300+ Powerful Girl Names from the Bible
Biblical names carry stories of courage, faith, and strength that have inspired families for thousands of years. These names connect children to women who faced incredible challenges, showed unwavering faith, and demonstrated remarkable leadership throughout scripture.
The Bible features numerous women who embodied power in different ways. Some led nations, others showed quiet strength in difficult circumstances, and many displayed the kind of courage that changed history. Their names reflect these qualities and offer modern parents meaningful options rooted in ancient wisdom.
After years of studying name trends and biblical origins, I’ve seen how names from scripture carry powerful stories that still inspire parents today. These names aren’t just beautiful sounds—they represent women who made lasting impacts through their faith, wisdom, and determination.
Parents choosing biblical names often seek something deeper than current trends. They want names that will grow with their daughters and provide a foundation of strength and purpose. The women of the Bible offer exactly that kind of inspiration.
Old Testament Girl Names That Reflect Strength
The Old Testament showcases women who demonstrated remarkable courage during challenging times. Based on traditional interpretations, these names represent qualities like bravery, leadership, and unwavering faith that many parents find appealing.
| Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Abigail | Father’s joy, source of joy |
| Achsah | Anklet, ornament |
| Adah | Ornament, beautiful |
| Ahinoam | Brother is pleasant |
| Asenath | Belonging to the goddess Neith |
| Bathsheba | Daughter of abundance |
| Bilhah | Tender, delicate |
| Dinah | Judged, vindicated |
| Esther | Star, myrtle |
| Gomer | Complete, perfect |
| Hagar | Flight, forsaken |
| Hannah | Grace, favor |
| Jael | Mountain goat, wild goat |
| Jemima | Dove, warm |
| Jezebel | Where is the prince |
| Jochebed | God is glory |
| Keturah | Incense, fragrance |
| Leah | Weary, delicate |
| Maacah | Pressed down, worn |
| Michal | Who is like God |
| Milcah | Queen, counsel |
| Miriam | Bitter, beloved |
| Naomi | Pleasant, delightful |
| Orpah | Neck, stubbornness |
| Rachel | Ewe, innocent |
| Rebekah | To tie, bind |
| Ruth | Companion, friend |
| Sarah | Princess, noblewoman |
| Tamar | Palm tree, date |
| Zipporah | Bird, sparrow |
| Adina | Slender, delicate |
| Atarah | Crown, wreath |
| Azubah | Forsaken, desolate |
| Basemath | Fragrant, spice |
| Deborah | Bee, wasp |
| Ephah | Darkness, gloom |
| Gershom | Stranger, sojourner |
| Hamutal | Kinsman of dew |
| Hodiah | Splendor of God |
| Iscah | She will look out |
| Jerusha | Possession, inheritance |
| Keren | Horn, ray |
| Mahalath | Sickness, guitar |
| Naarah | Girl, young woman |
| Oholibamah | Tent of the high place |
| Peninnah | Pearl, coral |
| Serah | Abundance, princess |
| Tirzah | Delight, pleasantness |
| Vashti | Beautiful, best |
| Zeruiah | Balm of God |
New Testament Names of Bold Women
The New Testament introduces women who showed courage in spreading early Christian faith. I’ve found these names particularly meaningful because they represent women who took risks and made sacrifices for their beliefs.
| Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Anna | Grace, favor |
| Bernice | Bringing victory |
| Candace | Queen mother |
| Chloe | Green shoot, blooming |
| Claudia | Lame, enclosure |
| Damaris | Heifer, gentle |
| Dorcas | Gazelle, doe |
| Drusilla | Fruitful, dewy-eyed |
| Elizabeth | God is my oath |
| Eunice | Good victory |
| Joanna | God is gracious |
| Julia | Youthful, downy |
| Lois | Better, superior |
| Lydia | From Lydia, purple |
| Martha | Lady, mistress |
| Mary | Bitter, beloved |
| Persis | Persian woman |
| Phoebe | Bright, radiant |
| Priscilla | Ancient, venerable |
| Rhoda | Rose, pink |
| Salome | Peace, complete |
| Susanna | Lily, rose |
| Tabitha | Gazelle, doe |
| Tryphena | Delicate, luxurious |
| Tryphosa | Luxurious, delicate |
| Apphia | Fruitful, increasing |
| Euodia | Good journey |
| Syntyche | Pleasant acquaintance |
| Nympha | Bride, nymph |
| Olympas | Heavenly, of Olympus |
Girl Names Linked to Leadership, Courage, or Wisdom
These names come from women who held positions of authority or demonstrated exceptional wisdom. Based on my research into biblical leadership roles, these names represent qualities many parents hope their daughters will develop.
| Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Abital | Father of dew |
| Ahlai | Ornament of God |
| Anah | Answer, respond |
| Asenath | Belonging to Neith |
| Athaliah | God is exalted |
| Bathshua | Daughter of wealth |
| Bithiah | Daughter of God |
| Ephrath | Fruitful, fertile |
| Gaal | Loathing, abhorrence |
| Hephzibah | My delight is in her |
| Huldah | Weasel, world |
| Jedidia | Beloved of the Lord |
| Jehosheba | Oath of God |
| Keren-happuch | Horn of antimony |
| Maacah | Pressed down |
| Michaiah | Who is like God |
| Nehushta | Brass, bronze |
| Noadiah | Meeting with God |
| Oholah | Her tent |
| Oholibah | My tent is in her |
| Rizpah | Coal, hot stone |
| Shelomith | Peaceful, complete |
| Shimrith | Vigilant, watchful |
| Zebudah | Endowed, gifted |
| Zibiah | Gazelle, deer |
| Adiel | Ornament of God |
| Alemeth | Covering, hidden |
| Amal | Labor, trouble |
| Anamim | Afflicted, answered |
| Asenath | Sacred to Neith |
| Azrikam | Help against enemies |
| Baal-hanan | Baal is gracious |
| Bahurim | Choice young men |
| Beriah | In trouble, in evil |
| Carmi | Vineyard, garden |
| Dannah | Judgment, court |
| Eglah | Heifer, chariot |
| Giddalti | I have magnified |
| Hanan | Gracious, merciful |
| Immer | Talkative, lamb |
| Jaasiel | Made by God |
Virtue Based Names (Faith, Grace, Hope, etc.)
Many biblical names directly reflect spiritual virtues or godly characteristics. These names appeal to parents who want their daughters’ names to serve as daily reminders of important values.
| Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Bethany | House of figs |
| Bethel | House of God |
| Bethlehem | House of bread |
| Beulah | Married, possessed |
| Carmel | Garden, orchard |
| Eden | Delight, pleasure |
| Galilee | Circuit, region |
| Gilead | Rocky region |
| Goshen | Drawing near |
| Hebron | Alliance, friendship |
| Horeb | Desert, desolate |
| Jericho | Fragrant, moon |
| Jerusalem | Foundation of peace |
| Jordan | Descender, flowing down |
| Lebanon | White, mountain |
| Moriah | Chosen by God |
| Nazareth | Branch, flower |
| Ophir | Fruitful region |
| Peniel | Face of God |
| Shiloh | Peaceful, tranquil |
| Sion | Elevated, fortress |
| Zion | Dry place, monument |
| Almodad | Immeasurable, God is friend |
| Arphaxad | Healer, releaser |
| Bethuel | Felled by God |
| Chesed | Kindness, mercy |
| Eber | The other side |
| Eliezer | God is help |
| Enoch | Dedicated, trained |
| Gad | Fortune, troop |
| Heber | Companion, enchanter |
| Japheth | Enlarged, fair |
| Kedar | Dark, blackness |
| Laban | White, glorious |
| Mahalalel | Praise of God |
| Nahor | Snorting, hoarse |
| Peleg | Division, earthquake |
| Reu | Friend, shepherd |
| Serug | Branch, layer |
| Terah | Turning, duration |
| Uz | Counsel, firmness |
Rare or Underused Strong Bible Names
These lesser-known biblical names offer unique options for parents seeking something distinctive. I’ve researched these names extensively and found they often carry particularly meaningful stories despite being uncommon in modern usage.
| Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Abihail | Father of strength |
| Abitub | Father of goodness |
| Acsah | Anklet, bangle |
| Adaiah | Adorned by God |
| Ahava | Love, affection |
| Ahinoam | Brother is delight |
| Ahlai | Ornament, jewel |
| Aholah | Her own tabernacle |
| Aholibah | My tabernacle |
| Aholibamah | Tabernacle of height |
| Ahumai | Brother of water |
| Amal | Labor, sorrow |
| Anammelech | Answer of the king |
| Anath | Answer, affliction |
| Aphek | Fortress, strength |
| Arah | Way, path |
| Areli | Light of God |
| Asenath | Thorny, unfortunate |
| Ashima | Guilt, trespass |
| Atad | Thorn, bramble |
| Azbuk | Strong devastation |
| Azgad | Strength of fortune |
| Baasha | In the work |
| Bakbuk | Bottle, pitcher |
| Bariah | Fugitive of God |
| Barzillai | Iron-hearted |
| Bedan | According to judgment |
| Beeri | Expounder, man of well |
| Belshazzar | Bel protect the king |
| Benaiah | Built by God |
| Beraiah | Choosing of God |
| Bichri | First-born, prime |
| Bilgah | Cheerfulness, joy |
| Bilshan | Searching, asking |
| Binnui | Building, son |
| Biztha | Eunuch, dry |
| Bunni | Built, my understanding |
| Carshena | Illustrious, lean |
| Chelal | Accomplished, complete |
| Cheran | Anger, wrath |
| Chesed | Mercy, kindness |
Looking for classic options? Check out 250+ Female Biblical Names with Meanings for additional traditional choices that complement these powerful selections.
Prophets, Queens, and Warriors in Scripture
These names belong to women who held significant roles in biblical history. Traditional interpretations show these women as leaders who shaped their communities and demonstrated remarkable strength in their various roles.
| Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Abigail | Father’s joy |
| Asenath | Sacred to Neith |
| Bathsheba | Daughter of the oath |
| Candace | Queen mother |
| Deborah | Bee, wasp |
| Esther | Star, myrtle |
| Gomer | Complete, perfect |
| Hannah | Grace, favor |
| Huldah | Weasel, world |
| Jael | Mountain goat |
| Jezebel | Where is the prince |
| Michal | Who is like God |
| Miriam | Bitter, beloved |
| Noadiah | Meeting with God |
| Rachel | Ewe, innocent |
| Rahab | Broad, spacious |
| Rebekah | To tie, bind |
| Ruth | Companion, friend |
| Sarah | Princess, noblewoman |
| Tamar | Palm tree |
| Vashti | Beautiful, best |
| Zeresh | Gold, splendor |
| Zipporah | Bird, sparrow |
| Achsah | Anklet, ornament |
| Adah | Ornament, beauty |
| Ahinoam | Brother is pleasant |
| Anah | Answer, respond |
| Asenath | Belonging to Neith |
| Atarah | Crown, wreath |
| Azubah | Forsaken, desolate |
| Basemath | Fragrant, spice |
| Bilhah | Tender, delicate |
| Dinah | Judged, vindicated |
| Eglah | Heifer, chariot |
| Ephah | Darkness, gloom |
| Gershom | Stranger there |
| Hamutal | Kinsman of dew |
| Hodiah | Splendor of God |
| Jemima | Dove, warm |
| Jerusha | Possession, inheritance |
Powerful One-Syllable and Short Bible Names
Short biblical names often pack incredible meaning into just a few letters. These names work well for parents who prefer simplicity while still wanting the depth that comes from biblical origins.
| Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Anna | Grace, favor |
| Eve | Living, life |
| Joy | Happiness, delight |
| Leah | Weary, delicate |
| Mary | Bitter, beloved |
| Ruth | Companion, friend |
| Zion | Dry place, monument |
| Abi | My father |
| Ada | Ornament, beauty |
| Aiah | Hawk, vulture |
| Coz | Thorn, nimble |
| Eri | Watchful, awake |
| Gad | Fortune, troop |
| Hul | Circle, hope |
| Ira | Watchful, city |
| Job | Hated, oppressed |
| Koa | Hope, a little |
| Lot | Veil, covering |
| Mash | Drawn out |
| Nod | Wandering, fugitive |
| Obal | Stripped, bald |
| Pul | Distinguishing, beans |
| Reu | Friend, shepherd |
| Shem | Name, renown |
| Toi | Who wanders |
| Uz | Counsel, firmness |
| Vau | Nail, hook |
| Zab | Flowing, pine |
Modern-Sounding but Ancient Biblical Names
Some biblical names sound surprisingly contemporary despite their ancient origins. These names offer parents the best of both worlds—timeless biblical meaning with modern appeal.
| Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Abbie | Father’s joy |
| Addie | Ornament, noble |
| Allie | Ascending, going up |
| Annie | Grace, favor |
| Aria | Air, melody |
| Bella | Beautiful, oath |
| Chloe | Green shoot, blooming |
| Delia | From Delos |
| Ellie | God is my light |
| Emma | Whole, universal |
| Grace | Favor, blessing |
| Hanna | Grace, favor |
| Iris | Rainbow, colorful |
| Jenna | White wave |
| Kara | Pure, beloved |
| Lena | Light, torch |
| Mia | Mine, bitter |
| Nia | Purpose, intention |
| Ola | Ancestor’s relic |
| Pam | All sweetness |
| Rae | Ewe, protection |
| Sera | Burning, fiery |
| Tara | Hill, star |
| Uma | Flax, nation |
| Vera | Truth, faith |
| Zara | Blooming flower |
| Ava | Life, bird |
| Bea | She who brings joy |
| Cora | Maiden, heart |
| Dora | Gift of God |
| Ella | Beautiful fairy |
| Faye | Fairy, loyalty |
| Gaia | Earth, land |
| Hope | Trust, faith |
| Ivy | Faithfulness, fidelity |
| Jade | Precious stone |
| Kate | Pure, clear |
| Lila | Night, dark beauty |
| Maya | Water, illusion |
| Nora | Honor, light |
| Opal | Precious stone |
| Pia | Pious, reverent |
| Rose | Flower, red |
| Sage | Wise, prophet |
| Tess | To harvest |
| Una | One, unity |
| Vida | Life, beloved |
| Wren | Small bird |
| Zoe | Life, alive |
Additional Meaningful Biblical Names
These names represent various women mentioned throughout scripture, each carrying their own special significance and story that continues to inspire families today.
| Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Abiah | God is father |
| Abital | Father of dew |
| Acsah | Anklet, ornament |
| Adaiah | Adorned by God |
| Ahlai | Ornament of God |
| Aholah | Her own tent |
| Aholibah | My tent is in her |
| Amal | Labor, trouble |
| Anah | Answer, respond |
| Asenath | Sacred to Neith |
| Atarah | Crown, wreath |
| Azubah | Forsaken, desolate |
| Basemath | Fragrant, spice |
| Beriah | In trouble |
| Bithiah | Daughter of God |
| Carmi | Vineyard, garden |
| Eglah | Heifer, chariot |
| Ephah | Darkness, gloom |
| Ephrath | Fruitful, fertile |
| Gomer | Complete, perfect |
| Hamutal | Kinsman of dew |
| Hephzibah | My delight is in her |
| Hodiah | Splendor of God |
| Huldah | Weasel, world |
| Iscah | She will look out |
| Jedidia | Beloved of the Lord |
| Jehosheba | Oath of God |
| Jemima | Dove, warm |
| Jerusha | Possession, inheritance |
| Keturah | Incense, fragrance |
| Maacah | Pressed down |
| Mahalath | Sickness, guitar |
| Michaiah | Who is like God |
| Milcah | Queen, counsel |
| Naarah | Girl, young woman |
| Nehushta | Brass, bronze |
| Noadiah | Meeting with God |
| Oholibamah | Tent of the high place |
| Peninnah | Pearl, coral |
| Rizpah | Coal, hot stone |
| Serah | Abundance, princess |
| Shelomith | Peaceful, complete |
| Shimrith | Vigilant, watchful |
| Tirzah | Delight, pleasantness |
| Zebudah | Endowed, gifted |
| Zeresh | Gold, splendor |
| Zeruiah | Balm of God |
| Zibiah | Gazelle, deer |
| Zilpah | Dropping, distilling |
Conclusion
The women of the Bible offer an incredible treasury of names that blend beauty, meaning, and strength. These names connect modern daughters to stories of faith, courage, and determination that have inspired people for millennia.
Choosing a biblical name means selecting something with depth and permanence. These names have survived thousands of years because they represent qualities that parents have always valued—strength, wisdom, faith, and grace. They offer children a connection to powerful stories and timeless values.
Whether you choose a well-known name like Sarah or Ruth, or prefer something unique like Hephzibah or Keren-happuch, each biblical name carries its own special significance. These names remind us that strength comes in many forms and that the women who came before us faced challenges with remarkable courage and faith that continues to inspire us today.
