Unused biblical names

[Flutterflybutterby]

I mean the names that you're surprised about their lack of use, rather than names like Keren-Happuch which you can quite easily understand why they're not used much

For example, I adore Moses. I think it's perfect. But I've never met a person called Moses in all my life. I also think it's odd how Noah is so popular but Shem, the name of one of his sons, isn't popular. To me, Shem is a nice name and seems usable.

I also always expect Phineas to become popular considering the popularity of Finn/Finley/Finnian... Just Finn names in general which are everywhere lately.

For girls, I always think Mahlah and Noa are pretty names and they also seem like pretty cool, strong biblical namesakes too. Yet I have never heard of a Mahlah being used (maybe because a Google search declares the meaning of the name to be 'sickness' which is incorrect?) and while Noa is known and often suggested on baby name boards, it always seems to be shot down by other posters and not chosen.

Lastly my beloved Zephaniah. I think this name is soft and gorgeous and I also think Zeph is a lovely nickname. But I never hear it. Maybe it's just too long.

There's so many other bible names that I adore like Josiah, Isaiah, Silas, Esther, Martha etc but they all seem much more well-used. I want to hear the names that you feel aren't as well-used as they deserve to be!

There's so many that I love

Joash
Obadiah (Obie for short, how cute?!)
Jethro
Jepthah
Shadrach
Canaan
Jehoiakim

All boy names now I think about it and a lot of Js.

I do however know a Beulah and I think it's beautiful

Sarah, first wife of Abraham, is everywhere but Katurah, second wife, completely forgotten? It's a lovely name.

To be fair not many little Abrahams around either!

I'm familiar with "magdalen" used as a slang term/pejorative term for prostitute so would find it challenging as a first name.

I know a Jesus, great guy, but he's originally from the Philippines.
I believe its a popular name in South America too but an absolute no go here.

Maryam or Mariam is the Arabic equivalent to Mary though, not Miriam. So it's greater use amongst Muslim families is also explained by significance of the person. There is even a Surah of the Quran "Surah Maryam".

Abraham
Gideon
Omri
Israel

Sheba
Tirzah

@crymeapuddle

Ezekiel

I have one

Emanuel, Michael, Gabriel Raphael, John, Jonah

I know an Obadiah and a Thaddeus. I think they're great names.

I know a Jesus, great guy, but he's originally from the Philippines.I believe its a popular name in South America too but an absolute no go here.

It is genuinely interesting how it works in those places but would be almost taboo for a white Christian family, as though you're thinking your child is a god! 'Christian' is a common name but never Jesus or Christ.

I've got a Keturah!
I love Jabez and Jethro for boys and Hadassah for girls.

I think noa will become popular in the next few years as a few celebs have picked that name recently.

Eliezer - I went to school with one, many years ago, ave never met another one, although I do know a Zebulon.

Well coming from a family of religious dissenters going right back to the 14th century (I know bloody awkward aren't we!) all of those names have been used over the centuries. I didn't use any of them as I felt we had done them to death.

Vampirethriller I have got a Keturah too. Not met another one in rl. Also have a Keziah. Love unusual biblical names.

@RobertSmithsLipstick

Magdalen

I have an aunt Magdalen. She's in her fifties now, though.

I know children with some of the names mentioned.

Boaz
Keziah
Josiah
Gabriel x2 - both far from angelic children!

I have Kezia and a Jared.
I also love Malachi, Josiah, Johoachim and Hadassah

I'm excited that Keturah is being used! Couldn't persuade my dh.

I do love Keziah, I hear it a surprising amount considering how generally off trend it is as a name.

Well, who knew the Dingles would be trend setters?

@ISpyCobraKai

I know a Jesus, great guy, but he's originally from the Philippines. I believe its a popular name in South America too but an absolute no go here.

If you know any Muslim Esas or Isas, then they're named Jesus too! (DS was at primary with two- one spelled each way).

I had a great aunt (possibly great great) Hephzibah.

Pronounced with a p sound in the middle.

And I think spelled without the middle p, which seems to be an acceptable alternative spelling.

Her nickname was was Epzi.

I have a Boaz

Ibrahim is common in Muslim families.
I know an Isaac (child) though all the Deborahs I know are adults. Itsyiac (crap spelling I know) is the Arabic equivalent of Isaac.

Just remembered I vaguely know a Bathsheba, a friend of my sister.

I think a lot of it depends on your church - DH is from one type and there are a few Boaz, Asher, Azariah, Joash, Kezia, Seth, Saul, Moses. There are a lot of families who use more traditional biblical names like Nahom, Zipporah, Matthias, Salome too but they are usually (at his church) African families.

We’re now at a new church and there are fewer of them. I do know a few Hepzibah and they all have the p sound. I’ve never heard it pronounced or preached on using the f.