Boys' Names, Part 1 : Classic Biblical Baby Names

Boys' Names, Part 1

Excerpted from Classic Biblical Baby Names: Timeless Names for Modern Parents

By Judith Tropea

AARON (EHR-uhn) or (A-ruhn)

Language/Cultural Origin: Hebrew/Egyptian

Meaning: Mountain of Strength

Spiritual Connotation: Exalted

Related Names/Nicknames: Aaronas, Aharon, Arand, Arend, Ari, Arnie, Erin, Haroun, Harun, Ron, Ronnie, Ronny

Alternate Names: Aaran, Aaren, Aarron, Aaryn, Arin, Aron, Aronne, Arran, Arron

Background Story: When God commanded Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, he sent Aaron - Moses's brother - to help. Aaron served as his brother's mouthpiece because Moses was afraid he was too "slow of speech." Pharaoh wanted proof of God's power before releasing the Israelites, and Aaron and Moses performed numerous "wonders" before him: They transformed a staff into a snake, turned the waters of the Nile into blood, and brought plagues upon Egypt. It was not until the Lord struck down all the firstborn of Egypt that Pharaoh said, "Rise up, go away from my people, both you and the Israelites!" Aaron was a loyal companion to Moses, but when the Lord was giving Moses the Ten Commandments, Aaron gave in to the demands of the Israelites and built an idol for them at the base of the mountain. Thanks to Moses's prayer, however, God forgave Aaron and appointed him the first high priest, with his sons to follow (Exodus 4-40).

Of Interest: From 1970 to 2003, Aaron was one of the fifty most popular names for boys in the United States.

Famous Namesakes: Aaron Burr, U.S. vice president; Aaron Copland, composer; Aaron Neville and Aaron Tippin, singers; Hank Aaron, baseball home-run champion.

ABDIEL (AB-dee-ehl)

Language/Cultural Origin: Hebrew

Meaning: Servant of God

Spiritual Connotation: Faithful Disciple

Related Names/Nicknames: Abdi, Abe, Diel

Alternate Names: None

Background Story: Abdiel was the son of Guni and a descendant of Gad. His own son, Ahi, was "chief in their clan." Abdiel's kin lived in Bashan "and in the pasture lands of Sharon" (1 Chronicles 5:15-16). Abdiel is a name suggesting a man who is true to his beliefs.

Of Interest: Abdiel was the name given to the fictional seraph who withstood Satan in Milton's Paradise Lost.

ABDON (AB-duhn)

Language/Cultural Origin: Aramaic

Meaning: Servant

Spiritual Connotation: Worshipper

Related Names/Nicknames: Avda, Avdon

Alternate Names: None

Background Story: There are four men named Abdon in the Bible: a judge of Israel who served for eight years and had forty sons and thirty grandsons (Judges 12:13-14); one of the sons of Shashak, a Benjamite (1 Chronicles 8:23); the firstborn son of Jeiel and Maacah (1 Chronicles 8:29-30); and the son of Micah, sent by King Josiah to the prophetess, Huldah, to determine the fate of his people who had "forsaken" the Lord (2 Chronicles 34:20-28). The name Abdon suggests a man who looks to God for answers.

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Tags: Parenting and Families, Pregnancy & Childbirth, Christianity: Bible

About the Author

Judith Tropea has written children's books, including A Day in the Life of a Bee Keeper. She lives in Princeton, New Jersey. More

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In this book
»	Introduction
»	Boys' Names, Part 1
»	Boys' Names, Part 2
»	Boys' Names, Part 3
»	Boys' Names, Part 4
»	Boys' Names, Part 5
»	Boys' Names, Part 6
»	Boys' Names, Part 7
»	Boys' Names, Part 8
»	Boys' Names, Part 9

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