100 Cool Biblical Last Names
The Bible has many names, ranging from Abraham to Zechariah, that are memorably meaningful, substantial in history, and important spiritually.
Most people recognize biblical first names but far fewer appreciate the biblical ownership and stories represented in surnames that have biblical roots or relationships.
Often these last names not only link to a heritage or lineage but also express God’s inspired attributes or associations that may find their origins in social connections that resemble ancient Israelite cultures.
In this post, we will discover the origination of biblical last names, what they often mean, their historical legacy, and to better understand their impact on identity and faith even on today.
biblical last names
Abel – Breath, vapor
Abraham – Father of many nations
Adam – Man, earth
Amos – Burden bearer
Anna – Grace
Asher – Happy, blessed
Benjamin – Son of the right hand
Caleb – Faithful, dog (symbol of loyalty)
Daniel – God is my judge
David – Beloved
Deborah – Bee
Eden – Delight
Elijah – My God is Yahweh
Elizabeth – God is my oath
Esther – Star
Ezekiel – God strengthens
Gabriel – God is my strength
Gideon – Hewer, or having a stump for a hand
Hannah – Favor, grace
Isaac – He laughs
Isaiah – Salvation of the Lord
Israel – God contends
Jacob – Supplanter
James – Supplanter
Jeremiah – Exalted by the Lord
Jesus – God saves
Joel – Yahweh is God
John – Yahweh is gracious
Jonah – Dove
Jonathan – Gift of the Lord
Joseph – He will add
Joshua – The Lord is salvation
Judah – Praise
Leah – Weary
Lazarus – God helps
Levi – Joined, attached
Luke – From Lucania (light-giving)
Malachi – My messenger
Martha – Lady, mistress
Mary – Bitter, beloved
Matthew – Gift of Yahweh
Micah – Who is like God?
Miriam – Wished-for child, rebellious
Naomi – Pleasantness
Nathan – He gave
Nehemiah – Comforted by God
Noah – Rest, comfort
Obadiah – Servant of God
Paul – Small, humble
Peter – Rock
Philemon – Affectionate, friendly
Philip – Lover of horses
Priscilla – Ancient, venerable
Rachel – Ewe (female sheep)
Rebekah – To tie, to bind
Ruth – Friend, companion
Samson – Sun, service
Samuel – Heard by God
Sarah – Princess
Seth – Appointed
Silas – Forest, woods
Simon – He has heard
Solomon – Peace
Stephen – Crown
Susanna – Lily
Thaddeus – Heart, courageous
Thomas – Twin
Timothy – Honoring God
Tobias – Yahweh is good
Zachariah – The Lord remembers
Zion – Highest point
Abigail – Father’s joy
Bartholomew – Son of the furrows
Boaz – Strength, swiftness
Cain – Created, acquired
Dinah – Judged
Elisha – God is salvation
Eli – Ascended, uplifted
Eliezer – God is help
Enoch – Dedicated, trained
Ezra – Help
Gideon – Hewer, or having a stump for a hand
Hosea – Salvation
Ishmael – God hears
Jairus – He shines
Jesse – Gift
Joanna – God is gracious
Joel – Yahweh is God
Judas – Praised
Levi – Joined
Lydia – From Lydia (a region), noble
Mordecai – Warrior, servant of Marduk
Naomi – Pleasantness
Nathaniel – Gift of God
Phineas – Oracle
Reuben – Behold, a son
Sarai – Princess
Shiloh – Peace, abundance
Tamar – Palm tree
Zebedee – Gift of God
