Biblical Baby Names 2026: Timeless Faith Meets Modern Style

There's something deeply meaningful about naming your child from Scripture. These names carry thousands of years of faith, hope, and human story. They connect your newborn to Abraham and Sarah, to David and Ruth, to the rich tapestry of believers who came before.

But here's what makes biblical naming in 2026 so interesting: these ancient names don't feel ancient at all. Parents are discovering that Ezra sounds thoroughly modern, that Naomi is both grandmotherly and fresh, that Asher works in Brooklyn coffee shops and Southern churches alike.

This guide explores 100 biblical names perfect for 2026, from the most popular choices riding current trends to hidden gems that deserve more attention. Whether you're honoring your faith, your heritage, or simply the beauty of these timeless names, you'll find meaningful options here.

Biblical Boys' Names Trending in 2026

Ezra: The Scribe Who Became a Star

If one biblical name captures the 2026 moment, it's Ezra. This Hebrew name meaning "help" has rocketed from obscurity to ubiquity, and the reasons are perfect: it's biblical without being common, soft-sounding but substantive, and carries intellectual weight (Ezra was a scribe and priest).

Ezra appears in both Hebrew Bible and Christian Old Testament, making it ecumenical. Poet Ezra Pound gave it literary credibility. The name feels like someone who reads books AND changes the world—exactly what modern parents want.

Asher: Happy Heritage

Asher means "happy" or "blessed" in Hebrew, and what parent doesn't want that for their child? One of Jacob's twelve sons, Asher founded a tribe known for prosperity. The name suggests someone who finds joy, creates abundance, and brings blessing wherever they go.

Asher has climbed remarkably while avoiding the overexposure of Noah and Liam. It's popular enough to be familiar, rare enough to feel special—the sweet spot every parent seeks.

Elijah: Prophet Power

Elijah means "my God is Yahweh" and honors one of Scripture's most dramatic prophets. Elijah called down fire from heaven, outran chariots, and ascended to heaven in a whirlwind. The name carries serious divine-connection energy.

Modern parents love Eli as a nickname—three letters of concentrated power. Elijah feels both heritage-honoring and thoroughly contemporary.

More Trending Biblical Boys' Names

Noah remains beloved despite popularity, offering ark-builder faith with soft, gentle sounds. Micah means "who is like God" with one of those rare -ah endings for boys. Judah brings lion-tribe strength and "praised" meaning.

Silas offered companionship to Paul and now offers ancient gravitas to modern babies. Ezekiel (often Zeke) means "God strengthens"—perfect for children who'll need strength. Malachi brings messenger-of-God meaning with Irish-sounding appeal.

Biblical Girls' Names Flourishing in 2026

Naomi: Pleasantness Personified

Naomi means "pleasantness" and her story in Ruth is one of Scripture's most beautiful: loss transformed to restoration, bitterness becoming sweetness again. The name sounds like a sigh of contentment, and modern parents are discovering its gentle power.

After decades of relative obscurity, Naomi is climbing. She works internationally, sounds equally elegant in English and Spanish, and carries hope-despite-hardship meaning.

Ruth: Loyalty in Four Letters

Ruth means "friend" or "companion" and her loyalty to Naomi created one of Scripture's most moving declarations: "Where you go, I will go." Four letters contain an entire philosophy of devotion.

Ruth had her vintage moment in the early 1900s and is ready for rediscovery. She's short, strong, and carries meaning that never goes out of style.

Hannah: The Prayer Answered

Hannah means "grace" and her story of desperate prayer answered with Samuel's birth resonates with parents who've longed for their own miracles. The name feels both timeless and accessible, elegant and approachable.

Hannah has maintained steady popularity without becoming ubiquitous—a rare achievement. She sounds the same in temple and playground, classroom and boardroom.

More Beautiful Biblical Girls' Names

Leah means "weary" but represents overlooked blessing—Jacob's first wife became mother to half the tribes. Miriam watched baby Moses float to safety and later led women in celebration. Esther saved her people through courage.

Abigail means "father's joy" and showed wisdom that prevented bloodshed. Eden offers paradise imagery in four letters. Selah appears throughout Psalms as a musical pause—rest and reflection embodied.

Hidden Biblical Gems for 2026

Beyond the popular picks, Scripture contains names waiting to be discovered.

For Boys

Tobias means "God is good" and appears in the Book of Tobit. The name offers Toby as a friendly nickname while maintaining substance. Gideon was a judge who defeated armies with faith—"mighty warrior" meaning for children destined for impact.

Solomon brings wisdom-king associations without feeling heavy. Amos means "carried by God" with prophet credentials. Joel offers "Yahweh is God" meaning in four approachable letters.

For Girls

Phoebe appears in Romans as a deaconess—early church leadership in a beautiful name meaning "bright" and "pure." Lydia was a businesswoman and early convert, suggesting capability and faith combined.

Tabitha (or Dorcas) was known for good works and raised from the dead by Peter. Priscilla taught alongside her husband, suggesting partnership and learning. Susanna provided for Jesus's ministry—"lily" meaning with service-heart story.

Heritage Names Beyond the Bible

For families honoring broader religious heritage, consider names from tradition that carry spiritual weight without direct Scripture citation.

Alma means "soul" in Spanish and appears in Mormon tradition. Gabriel and Michael bring archangel power. Raphael means "God heals"—the angel of healing.

Teresa honors multiple saints known for charity. Francis evokes Assisi's nature-loving saint. Augustine brings church-father gravitas with nickname Gus for approachability.

Choosing Biblical Names Thoughtfully

Consider the full story. Delilah is beautiful but betrayed Samson. Jezebel has gorgeous sounds but terrible associations. Know what you're naming your child after.

Think about pronunciation in your community. Miriam might get mispronounced as Myriam. Naomi has two common pronunciations. Decide which you prefer and accept that you may need to correct people occasionally.

Consider sibling names. An Ezra and Ezekiel might confuse people. But Ezra and Naomi? Asher and Ruth? Biblical pairs can be beautiful when varied enough.

Trust your heart. If Selah speaks to you, it doesn't matter that most people don't know it. You'll teach them. And your child will carry meaning that goes deeper than trends.

Continue exploring with our guides to nature-inspired names, short powerful names, and gender-neutral options.