Female Biblical Names & Their Meanings: A Comprehensive Guide

Exploring the rich tapestry of biblical literature unveils a treasure trove of beautiful and meaningful names, many of which have stood the test of time and continue to be cherished today. From the Old Testament to the New, these names hold deep significance, reflecting virtues, characters, and stories that have shaped the world's religious and cultural landscape. This comprehensive guide delves into the intricate meanings of female biblical names, offering a glimpse into their historical and spiritual context.
1. **Abigail:** Meaning "my father's joy," Abigail was a woman of great wisdom and beauty, known for her quick thinking and peacemaking skills.
2. **Ada:** Meaning "ornament," "adornment," or "beautiful," Ada was one of the wives of Adam after Eve.
3. **Adah:** Meaning "adorned," "beautiful," or "ornament," Adah was one of Lamech's wives.
4. **Ahava:** Meaning "love," "affection," or "dear," Ahava is a Hebrew name with strong connotations of love and devotion.
5. **Ahuvah:** Meaning "beloved," "loved," or "dear," Ahuvah is a name that embodies love and affection.
6. **Aisha:** Meaning "life," "alive," or "living," Aisha is a name of Arabic origin, though it has strong biblical connections.
7. **Anna:** Meaning "grace," "favor," or "mercy," Anna was the mother of the prophet Samuel and a model of unwavering faith and dedication.
8. **Ariel:** Meaning "lion of God," Ariel is a name often associated with strength, courage, and divine protection.
9. **Bethany:** Meaning "house of figs," Bethany was a village near Jerusalem where Jesus often visited and performed miracles.
10. **Bethlehem:** Meaning "house of bread," Bethlehem is a town in Judea where Jesus was born.
11. **Deborah:** Meaning "bee," Deborah was a prophetess and judge who led Israel to victory against the Canaanites.
12. **Dinah:** Meaning "judge" or "justice," Dinah was the daughter of Jacob and Leah.
13. **Eden:** Meaning "delight" or "pleasure," Eden was the name of the Garden of Eden, a paradise described in the Book of Genesis.
14. **Elizabeth:** Meaning "my God is abundance," Elizabeth was the mother of John the Baptist and a devout woman of faith.
15. **Elisha:** Meaning "my God is salvation," Elisha was a prophet who succeeded Elijah and performed many miracles.
16. **Emma:** Meaning "universal" or "whole," Emma is a name of German origin, though it has strong biblical connotations.
17. **Esther:** Meaning "hidden" or "star," Esther was a queen who saved her people from annihilation through her courage and faith.
18. **Eve:** Meaning "life" or "living one," Eve was the first woman created by God.
19. **Faith:** Meaning "belief" or "trust," Faith is a name associated with unwavering conviction and strong belief.
20. **Galilea:** Meaning "circle," "round," or "district," Galilee was a region in northern Israel where Jesus performed many miracles.
21. **Hannah:** Meaning "grace," "favor," or "mercy," Hannah was the mother of the prophet Samuel and a model of unwavering faith and dedication.
22. **Hope:** Meaning "expectation" or "anticipation," Hope is a name that embodies optimism and trust in the future.
23. **Irene:** Meaning "peace," "tranquility," or "harmony," Irene is a name of Greek origin with strong biblical associations.
24. **Jael:** Meaning "mountain goat," Jael was a woman who killed Sisera, the general of the Canaanite army, with a tent peg.
25. **Jezebel:** Meaning "undefiled," Jezebel was the wicked queen of Israel who worshipped Baal and persecuted the prophets of the Lord.
26. **Joash:** Meaning "Jehovah is fire," Joash was the king of Judah who restored the temple after it was destroyed by the Syrians.
27. **Joanna:** Meaning "Jehovah is gracious," Joanna was a woman who followed Jesus and supported him financially.
28. **Joel:** Meaning "Jehovah is God," Joel was a prophet who wrote a book about a plague of locusts and the coming of the day of the Lord.
29. **Judith:** Meaning "Jewess" or "praise," Judith was a courageous widow who saved her people from the Assyrians by killing their general Holofernes.
30. **Juliet:** Meaning "youthful," "downy-bearded," or "young," Juliet is a name of Latin origin, though it has strong biblical connections.
31. **Leah:** Meaning "weary" or "cow," Leah was one of Jacob's wives.
32. **Lily:** Meaning "white," "pure," or "innocent," Lily is a name associated with beauty, innocence, and purity.
33. **Lois:** Meaning "better" or "the best," Lois was a grandmother who raised Timothy, a faithful follower of Jesus.
34. **Lucy:** Meaning "light," "shining," or "famous," Lucy is a name of Latin origin, though it has strong biblical connections.
35. **Lydia:** Meaning "from Lydia" (a region in Asia Minor), Lydia was a businesswoman who converted to Christianity.
36. **Maia:** Meaning "mother," Maia is a name of Greek origin with strong biblical connections.
37. **Mary:** Meaning "bitter" or "beloved," Mary was the mother of Jesus and a key figure in Christian faith.
38. **Miriam:** Meaning "rebellious" or "bitter," Miriam was the sister of Moses and Aaron and a prophetess who led the Israelites in song.
39. **Naomi:** Meaning "sweetness" or "pleasantness," Naomi was the mother-in-law of Ruth and a model of loyalty and devotion.
40. **Rachel:** Meaning "ewe," Rachel was one of Jacob's wives and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin.
41. **Rebecca:** Meaning "to tie" or "to bind," Rebecca was the wife of Isaac and the mother of Jacob and Esau.
42. **Ruth:** Meaning "friend" or "companion," Ruth was a Moabite woman who became a loyal follower of God and a key figure in the genealogy of Jesus.
43. **Sarah:** Meaning "princess" or "noblewoman," Sarah was the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac.
44. **Sharon:** Meaning "plain," Sharon was a fertile and beautiful region in Israel.
45. **Sheba:** Meaning "oath" or "seven," Sheba was a queen who visited King Solomon and presented him with gifts.
46. **Tamar:** Meaning "palm tree," Tamar was a daughter-in-law of Judah who cleverly disguised herself to have children with him.
47. **Theodora:** Meaning "gift of God," Theodora is a name of Greek origin, though it has strong biblical connections.
48. **Theresa:** Meaning "harvest," Theresa is a name of Greek origin, though it has strong biblical connections.
49. **Veronica:** Meaning "true image," Veronica is a name of Latin origin, though it has strong biblical connections.
50. **Victoria:** Meaning "victory," Victoria is a name of Latin origin, though it has strong biblical connections.