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