Welcome to our full A-Z list of women in the Bible!
Disclaimer: This list provides the most widely accepted meanings of names, translated from their original language. However, some interpretations remain debated among scholars, and new insights may refine our understanding over time.
Spotted an error or a missing name? Drop us a line to let us know! You can also check out our more extensive hub of biblical names for people and places.
Jump straight to the letter you want:
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
A
Abigail
Original (Hebrew): אֲבִיגַיִל (’Aḇîḡayil)
Meaning: “My father is joy” or “source of joy”
First Appearance: 1 Samuel 25:3
Description: The wise and beautiful wife of Nabal, a wealthy but foolish man. She intelligently intervened to prevent David from taking revenge on Nabal for his insulting behavior. After Nabal’s death, she became one of David’s wives, demonstrating both wisdom and courage. Also, the name of David’s sister or half-sister.
Abihail
Original (Hebrew): אֲבִיהַיִל, אֲבִיחַיִל
Meaning: “My father is strength” or “father of might”
First Appearance: 2 Chronicles 11:18
Description: The wife of Rehoboam, son of Solomon.
Abijah
Original (Hebrew): אֲבִיָּה (’Aḇîyā)
Meaning: “My father is Yahweh”
First Appearance: 2 Chronicles 29:1
Description: The mother of King Hezekiah of Judah. Also spelled Abiah, wife of Hezron.
Abishag
Original (Hebrew): אֲבִישַׁג (’Aḇîšaḡ)
Meaning: Possibly “my father is a wanderer” or “father of error”
First Appearance: 1 Kings 1:3
Description: A young Shunammite woman chosen to be a companion and caregiver to King David in his old age.
Abital
Original (Hebrew): אֲבִיטָל (’Aḇîṭāl)
Meaning: “My father is dew” or “father of the dew”
First Appearance: 2 Samuel 3:4
Description: One of David’s wives, the mother of Shephatiah.
Achsah
Original (Hebrew): עַכְסָה (ʿAḵsā)
Meaning: “Anklet” or “bangle”
First Appearance: Joshua 15:16
Description: The daughter of Caleb. She was offered in marriage to whoever captured the city of Kiriath-sepher (Debir), and Othniel, Caleb’s nephew, won her. Also spelled Achsa.
Adah
Original (Hebrew): עָדָה
Meaning: “Ornament”, “Adornment”
First Appearance: Genesis 4:19
Description: One of the two wives of Lamech, a descendant of Cain. She was the mother of Jabal and Jubal. Also, one of the wives of Esau.
Agar
Original (Hebrew): הָגָר
Meaning: “Flight”
First Appearance: Galatians 4:24 KJV
Description: KJV form of Hagar.
Ahlai
Original (Hebrew): אַחְלָי (ʾAḥlay)
Meaning: “O that” or “would that”
First Appearance: 1 Chronicles 2:31
Description: A descendant of Judah.
Aholibamah
Original (Hebrew): אָהֳלִיבָמָה
Meaning: “Tent of the high place” or “my tabernacle is exalted”
First Appearance: Genesis 36:2
Description: One of Esau’s wives, a Canaanite woman.
Anna
Original (Greek): Ἄννα (Anna)
Meaning: “Grace” or “favor” (Greek form of Hannah)
First Appearance: Luke 2:36
Description: An elderly prophetess in Jerusalem who, along with Simeon, recognized the infant Jesus as the Messiah when he was presented at the temple. She is described as being of great age, and having devoted herself to God with fasting and prayer.
Apphia
Original (Greek): Ἀπφία (Apphia)
Meaning: Possibly of Phrygian origin, meaning unknown.
First Appearance: Philemon 1:2
Description: A Christian woman in Colossae, likely the wife or close relative of Philemon, to whom Paul’s letter to Philemon is partly addressed.
Asenath
Original (Hebrew): אָסְנַת (ʾĀsənaṯ)
Meaning: “Belonging to Neith” (an Egyptian goddess)
First Appearance: Genesis 41:45
Description: The Egyptian wife of Joseph, given to him by Pharaoh. She was the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, and the mother of Manasseh and Ephraim.
Atarah
Original (Hebrew): עֲטָרָה (ʿAṭārā)
Meaning: “Crown” or “diadem”
First Appearance: 1 Chronicles 2:26
Description: The second wife of Jerahmeel, a descendant of Judah.
Athaliah
Original (Hebrew): עֲתַלְיָה
Meaning: “Yahweh is afflicted” or “Yahweh is strong”
First Appearance: 2 Kings 8:26
Description: The daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, and the wife of Jehoram, king of Judah. After her son Ahaziah’s death, she seized the throne and reigned for six years, promoting Baal worship and killing all the royal heirs except for Joash, who was hidden. She was eventually overthrown and killed.
Azubah
Original (Hebrew): עֲזוּבָה
Meaning: “Forsaken” or “deserted”
First Appearance: 1 Kings 22:42
Description: The mother of King Jehoshaphat of Judah. Also, the name of one of Caleb’s wives.
B
Bashemath
Original (Hebrew): בָּשְׂמַת (Bāśəmaṯ)
Meaning: “Fragrant” or “spice”
First Appearance: Genesis 26:34
Description: One of Esau’s wives, a Hittite woman. Also spelled Basemath. Also, a daughter of Solomon.
Basemath
Original (Hebrew): בָּשְׂמַת
Meaning: “Fragrant”, “spice”
First Appearance: Genesis 36:3
Description: Another of Esau’s wives, a daughter of Ishmael. Also spelled Bashemath.
Bathsheba
Original (Hebrew): בַּת־שֶׁבַע (Baṯ-Šéḇaʿ)
Meaning: “Daughter of Sheba” or “daughter of the oath”
First Appearance: 2 Samuel 11:3
Description: The wife of Uriah the Hittite, with whom King David committed adultery. After Uriah’s death, she became David’s wife and the mother of Solomon. She played a significant role in ensuring Solomon’s succession to the throne, demonstrating considerable influence within the royal court.
Bath-shua
Original (Hebrew): בַּת־שׁוּעַ
Meaning: “Daughter of wealth” or “daughter of Shua”
First Appearance: 1 Chronicles 3:5
Description: Another name for Bathsheba, the wife of David.
Bernice
Original (Greek): Βερενίκη (Berenikē)
Meaning: “Victory bringer”
First Appearance: Acts 25:13
Description: The sister and consort of King Herod Agrippa II. She and Agrippa heard Paul’s defense before Festus.
Bilhah
Original (Hebrew): בִּלְהָה (Bilhā)
Meaning: Possibly “timid” or “bashful”
First Appearance: Genesis 29:29
Description: Rachel’s servant, given to Jacob as a concubine. She was the mother of Dan and Naphtali.
Bithiah
Original (Hebrew): בִּתְיָה (Bīṯyā)
Meaning: “Daughter of Yahweh”
First Appearance: 1 Chronicles 4:17
Description: An Egyptian princess, a daughter of Pharaoh, listed as a wife of Mered from the tribe of Judah.
C
Candace
Original (Greek): Κανδάκη (Kandakē)
Meaning: Likely a title, not a personal name, meaning “queen mother” or “queen regent” in the Meroitic language (of ancient Nubia/Ethiopia).
First Appearance: Acts 8:27
Description: The title of the queen of Ethiopia (ancient Nubia, south of Egypt) whose treasurer was converted to Christianity by Philip the Evangelist.
Chloe
Original (Greek): Χλόη (Chloē)
Meaning: “Green shoot” or “young growth”
First Appearance: 1 Corinthians 1:11
Description: A Christian woman whose household reported divisions in the Corinthian church to Paul.
Claudia
Original (Greek): Κλαυδία (Klaudia)
Meaning: “Lame” (a Roman name)
First Appearance: 2 Timothy 4:21
Description: A Christian woman in Rome who sent greetings to Timothy along with Paul.
Cozbi
Original (Hebrew): כָּזְבִּי (Kozbî)
Meaning: “Deceitful” or “liar”
First Appearance: Numbers 25:15
Description: A Midianite woman killed by Phinehas along with an Israelite man for engaging in idolatrous practices.
D
Damaris
Original (Greek): Δάμαρις (Damaris)
Meaning: Possibly “calf,” “heifer,” or “wife”
First Appearance: Acts 17:34
Description: An Athenian woman who believed in Jesus after hearing Paul’s sermon on the Areopagus.
Deborah
Original (Hebrew): דְּבוֹרָה (Dəḇôrā)
Meaning: “Bee”
First Appearance: Genesis 35:8
Description: Rebekah’s nurse, who died and was buried near Bethel. Also, a prophetess and judge of Israel who led the Israelites to victory over the Canaanites. She is one of the most prominent female figures in the Old Testament, known for her courage, wisdom, and leadership, inspiring Barak to battle and prophesying victory.
Delilah
Original (Hebrew): דְּלִילָה (Dəlîlā)
Meaning: “Delicate,” “weakening,” or “languishing”
First Appearance: Judges 16:4
Description: A Philistine woman who seduced Samson and betrayed him to his enemies by cutting off his hair, the symbolic source of his strength given by God.
Dinah
Original (Hebrew): דִּינָה (Dînā)
Meaning: “Judged” or “vindicated”
First Appearance: Genesis 30:21
Description: The daughter of Jacob and Leah. Her assault by Shechem, a Canaanite prince, led to a massacre by her brothers Simeon and Levi.
Dorcas
Original (Greek): Δορκάς (Dorkas)
Meaning: “Gazelle”
First Appearance: Acts 9:36
Description: A Christian woman in Joppa, also known as Tabitha, who was raised from the dead by Peter.
Drusilla
Original (Greek): Δρουσίλλα (Drousilla)
Meaning: “Watered by the dew”
First Appearance: Acts 24:24
Description: The Jewish wife of Felix, the Roman governor of Judea, and daughter of Herod Agrippa I.
E
Eglah
Original (Hebrew): עֶגְלָה (ʿEḡlā)
Meaning: “Heifer”
First Appearance: 2 Samuel 3:5
Description: One of David’s wives, the mother of Ithream.
Elisabeth
Original (Greek): Ἐλισάβετ (Elisabet)
Meaning: “My God is abundance” or “God of the oath” (Greek form of Elisheba)
First Appearance: Luke 1:5
Description: The wife of Zechariah and the mother of John the Baptist. She was a relative of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Also spelled Elizabeth.
Elizabeth
Original (Greek): Ἐλισάβετ (Elisabet)
Meaning: “My God is abundance” or “God of the oath” (Greek form of Elisheba)
First Appearance: Luke 1:5
Description: The wife of Zechariah and the mother of John the Baptist. Alternate spelling of Elisabeth.
Ephah
Original (Hebrew): עֵיפָה (ʿÊp̄ā)
Meaning: “Gloom” or “darkness”
First Appearance: Genesis 25:4
Description: A concubine of Caleb.
Ephrath
Original (Hebrew): אֶפְרָת (ʾÉp̄rāṯ)
Meaning: “Fruitfulness” or “place of honor”
First Appearance: Genesis 35:16
Description: Another name for Bethlehem. Also, the name of Caleb’s wife.
Esther
Original (Hebrew): אֶסְתֵּר (ʾEstēr)
Meaning: Possibly of Persian origin, meaning “star,” or related to the name Ishtar, a Babylonian goddess. Her Hebrew name was Hadassah.
First Appearance: Esther 2:7
Description: A Jewish woman who became queen of Persia and saved her people from destruction. The book of Esther tells her story. She is celebrated during the festival of Purim. Through her courage and faith, she risked her own life to intercede for her people before the king.
Eunice
Original (Greek): Εὐνίκη (Eunikē)
Meaning: “Good victory”
First Appearance: 2 Timothy 1:5
Description: The mother of Timothy, a devout Jewish woman who had become a Christian.
Euodias
Original (Greek): Εὐοδία
Meaning: “Good journey” or “prosperous journey”
First Appearance: Philippians 4:2 KJV
Description: Alternate spelling for Euodia.
Euodia
Original (Greek): Εὐοδία (Euodia)
Meaning: “Good journey” or “prosperous journey”
First Appearance: Philippians 4:2
Description: A Christian woman in Philippi who was involved in a disagreement with another woman named Syntyche. Paul urged them to be reconciled.
Eve
Original (Hebrew): חַוָּה (Ḥawwā)
Meaning: “Living” or “life”
First Appearance: Genesis 3:20
Description: The first woman, created by God from Adam’s rib. She was tempted by the serpent to eat the forbidden fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and she and Adam were subsequently expelled from the Garden of Eden. She is considered the mother of all humanity.
F
No names beginning with F.
G
Gomer
Original (Hebrew): גֹּ֫מֶר (Gomer)
Meaning: “Complete” or “end”
First Appearance: Genesis 10:2
Description: The unfaithful wife of the prophet Hosea, whose marriage was symbolic of Israel’s relationship with God.
H
Hagar
Original (Hebrew): הָגָר (Hāḡār)
Meaning: “Flight” or “forsaken”
First Appearance: Genesis 16:1
Description: An Egyptian servant of Sarah, the wife of Abraham. She became the mother of Ishmael, Abraham’s firstborn son. After Sarah gave birth to Isaac, Hagar and Ishmael were sent away into the wilderness.
Haggith
Original (Hebrew): חַגִּית (Ḥaggîṯ)
Meaning: “Festive” or “born on a feast day”
First Appearance: 2 Samuel 3:4
Description: One of David’s wives, the mother of Adonijah.
Hammoleketh
Original (Hebrew): הַמֹּלֶ֫כֶת
Meaning: “The queen” or “the ruler”
First Appearance: 1 Chronicles 7:18
Description: A female descendant of Manasseh, sister of Gilead. Also spelled Hammolecheth in some translations.
Hamutal
Original (Hebrew): חֲמוּטַל
Meaning: “My father-in-law is dew” or possibly related to “protection”
First Appearance: 2 Kings 23:31
Description: The wife of King Josiah and the mother of kings Jehoahaz and Zedekiah.
Hannah
Original (Hebrew): חַנָּה (Ḥannā)
Meaning: “Grace” or “favor”
First Appearance: 1 Samuel 1:2
Description: The mother of Samuel. She was barren for many years but prayed fervently to God for a child, promising to dedicate him to the Lord’s service. God answered her prayer, and she gave birth to Samuel, who became a great prophet and judge in Israel. Her song of praise (1 Samuel 2) is a powerful expression of faith and thanksgiving.
Hazelelponi
Original (Hebrew): הַצְלֶלְפּוֹנִי (Haṣlelponî)
Meaning: “The shade facing me” or “give shade, thou who facest”
First Appearance: 1 Chronicles 4:3
Description: A woman of the tribe of Judah.
Helah
Original (Hebrew): חֶלְאָה (Ḥelʾā)
Meaning: “Rust” or “jewel”
First Appearance: 1 Chronicles 4:5
Description: One of the wives of Ashhur, a descendant of Judah.
Hephzibah
Original (Hebrew): חֶפְצִי־בָהּ (Ḥep̄ṣî-ḇāh)
Meaning: “My delight is in her”
First Appearance: 2 Kings 21:1
Description: The wife of King Hezekiah and the mother of King Manasseh. Also, a symbolic name for Jerusalem in Isaiah 62:4.
Herodias
Original (Greek): Ἡρῳδιάς (Hērōdias)
Meaning: “Belonging to Herod” or “feminine form of Herod”
First Appearance: Matthew 14:3
Description: The wife of Herod Antipas, who had previously been married to his brother Philip. John the Baptist condemned their marriage, which led to his imprisonment and execution. It was Herodias’s daughter (Salome) who danced before Herod and, at her mother’s urging, requested John’s head.
Hodesh
Original (Hebrew): חֹ֫דֶשׁ (Ḥōḏeš)
Meaning: “New moon” or “month”
First Appearance: 1 Chronicles 8:9
Description: A wife of Shaharaim, a Benjamite.
Hoglah
Original (Hebrew): חָגְלָה (Ḥoḡlā)
Meaning: “Partridge”
First Appearance: Numbers 26:33
Description: One of the daughters of Zelophehad, who received an inheritance because their father had no sons.
Huldah
Original (Hebrew): חֻלְדָּה (Ḥuldā)
Meaning: “Weasel” or “mole”
First Appearance: 2 Kings 22:14
Description: A prophetess in Jerusalem during the reign of Josiah. She authenticated the Book of the Law found in the temple and prophesied about the coming judgment on Judah, making her a significant figure in the Deuteronomic Reform.
I
Iscah
Original (Hebrew): יִסְכָּה (Yisqā)
Meaning: Possibly “she will see” or “one who looks forth”
First Appearance: Genesis 11:29
Description: A daughter of Haran, the brother of Abraham.
J
Jael
Original (Hebrew): יָעֵל (Yāʿēl)
Meaning: “Mountain goat” or “ibex”
First Appearance: Judges 4:17
Description: The wife of Heber the Kenite. She killed Sisera, the commander of the Canaanite army, by driving a tent peg through his temple while he slept.
Jehudijah
Original (Hebrew): הַיְּהֻדִיָּה
Meaning: “The Jewess” or “the Judahitess”
First Appearance: 1 Chronicles 4:18
Description: A wife of Mered, a descendant of Judah. The name is probably a title, indicating she was from the tribe of Judah.
Jemima
Original (Hebrew): יְמִימָה
Meaning: “Dove” or “day by day”
First Appearance: Job 42:14
Description: One of the three daughters of Job, born after his time of suffering. Also spelled Jemimah.
Jemimah
Original (Hebrew): יְמִימָה
Meaning: “Dove” or “day by day”
First Appearance: Job 42:14
Description: Also spelled Jemima, one of the three daughters of Job, born after his time of suffering.
Jerioth
Original (Hebrew): יְרִיעוֹת
Meaning: “Curtains” or “tent curtains”
First Appearance: 1 Chronicles 2:18
Description: A wife of Caleb, the son of Hezron.
Jehosheba
Original (Hebrew): יְהוֹשֶׁ֫בַע
Meaning: “Yahweh is an oath” or “Yahweh has sworn”
First Appearance: 2 Kings 11:2
Description: The daughter of King Jehoram of Judah and the wife of Jehoiada the priest. She rescued her nephew Joash from being killed by Athaliah and hid him in the temple. Also spelled Jehoshabeath.
Jehoshabeath
Original (Hebrew): יְהוֹשַׁבְעַת
Meaning: “Yahweh is an oath” or “Yahweh has sworn”
First Appearance: 2 Chronicles 22:11
Description: Another spelling of Jehosheba.
Jezebel
Original (Hebrew): אִיזֶבֶל (ʾÎzéḇel)
Meaning: Possibly “unexalted” or “where is the prince?”
First Appearance: 1 Kings 16:31
Description: The wife of King Ahab of Israel. She was a Phoenician princess who promoted the worship of Baal in Israel and persecuted the prophets of Yahweh. She became a symbol of wickedness and idolatry. Also, a symbolic name for a false prophetess in the church at Thyatira, mentioned in the book of Revelation.
Jochebed
Original (Hebrew): יוֹכֶבֶד (Yôḵeḇeḏ)
Meaning: “Yahweh is glory” or “glory of Yahweh”
First Appearance: Exodus 6:20
Description: The mother of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. She hid Moses in a basket among the reeds to save him from Pharaoh’s decree to kill all Hebrew baby boys.
Judith
Original (Hebrew): יְהוּדִית (Yəhûḏîṯ)
Meaning: “Jewish woman” or “woman of Judah”
First Appearance: Genesis 26:34
Description: One of Esau’s Hittite wives. Also, the heroine of the book of Judith in the Apocrypha, who saved her people by beheading the Assyrian general Holofernes.
Julia
Original (Greek): Ἰουλία (Ioulia)
Meaning: “Downy-bearded” or “youthful” (a Roman name)
First Appearance: Romans 16:15
Description: A Christian woman in Rome to whom Paul sent greetings.
Junia
Original (Greek): Ἰουνίαν (Iounian)
Meaning: Possibly “belonging to Juno” (a Roman goddess)
First Appearance: Romans 16:7
Description: A Christian greeted by Paul in Romans 16:7. Some scholars believe Junia was a woman and possibly an apostle, while others think it’s a masculine name (Junias). Also spelled Junias.
K
Keren-happuch
Original (Hebrew): קֶרֶן הַפּוּךְ
Meaning: “Horn of antimony” or “horn of eye paint”
First Appearance: Job 42:14
Description: One of the three daughters of Job, born after his time of suffering.
Keturah
Original (Hebrew): קְטוּרָה (Qəṭûrā)
Meaning: “Incense”
First Appearance: Genesis 25:1
Description: A wife or concubine of Abraham, whom he married after Sarah’s death. She was the mother of six of Abraham’s sons.
Kezia
Original (Hebrew): קְצִיעָה
Meaning: “Cassia” or “cinnamon”
First Appearance: Job 42:14
Description: Another spelling of Keziah, one of Job’s daughters.
Keziah
Original (Hebrew): קְצִיעָה (Qəṣîʿā)
Meaning: “Cassia” or “cinnamon”
First Appearance: Job 42:14
Description: One of the three daughters of Job, born after his time of suffering.
L
Leah
Original (Hebrew): לֵאָה (Lēʾā)
Meaning: Possibly “weary” or “tired”
First Appearance: Genesis 29:16
Description: The first wife of Jacob, and the older sister of Rachel. Jacob was tricked into marrying her by her father, Laban. She was the mother of six of Jacob’s sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun, as well as his daughter Dinah.
Lois
Original (Greek): Λωΐς (Lōis)
Meaning: Possibly “better” or “more desirable”
First Appearance: 2 Timothy 1:5
Description: The grandmother of Timothy, praised by Paul for her sincere faith.
Lydia
Original (Greek): Λυδία (Lydia)
Meaning: “From Lydia” (a region in Asia Minor)
First Appearance: Acts 16:14
Description: A woman from Thyatira, a seller of purple cloth, who became a believer in Philippi. She was Paul’s first European convert and hosted him and his companions in her home.
M
Maachah
Original (Hebrew): מַעֲכָה (Maʿaḵā)
Meaning: “Crushed” or “oppression”
First Appearance: Genesis 22:24
Description: The concubine of Nahor. Also, several men and the wife of King Rehoboam.
Mahalath
Original (Hebrew): מָחֲלַת (Māḥalaṯ)
Meaning: Possibly “sickness” or “stringed instrument”
First Appearance: Genesis 28:9
Description: A wife of Esau, and daughter of Ishmael. Also, one of the eighteen wives of King Rehoboam.
Mahlah
Original (Hebrew): מַחְלָה (Maḥlā)
Meaning: “Sickness” or “disease”
First Appearance: Numbers 26:33
Description: One of the five daughters of Zelophehad, who received an inheritance because their father had no sons.
Martha
Original (Greek): Μάρθα (Martha)
Meaning: “Lady” or “mistress” (Aramaic)
First Appearance: Luke 10:38
Description: The sister of Mary and Lazarus of Bethany. She is known for being busy serving Jesus while her sister Mary sat and listened to him. Jesus gently rebuked her for being anxious and troubled.
Mary
Original (Greek): Μαρία (Maria), Μαριάμ (Mariam)
Meaning: “Bitterness,” “rebellion,” or possibly “wished-for child” (Greek form of Miriam)
First Appearance: Matthew 1:16
Description: Mary is the name of several significant women in the New Testament:
- Mary, the mother of Jesus – The Virgin Mary, chosen by God to conceive and bear His Son, Jesus Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit. She exemplifies faith, obedience, and humility, accepting God’s will with complete trust.
- Mary Magdalene – A devoted follower of Jesus, out of whom He cast seven demons. She was present at the crucifixion, witnessed His burial, and was the first to see the resurrected Lord. She plays a key role in the resurrection accounts as the one who carried the news to the disciples.
- Mary of Bethany – The sister of Martha and Lazarus. She is known for sitting at Jesus’ feet, listening to His teachings, and later anointing His feet with precious ointment, an act of deep devotion and worship.
- Mary, the mother of James and Joses – A faithful follower of Jesus who stood by Him during His crucifixion and burial and was among the women who discovered the empty tomb. She is possibly the same as Mary, the wife of Clopas, who was present at the cross and is sometimes identified as a relative of the Virgin Mary.
- Mary of Rome – A Christian woman in Rome greeted by Paul in Romans 16:6, commended for her dedication and hard work in the church.
While the exact relationships between some of these Marys remain uncertain, scholars often suggest that Mary, the mother of James and Joses, may be the same as Mary, the wife of Clopas. However, Mary Magdalene and Mary of Bethany are considered distinct individuals.
Matred
Original (Hebrew): מַטְרֵד
Meaning: “Expulsion” or “driving away”
First Appearance: Genesis 36:39
Description: The mother of Mehetabel, the wife of an Edomite king.
Mehetabel
Original (Hebrew): מְהֵיטַבְאֵל
Meaning: “God is doing good” or “God benefits”
First Appearance: Genesis 36:39
Description: The wife of an Edomite king.
Merab
Original (Hebrew): מֵרַב (Mēraḇ)
Meaning: “Increase” or “abundance”
First Appearance: 1 Samuel 14:49
Description: The older daughter of King Saul, who was originally promised to David but was given in marriage to another man.
Michal
Original (Hebrew): מִיכַל (Mîḵal)
Meaning: Possibly “who is like God?” or “brook”
First Appearance: 1 Samuel 14:49
Description: The younger daughter of King Saul, who became David’s wife. She helped David escape from Saul, but later criticized him for his exuberant worship.
Milcah
Original (Hebrew): מִלְכָּה (Milkā)
Meaning: “Queen” or “counsel”
First Appearance: Genesis 11:29
Description: The wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother. Also, one of the daughters of Zelophehad.
Miriam
Original (Hebrew): מִרְיָם (Miryām)
Meaning: Possibly “bitterness,” “rebellion,” or “wished-for child”
First Appearance: Exodus 15:20
Description: The sister of Moses and Aaron. She was a prophetess and played a key role in leading the Israelite women in song and dance after the crossing of the Red Sea. She later challenged Moses’ authority and was punished with leprosy, but was healed after seven days.
N
Naamah
Original (Hebrew): נַעֲמָה (Naʿamā)
Meaning: “Pleasant” or “delightful”
First Appearance: Genesis 4:22
Description: The daughter of Lamech and Zillah, and sister of Tubal-cain. Also, the name of an Ammonite woman, one of Solomon’s wives and the mother of Rehoboam, and a town in the lowlands of Judah.
Naarah
Original (Hebrew): נַעֲרָה (Naʿarā)
Meaning: “Girl” or “maiden”
First Appearance: 1 Chronicles 4:5
Description: One of the wives of Ashhur, a descendant of Judah.
Naomi
Original (Hebrew): נָעֳמִי (Noʿomî)
Meaning: “My pleasantness” or “my delight”
First Appearance: Ruth 1:2
Description: The mother-in-law of Ruth. She returned to Bethlehem from Moab with Ruth after the death of her husband and sons. She played a key role in arranging Ruth’s marriage to Boaz, demonstrating strong familial loyalty and faith.
Noadiah
Original (Hebrew): נוֹעַדְיָה (Nôʿaḏyā)
Meaning: “Meeting with Yahweh” or “assembly of Yahweh”
First Appearance: Nehemiah 6:14
Description: A false prophetess who opposed Nehemiah.
Noah
Original (Hebrew): נֹעָה (Nōʿā)
Meaning: “Motion” or “wandering”
First Appearance: Numbers 26:33
Description: One of the daughters of Zelophehad, who received an inheritance because their father had no sons.
O
Orpah
Original (Hebrew): עָרְפָּה (ʿOrpā)
Meaning: Possibly “back of the neck” or “fawn”
First Appearance: Ruth 1:4
Description: One of the Moabite women who married into the family of Elimelech and Naomi. She was the sister-in-law of Ruth. Unlike Ruth, she chose to return to her own people after the death of her husband.
P
Peninnah
Original (Hebrew): פְּנִנָּה (Pəninnā)
Meaning: “Pearl” or “coral”
First Appearance: 1 Samuel 1:2
Description: One of the two wives of Elkanah, the father of Samuel. She provoked Hannah, Elkanah’s other wife, because Hannah was barren.
Persis
Original (Greek): Περσίς (Persis)
Meaning: “Persian woman”
First Appearance: Romans 16:12
Description: A Christian woman in Rome to whom Paul sent greetings, noting that she had “worked hard in the Lord.”
Phoebe
Original (Greek): Φοίβη (Phoibē)
Meaning: “Bright” or “radiant”
First Appearance: Romans 16:1
Description: A Christian woman from Cenchreae, commended by Paul as a servant (or deacon) of the church. He entrusted her with delivering his letter to the Romans. Also spelled Phebe in KJV.
Prisca
Original (Greek): Πρίσκα (Priska)
Meaning: “Ancient” or “venerable” (a Roman name)
First Appearance: 2 Timothy 4:19
Description: A Christian woman, the wife of Aquila. She and her husband were close associates of Paul and hosted a church in their home. Also called Priscilla.
Priscilla
Original (Greek): Πρίσκιλλα (Priskilla)
Meaning: “Ancient” or “venerable” (a Roman name)
First Appearance: Acts 18:2
Description: The more common spelling of Prisca, the wife of Aquila.
Puah
Original (Hebrew): פּוּעָה
Meaning: Possibly “splendid” or “mouth”
First Appearance: Exodus 1:15
Description: One of the Hebrew midwives who disobeyed Pharaoh’s order to kill newborn Hebrew boys.
Q
No names beginning with Q.
R
Rachel
Original (Hebrew): רָחֵל (Rāḥēl)
Meaning: “Ewe” or “female sheep”
First Appearance: Genesis 29:6
Description: One of the two wives of Jacob, and the younger sister of Leah. Jacob loved Rachel deeply, and worked for her father Laban for fourteen years to marry her. She was initially barren, but eventually gave birth to Joseph and Benjamin. She died giving birth to Benjamin and is buried near Bethlehem. She is one of the matriarchs of Israel.
Rebekah
Original (Hebrew): רִבְקָה (Riḇqā)
Meaning: Possibly “to tie” or “to bind,” or “captivating”
First Appearance: Genesis 22:23
Description: The wife of Isaac and the mother of Jacob and Esau. She played a key role in helping Jacob obtain the blessing that was intended for Esau, showing a strong will and a decisive nature. She is considered one of the matriarchs of Israel.
Reumah
Original (Hebrew): רְאוּמָה (Rəʾûmā)
Meaning: Possibly “elevated” or “high”
First Appearance: Genesis 22:24
Description: The concubine of Nahor, Abraham’s brother.
Rhoda
Original (Greek): Ῥόδη (Rhodē)
Meaning: “Rose”
First Appearance: Acts 12:13
Description: A servant girl in the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark. She was so overjoyed when Peter knocked at the door after being miraculously released from prison that she forgot to open the door.
Rizpah
Original (Hebrew): רִצְפָּה (Riṣpā)
Meaning: “Hot stone” or “pavement”
First Appearance: 2 Samuel 3:7
Description: A concubine of Saul, whose sons were killed by the Gibeonites.
Ruth
Original (Hebrew): רוּת (Rûṯ)
Meaning: Possibly “friendship” or “companion”
First Appearance: Ruth 1:4 (Book Title)
Description: A Moabite woman who married an Israelite man. After the death of her husband, she chose to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, and return to Bethlehem. She famously declared her loyalty to Naomi and Naomi’s God. She married Boaz and became an ancestor of David and of Jesus. The book of Ruth tells her story, and it highlights themes of loyalty, kindness, and redemption.
S
Salome
Original (Greek): Σαλώμη (Salōmē)
Meaning: Possibly derived from the Hebrew word “shalom” (peace)
First Appearance: Mark 15:40
Description: One of the women who witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus and who went to anoint his body. She is traditionally identified as the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee. Also, the daughter of Herodias, who danced before Herod Antipas and requested the head of John the Baptist.
Sapphira
Original (Greek): Σαπφείρα (Sappheira)
Meaning: “Beautiful” (Greek form of a Hebrew name)
First Appearance: Acts 5:1
Description: The wife of Ananias. She and her husband conspired to lie to the Holy Spirit about the price of land they had sold, and they were both struck dead.
Sarah
Original (Hebrew): שָׂרָה (Śārā)
Meaning: “Princess” or “noblewoman”
First Appearance: Genesis 17:15
Description: The wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac. Originally named Sarai, her name was changed to Sarah by God. She was barren for many years but miraculously gave birth to Isaac in her old age. She is considered one of the matriarchs of Israel, and a key figure in the Abrahamic religions. She is remembered for her faith, but also for her initial doubt and laughter when told she would have a child.
Sarai
Original (Hebrew): שָׂרַי (Śāray)
Meaning: Possibly “my princess” or “contentious”
First Appearance: Genesis 11:29
Description: The original name of Sarah, the wife of Abraham.
Serah
Original (Hebrew): שֶׂרַח (Śéraḥ)
Meaning: “Abundance” or “overflowing”
First Appearance: Genesis 46:17
Description: The daughter of Asher. Also spelled Serach.
Sherah
Original (Hebrew): שֶׁאֱרָה
Meaning: “Flesh”, “Kin”
First Appearance: 1 Chronicles 7:24
Description: A female descendant of Ephraim.
Shiphrah
Original (Hebrew): שִׁפְרָה (Šip̄rā)
Meaning: “Beauty” or “fairness”
First Appearance: Exodus 1:15
Description: One of the Hebrew midwives who disobeyed Pharaoh’s order to kill newborn Hebrew boys.
Shulammite
Original (Hebrew): שׁוּלַמִּית (Šûlammîṯ)
Meaning: “Woman from Shulem” or “peaceful”
First Appearance: Song of Solomon 6:13
Description: A term used to describe the beloved woman in the Song of Solomon.
Syntyche
Original (Greek): Συντύχη (Syntychē)
Meaning: “Good fortune” or “fortunate event”
First Appearance: Philippians 4:2
Description: A Christian woman in Philippi who was involved in a disagreement with another woman named Euodia. Paul urged them to be reconciled.
T
Tabitha
Original (Aramaic): טָבִיתָא (Ṭāḇîṯāʾ); (Greek): Δορκάς (Dorkas)
Meaning: “Gazelle”
First Appearance: Acts 9:36
Description: A Christian woman in Joppa, known for her good works and acts of charity. She was raised from the dead by Peter. Her Greek name was Dorcas.
Tamar
Original (Hebrew): תָּמָר (Tāmār)
Meaning: “Palm tree” or “date palm”
First Appearance: Genesis 38:6
Description: The daughter-in-law of Judah, who disguised herself as a prostitute to trick Judah into fulfilling his obligation to give her a son. She became an ancestor of Jesus. Also, a daughter of David who was raped by her half-brother Amnon, and a daughter of Absalom.
Tahpenes
Original (Hebrew): תַּחְפְּנֵס (Taḥpənēs)
Meaning: Possibly of Egyptian origin, meaning “the wife of the king”
First Appearance: 1 Kings 11:19
Description: An Egyptian queen, the wife of the pharaoh who gave refuge to Hadad the Edomite.
Taphath
Original (Hebrew): טָפַת (Ṭāp̄aṯ)
Meaning: Possibly “drop” or “ornament”
First Appearance: 1 Kings 4:11
Description: A daughter of Solomon, who married one of his district governors.
Tryphena
Original (Greek): Τρύφαινα (Tryphaina)
Meaning: “Delicate” or “dainty”
First Appearance: Romans 16:12
Description: A Christian woman in Rome to whom Paul sent greetings, noting that she “works hard in the Lord.”
Tryphosa
Original (Greek): Τρυφῶσα (Tryphōsa)
Meaning: “Delicate” or “luxurious”
First Appearance: Romans 16:12
Description: A Christian woman in Rome to whom Paul sent greetings, also noting that she “works hard in the Lord.”
U
No names beginning with U.
V
Vashti
Original (Hebrew): וַשְׁתִּי (Waštî)
Meaning: Possibly of Persian origin, meaning “beautiful woman” or “best.”
First Appearance: Esther 1:9
Description: The queen of Persia, wife of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes). She was deposed for refusing to appear before the king’s guests.
W
No names beginning with W.
X
No names beginning with X.
Y
No names beginning with Y.
Z
Zeruah
Original (Hebrew): צְרוּעָה
Meaning: “Leprous”
First Appearance: 1 Kings 11:26
Description: The mother of Jeroboam I, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel.
Zeresh
Original (Hebrew): זֶ֫רֶשׁ (Zéresh)
Meaning: Possibly of Persian origin, meaning “gold” or “golden”
First Appearance: Esther 5:10
Description: The wife of Haman, the enemy of the Jews in the book of Esther.
Zeruiah
Original (Hebrew): צְרוּיָה (Ṣərûyā)
Meaning: Possibly “balsam” or “balm of Gilead”
First Appearance: 1 Samuel 26:6
Description: The sister of David and the mother of Joab, Abishai, and Asahel, three prominent military leaders.
Zibiah
Original (Hebrew): צִבְיָה
Meaning: “Gazelle”
First Appearance: 2 Kings 12:1
Description: The mother of King Jehoash of Judah.
Zillah
Original (Hebrew): צִלָּה
Meaning: “Shade” or “protection”
First Appearance: Genesis 4:19
Description: One of the two wives of Lamech, a descendant of Cain. She was the mother of Tubal-cain and Naamah.
Zilpah
Original (Hebrew): זִלְפָּה (Zilpā)
Meaning: Possibly “dropping” or “trickling”
First Appearance: Genesis 29:24
Description: The servant of Leah, given to Jacob as a concubine. She was the mother of Gad and Asher.
Zipporah
Original (Hebrew): צִפּוֹרָה (Ṣippōrā)
Meaning: “Bird”
First Appearance: Exodus 2:21
Description: The wife of Moses and the daughter of Jethro (Reuel), the priest of Midian.