tamar - This Old Testament name is popular in Israel but uncommon in the English speaking world-- although the names Tammy and Tamara are somewhat common. Tamar was a woman who fought for the legal right to have a child against the injustice of Judah. Tamar was also the name of a daughter-in-law of David. In Hebrew, the name means "palm."

Dinah/Dina - Pronounced DEE-na or DI-na, this name was somewhat common in the United States around the 1970s. Dinah was a daughter of Jacob and Leah, and the name means "vindicated" or "judgment."

Martha - Like Ruth, Martha was a popular name earlier in American history, but has since fallen from favor-- perhaps in part because of its association with uber-domestic Martha Stewart. One of the few women named in the New Testament, Martha and her sister Mary were missionaries and close followers of Jesus. Martha comes from an Aramaic name and means "mistress of the house" (appropriate, of course, for Ms. Stewart).

Jemima - Jemima is a fairly common name in Great Britain, but is less frequently used in the United States, perhaps in part because of the negative stereotypes of African American women echoed in the phrase "Aunt Jemima." In the Bible, Jemima was a daughter of Job, and the name means "dove."

See also:

Popular Biblical Baby Names for Girls