ACHIM (AY-kihm)

Language/Cultural Origin: Hebrew

Meaning: Preparing

Spiritual Connotation: Eager for the Lord

Related Names/Nicknames: Ahim, Jachin, Jehoiachin

Alternate Names: Acheim, Acim

Background Story: Achim appears in Matthew's genealogy of Jesus. He is an ancestor of Joseph, the husband of Mary, to whom Jesus was born. The name Achim suggests a man who likes to keep his eye on future possibilities.

Of Interest: Achim is a popular shortened form of the German name Joachim.

Famous Namesakes: Achim Heukemes, German marathon runner, set a new world record for his 4,568-kilometer run through Australia in April of 2005.

ADAM F (AD-uhm)

Language/Cultural Origin: Hebrew/Babylonian

Meaning: Red Earth

Spiritual Connotation: Made in God's Image

Related Names/Nicknames: Ad, Adamah, Adamina, Adamo, Adams, Adamson, Adan, Adao, Addams, Addie, Addis, Addison, Addy, Ade, Admon, Adnet, Adnon, Adnot, Akamu

Alternate Names: Addam, Addem, Adem, Adham

Background Story: Adam was the first man in the Bible. God created him "from the dust of the ground" and put him in charge of the garden of Eden. The Lord also created Eve as a partner for him, because it was "not good that the man should be alone." There was only one restriction: The couple were never to eat from the tree of good and evil. But the serpent tempted Eve, who ate from the tree and shared its fruit with Adam. For their disobedience, God threw them out of the garden, and Adam had to "till the ground from which he was taken" (Genesis 2-3). Adam and Eve had many children, but only three are named: Cain, Abel, and Seth.

Of Interest: From 1970 to 2000, Adam was among the top fifty names for boys in the United States.

Famous Namesakes: Adam Clayton Powell Jr., U.S. congressman; Adam Sandler, Adam West, actors; Adam Smith, economist.

ADDI (AD-ee)

Language/Cultural Origin: Hebrew

Meaning: My Witness

Spiritual Connotation: In God's Family

Related Names/Nicknames: None

Alternate Names: Addai, Addei

Background Story: Addi appears in Luke's account of the genealogy of Jesus. He was an ancestor of Joseph, Mary's husband. Addi's father was Cosam and his son was Melchi (Luke 3:28). Addi is a friendly name, suggesting a man who is outgoing and likable.

ADDON (AD-uhn)

Language/Cultural Origin: Babylonian

Meaning: Strong

Spiritual Connotation: Tenacious

Related Names/Nicknames: Adain

Alternate Names: Addan

Background Story: Addon is a family or place name associated with Jews who returned from captivity in Babylon. Because these people were unable to prove their "ancestral houses or their descent," they were unable to participate in the priesthood (Nehemiah 7:61-65). The name Addon suggests a man who handles problems well.

Copyright © 2006 by Judith Tropea.

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