Biblical names are typically being used by new Christian parents as the best choice for their newborn children. Though some of these names may sound too common, they are preferred by most parents who believe that these kids who have names taken from the Holy Bible would grow up to be good Christian citizens of the society. To some, this could also mean that they have this commitment of rearing their children the Christian way, having given them names which have religious meanings.
Each biblical name has its own story. It provides a link to the Holy Bible and it is expected that the child baptized with such name shall live life the way the original bible persona from which the name was derived from, has done.
Below are some of the most commonly used names from the Bible, and their meanings, as implied. Among these are those being used internationally, the following are the ones which have the most number of registered individual-bearers.
• Matthew - Matthew means “God’s gift.” In Jesus’ time, Matthew was a tax collector, who left his profession to follow the path of Jesus. Boys bearing this name are expected to be kind and generous, and religious as well.
• Isaiah - Means salvation.
• Daniel - Daniel means “The Lord is my judge”. Daniel was a prophet of the Hebrews who was taken as a hostage in Babylon. He was thrown into a lion’s den when he refused to worship the king. He went out of the den the following morning, safe and unharmed. Daniel was known for his courage and bravery, thus kids named after him are believed to have the same attributes that the original Daniel has.
• Joshua – Joshua means “God is my salvation”. It was Joshua who led the Israelites from the wilderness into the land of promise, after Moses’ death. It was also him who acted as leader to the Hebrews, and made them topple the walls of Jericho with the use of musical instruments. Boys named after him are believed to be blessed with the leadership traits of Jericho.
• David – David means “beloved”. David is the character of the popular story “David and Goliath” wherein he, an innocent shepherd boy, defeated the giant Goliath with the use of his slingshot and a few stones. He became king of Israel. Parents who gave this name to their sons are hoping to have a child who has the courage and wisdom the original David has shown.
• Sarah – Sarah means “princess”. Sarah was Abraham’s wife. God promised this couple to be the parents of many nations, which indeed came true. Girls named Sarah are believed to be gifted with the charms of a princess and the qualities of good wife and leader.
• Rachael – Rachael means “lamb”. Rachael was the wife of Jacob, who married her elder sister Leah which was her dad’s plan. Later, though, Jacob was married to her. Girls named Rachael are said to be blessed with the patience and kindness, attributes of the original Rachael.
One may wonder why, even through these modern times biblical names are still in existence, when parents could instead give modern or unique names to their kids. The answer is simple. Parents choose to give their children names which have some significance to society… a name which their children and their children’s children could be proud of in the future… something which has a value in itself… and no other choice is there … except for a name which comes from the Book of Life….the Holy Bible.
So what name then shall you give to a newborn child? There are thousands of choices. However, if you want a name which could live for generations, you got only one choice. Give your child a biblical name. It is the best choice, and for sure you will never regret it.