Little Kids Names

Baby name guide

Christian baby names guide

A gentle guide to Christian baby names — biblical roots, warm meanings, and modern picks that travel well anywhere.

Christian baby names have a rich heritage spanning thousands of years and many languages. Some come straight from the Bible, others honour saints, and many modern picks simply carry warm meanings that Christian families around the world love.

Where Christian names come from

  • Biblical roots: Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek names from the Old and New Testaments.
  • Saints' names: Beautiful classical names honouring figures beloved across denominations.
  • Latin classics: Names like Lucia, Julian and Clara with centuries of use.
  • Modern globally loved picks: Short, soft names widely used by Christian families today.

Popular biblical baby names

Girls

Sarah, Anna, Mary, Elizabeth, Rachel, Rebecca, Ruth, Esther, Hannah, Lydia, Miriam. Each carries a beautiful biblical story.

Boys

John, David, Michael, Daniel, Samuel, Matthew, Peter, Andrew, Joseph, Thomas, Nathan. Deep roots, wide appeal.

Modern Christian names loved today

Modern girl names

Ava, Emma, Mia, Chloe, Lily, Grace, Noah (also used for girls), Isla, Ella, Nora, Amelia. Soft, easy to say, and warmly modern.

Modern boy names

Noah, Ezra, Levi, Elijah, Caleb, Isaac, Leo, Ethan, Owen, Jude. Classic roots with a fresh feel.

Browse many more on our Christian baby names page, or explore modern baby names overall.

Popular themes

  • Grace and gift: Anna (grace), Hannah (favour), Nathaniel (gift of God).
  • Strength and courage: Gabriel, Michael, Ariel, Ethan.
  • Light and hope: Lucia, Nora, Aurora, Elias.
  • Nature: Lily, Ivy, Jasmine, River, Willow.

Naming traditions many Christian families follow

  • Baptism names: Some families choose a saint's name at baptism.
  • Family honouring: A middle name to honour a grandparent or family member.
  • Meaningful first names: Choosing a first name for its meaning rather than trend.
  • Christian meets cultural: Many families blend a biblical first name with a regional middle name — a beautiful way to honour heritage.

Tips for choosing a Christian baby name

  • Start with a feeling: biblical classic, saint's name, or soft modern pick.
  • Say the full name aloud with your family name at normal speed.
  • Try a natural nickname — most Christian names have lovely short forms.
  • Check the meaning gently — if it has religious significance for your family, please confirm with a trusted reference.
  • Save favorites in Favorites and use Compare names to decide.

Explore Christian and related name collections

A note on meanings

Name meanings may vary by culture, tradition, and source. Please verify important religious or cultural meanings with trusted references before finalising a name. If you'd like tools like family voting and unlimited favorites, take a look at our premium plans.

Frequently asked questions

Where do Christian baby names come from?

Most come from the Bible (Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek roots), as well as saints' names, Latin classics, and modern globally-loved picks used by Christian families.

Do Christian names have to be biblical?

No. Many Christian families choose classic biblical names, but many also love modern picks like Ava, Noah, Ezra, Mia, Leo and Riley. Both are welcomed.

What about baptism and confirmation names?

In some Christian traditions, a saint's name is chosen for baptism or confirmation. Practices vary between denominations and families.

Are Christian names used across the world?

Yes. Names like Sarah, John, Maria, David and Anna travel beautifully across countries, cultures and languages.

How do I check the meaning of a Christian name?

Use our Know about your name tool for a quick lookup. For religious significance, please confirm with a trusted reference — meanings can vary between traditions.

Name meanings may vary by culture, tradition, and source. Please verify important religious or cultural meanings with trusted references.