Biblical Names You've Never Heard Of

Biblical associations are a common trope among classic names. Think John and Adam, Mary and Ruth. In addition to these simple names, there are also elaborate Biblical classics. These include Samuel and Benjamin, Elizabeth and Abigail. 

However, there are also rare Biblical names just waiting to become more common. These are names that were never popular anywhere in the English-speaking world but have potential.

Asenath

Asenath was Joseph's Egyptian wife in the Old Testament. "Assie" might not sound like a nice nickname, but there's also "Senny", "Annie", and even "Nate". Shortened or used in full, Asenath sounds like an intriguing alternative to Elizabeth. The name has been used multiple times in the past, but it never even made the top 1000. 

Cozbi

This was the name of a Midianite woman who married the Israelite Zimri in the Old Testament. Unfortunately, Phinehas killed both of them. Alongside its tragic association, Cozbi sounds like it could be a surname-name in key of Riley and Paisley. 

Issachar

Issachar was the son of Jacob and Leah. Pronounced "is-a-car", this sounds like an elaboration of Issac and a masculinization of Isabel. Either way, it can shorten to "Izzy". The name has only been around since 1976 and established with at least 50 births since 2015. Issachar reached its peak of 20 births in 2019. 

Kohath

Kohath was one of the sones of Levi in the Old Testament. It starts with the sound of familiar Cole and ends with the sound of Griffith. Kohath also sounds like an uncommon alternative to Caleb. There is no evidence of past usage, so Kohath is currently unknown. 

Laban

Laban was the father of Leah and Rachel, the wives of Jacob. Laban sounds like a compromise for parents who are torn between Caleb and Logan. Laban might be familiar, but it has never even made the top 1000. Perhaps it was only ever given to, at most, 15 boys. 

Milcah

In the Old Testament, Milcah was the wife of Nahor and a daughter of Zelophehad. This consonant-heavy name is an unconventional way to get to nickname "Millie" and an alternative to Delilah. Milcah hits its peak at 10 births as recently as 2019.

Tirzah

Along with Milcah, Tirzah was one of the four daughters of Zelophehad in the Old Testament. Its consonant-heavy structure makes the name look contrarian, but Tirzah has gradually increased in use over the last sixty years. 

Zelophehad

As stated above, Zelophehad was the father of Milcah, Tirzah, and three other girls. His death made his five daughters heirs. This name might be hard to pronounce. I'm not sure whether this name has ever been used here, either. However, I think it still works. It can shorten to accessible nicknames "Zel" and "Zephie."

Which of these Biblical names do you think are most usable?