Biblical names often carry deep meanings and histories. Many of them reflect roles, qualities, or characteristics of people in the Bible. Among these names, some specifically mean “king.” These names remind us of the importance of leadership and authority in biblical stories.
Today, we will look at some of the most significant biblical names that mean king. Each name has its own story and significance, adding depth to our understanding of biblical figures. Whether you’re curious about their meanings or seeking inspiration, these names offer powerful insights into the concept of kingship in the Bible.
Biblical Names That Mean King
1. Abimelech
Abimelech means ‘my father is king’ in Hebrew. This name reflects the importance of lineage and authority, as seen in the biblical stories of kings.
2. Adonijah
Adonijah translates to ‘my lord is Yahweh’. This name captures both a royal title and divine recognition, emphasizing the blend of earthly and heavenly kingship.
3. Asher
Asher means ‘happy’ or ‘blessed’. While not directly meaning king, it reflects a sense of good fortune found in leadership roles among the tribes of Israel.
4. David
David is a significant biblical figure whose name means ‘beloved’. He is often seen as a model king, showcasing the qualities of a leader chosen by God.
5. Eliakim
Eliakim means ‘God will raise up’. This name resonates with the idea of divine elevation to kingship or leadership.
6. Hezekiah
Hezekiah translates to ‘God strengthens’. This name embodies the strength and resilience expected from a king ruling with divine support.
7. Jehoiakim
Jehoiakim means ‘the Lord raises up’. This implies a divine selection for kingship, signifying that authority comes from God’s choice.
8. Josiah
Josiah translates to ‘Yahweh supports’. This name emphasizes the divine backing essential for any king in fulfilling their duties.
9. Malkijah
Malkijah means ‘my king is Yahweh’. It highlights the ultimate authority of God as the sovereign over earthly kings.
10. Malachi
Malachi means ‘my messenger’, but it also points to the importance of prophetic voices in guiding kings and leaders.
11. Methuselah
Methuselah means ‘man of the dart’. This name may imply a leader skilled in both battle and wisdom, akin to a king.
12. Nethaniah
Nethaniah means ‘given by God’. It reflects that kingship is a gift and responsibility bestowed by the divine.
13. Palti
Palti translates to ‘my deliverance’. It sues kingship with protection and justice, essential qualities of a ruler.
14. Solomon
Solomon means ‘peace’. Known as a wise king, his reign is characterized by prosperity and peace for his people.
15. Uzziah
Uzziah means ‘my strength is Yahweh’. This illustrates the strength a king draws from his faith and relationship with God.
16. Zedekiah
Zedekiah means ‘Yahweh is righteousness’. This name emphasizes the moral responsibilities of a king in pursuit of justice during their reign.
17. Abijah
Abijah means ‘my father is Yahweh’. This name shows the connection between governance and one’s spiritual heritage.
18. Ahaziah
Ahaziah means ‘Yahweh has taken hold’. It relates to the idea of a king being guided by divine will.
19. Ammon
Ammon means ‘the faithful’. This name speaks to loyalty, a fundamental quality of a good king in biblical narratives.
20. Bethel
Bethel means ‘house of God’. While not a traditional king’s name, it represents a divine place of authority.
21. Darius
Darius means ‘to possess good’. This name emphasizes the characteristics a ruler should embody as a leader.
22. Elimelech
Elimelech means ‘my God is king’. It highlights the relationship between divine authority and earthly rulers.
23. Enoch
Enoch means ‘dedicated’. While known for his faithfulness, this name speaks to the commitment a king must have to his leadership.
24. Gideon
Gideon means ‘hewer’ or ‘one who cuts trees’. It represents strength and decisiveness, qualities essential for kingship.
25. Ishmael
Ishmael means ‘God will hear’. It signifies the importance of divine communication and guidance in leadership.
26. Kenan
Kenan means ‘to possess’. This name relates to a king’s dominion over subjects and land.
27. Malachi
Malachi means ‘my messenger’. This name signifies a pivotal role in guiding kings through prophetic messages.
28. Matthias
Matthias means ‘gift of God’. It underscores the divine selection process for anyone who seeks kingship.
29. Nathan
Nathan means ‘he gave’. This name reflects the blessings a king is to extend to his people.
30. Orlah
Orlah means ‘foreskin’. While this name illustrates a religious concept, it alludes to the deeper responsibilities of a king in upholding tradition.
31. Phinehas
Phinehas means ‘oracle of God’. This echoes the idea that a king must consult divine wisdom in decisions.
32. Quintus
Quintus means ‘fifth’. While this refers to numerical order, kings often establish dynasties with generational significance.
33. Rapha
Rapha means ‘to heal’. This name suggests a leader should possess the ability to mend divisions among his people.
34. Sennacherib
Sennacherib means ‘son of the moon god’. It underscores the divine implications of kingship in ancient contexts.
35. Tzuri
Tzuri means ‘my rock’. It portrays the stability a good king provides to his kingdom.
36. Zobi
Zobi means ‘the Lord has remembered’. This name highlights the importance of a king keeping his promises.
37. Jehoash
Jehoash means ‘Yahweh has given’. This reflects the idea of divine providence in rulers’ ascensions.
38. Michal
Michal means ‘who is like God’. This name signifies the distinctive qualities associated with a king ruling with godly principles.
39. Othniel
Othniel means ‘lion of God’. It symbolizes strength and ferocity expected of a king.
40. Shemuel
Shemuel means ‘name of God’. This name shows the importance of a ruler’s identity being tied to the divine.
41. Yael
Yael means ‘mountain goat’, a representation of agility and strength in leading a community.
42. Zebulun
Zebulun means ‘dwelling’. This emphasizes the stability a king should provide for his people.
43. Abiathar
Abiathar means ‘father of abundance’. It reflects the prosperity a king should strive to echo among his people.
44. Abishua
Abishua translates to ‘my father is salvation’. This name highlights the protective qualities of a king.
45. Asherah
Asherah means ‘a goddess’. While not a king, it portrays the importance of strong figures in leadership roles.
46. Nabal
Nabal means ‘fool’. This ironic name warns against poor leadership and decisions in kingship.
47. Abner
Abner means ‘my father is light’. It highlights enlightenment and wisdom that a king must embody.
48. Eber
Eber means ‘beyond’. This name signifies a king’s considerable influence extending beyond his immediate realm.
49. King
The name King directly signifies authority and rule, emphasizing the most essential quality of leadership.
50. Melech
Melech means ‘king’ in Hebrew. It is the simplest and most direct name associated with rulership in biblical times.
51. Ahitub
Ahitub means ‘brother of goodness’. This represents the qualities of mercy and justice a ruler must possess.
52. Joab
Joab means ‘Yahweh is father’. It illustrates the strong leadership figures who were commanders in biblical Israel.
53. Jotham
Jotham means ‘Yahweh is perfect’. This signifies an ideal benchmark for kingship.
54. Menachem
Menachem means ‘comforter’. A king must provide solace to his subjects during hardships.
55. Salma
Salma means ‘peaceful’. This name emphasizes a king’s role in maintaining harmony.
56. Rachael
Rachael means ‘ewe’. While not a king, it points at nurturing aspects leaders should embody.
57. Caleb
Caleb means ‘dog’. Although seemingly unexpected, it symbolizes loyalty to a king and his mission.
58. Jonah
Jonah means ‘dove’, a symbol of peace that resonates with a king’s role in fostering order.
59. Samuel
Samuel means ‘heard of God’. This name emphasizes the reliance on divine guidance in leadership.
60. Shiloh
Shiloh means ‘gift’. This communicates the blessings of leadership and the responsibilities involved.
61. Adriel
Adriel means ‘flock of God.’ The name speaks to a king’s role as a caretaker of his people.
62. Barak
Barak means ‘lightning’. This name conveys the power and authority embodied by a king in actions.
63. Ephraim
Ephraim means ‘fruitful’. A king should lead to a bountiful reign.
64. Enoch
Enoch means ‘dedicated’. This name discussing dedication mirrors the life of a king.
65. Jonah
Jonah means ‘dove’, associated with peace, pivotal for a king.
66. Nathaniel
Nathaniel means ‘gift of God’. It relates to the divine gifting of leadership roles.
67. Samuel
Samuel means ‘heard of God’. It emphasizes the divine aspect of kingship.
68. Solomon
Solomon means ‘peace’. It reflects a king’s duty to bring peace to his kingdom.
69. Zimri
Zimri means ‘my music’. A clever king should bring joy and harmony.
70. Yahshua
Yahshua means ‘God saves’. This represents a king’s role in providing spiritual salvation.
71. Absalom
Absalom means ‘father of peace’. It highlights the qualities a king should nurture.
72. Ozias
Ozias means ‘strength’. This name emphasizes the bravery required in kingship.
73. Ahasuerus
Ahasuerus means ‘the keeper of peace’. It’s the embodiment of what a true king should uphold.
74. Zara
Zara means ‘blossoming flower’. It symbolizes the beauty and growth a wise king can nurture in his people.
75. Yair
Yair means ‘he will enlighten’. It resonates with the wisdom associated with leadership.
76. Ahab
Ahab means ‘beloved’. This name reflects the bond between a king and his people.
77. Benaiah
Benaiah means ‘Yahweh has built’. A king is entrusted to maintain and build his kingdom.
78. Gad
Gad means ‘fortune’. This relates to the prosperity a king aims to achieve for his realm.
79. Josiah
Josiah means ‘Yahweh heals’. This name reflects a king’s ability to heal his people’s grievances.
80. Micah
Micah means ‘who is like Yahweh’. It emphasizes a king’s aspiration to emulate divine qualities.
81. Jebediah
Jebediah means ‘beloved friend’. A king’s relationship with his subjects should embody friendship.
82. Jephthah
Jephthah means ‘he opens’. It signifies a king’s role in opening avenues for his people.
83. Josias
Josias means ‘Yahweh heals’. It presents a king’s redeeming qualities and responsibilities toward his subjects.
84. Micah
Micah means ‘who is like Yahweh’. This name speaks to the lofty standards expected of rulers.
85. Pharoh
Pharaoh means ‘great house’. This reflects the authority and dominion of a king over his territory.
86. Solomon
Solomon means ‘peace’. His reign represents wisdom and stability.
87. Jeroboam
Jeroboam means ‘the people will contend’. It highlights a king’s relationship with his people.
88. Zimri
Zimri means ‘my music’. This name evokes the joy and harmony related to kingship.
89. Uzziah
Uzziah means ‘my strength is Yahweh’. A reflection of the reliance on divine power for kings.
90. Ivah
Ivah means ‘to bring forth’. It alludes to a king’s role in nurturing new beginnings.
91. Diligent
Diligent characterizes the rigorous responsibilities of a king in maintaining their kingdom.
92. Malachi
Malachi means ‘my messenger’. This reinforces the prophetic guidance in a leader’s role.
93. Micah
Micah means ‘who is like God that’s what a king must strive for in character.
94. Gideon
Gideon means ‘hewer’. A royal figure who demonstrated decisive action.
95. Lord
Lord characterizes the authoritative nature of kingship.
96. Bazak
Bazak means ‘to shine’. This reflects the honor and glory that accompany kingship.
97. Zared
Zared means ‘he who spreads’. A king disperses wealth and resources among his realm.
98. Adiel
Adiel means ‘God is my witness’. It emphasizes the accountability that comes with leadership.
99. Chiel
Chiel means ‘God will endure’. This reflects everlasting leadership blessed by God.
100. Rasha
Rasha means ‘to be wicked’. A warning against the abuses of kingship.
101. Theophilus
Theophilus means ‘friend of God’. It shows the necessity for kings to maintain divine friendships.
102. Ayman
Ayman means ‘trustworthy’. Ideal for anyone in a leadership position.
103. Ahijah
Ahijah means ‘my brother is Yahweh’. It reflects the communal relationships among rulers.
104. Lemuel
Lemuel means ‘devoted to God’. It speaks on the importance of a king’s commitment to divine principles.
105. Benaiah
Benaiah means ‘Yahweh has built’. It emphasizes that leadership comes with divine foundation.
106. Ammihud
Ammihud means ‘my people are majesty’. It underscores the grandeur associated with kingship.
107. Jonah
Jonah means ‘dove’, an emblem of peace maintained by a wise king.
108. Elijah
Elijah means ‘my God is Yahweh’. It hints at a king’s connection with divine authority.
109. Gilliam
Gilliam means ‘sacrificial protector’. Reflects the sacrifices a good ruler must endure.
110. Jehu
Jehu means ‘Yahweh is he’. It accentuates the divine aspect of kingship.
111. Ezer
Ezer means ‘helper’. It emphasizes the collaborative relationships among leadership.
112. Abir
Abir means ‘mighty’. It reflects the strength expected in rulers.
113. Meira
Meira means ‘one who brings light’. It pinpoints leaders who bring enlightenment to their people.
114. Abel
Abel means ‘breath’. A reminder of the ephemeral nature of life and the reign of kings.
115. Sage
Sage refers to wisdom. A quality highly regarded in potential rulers.
116. Albert
Albert means ‘noble’. The traits essential for someone in leadership roles.
117. Malachi
Malachi means ‘my messenger’. Which signifies the role of kingship in prophetic guidance.
118. Dror
Dror means ‘freedom’. Often critical for rulers who govern justly.
119. Karnel
Karnel means ‘God strengthens’. Reflects the supportive nature of divine powers in kingship.
120. Montagu
Montagu means ‘pointed mountain’. Represents the lofty aspirations that come with leadership.
121. Azariah
Azariah means ‘Yahweh has helped’. It illustrates the divine support that leaders receive.
122. Merari
Merari means ‘bitterness’. A complex name, addressing the challenges faced in kingship.
123. Jethro
Jethro means ‘excellence’. It encapsulates the standards of greatness expected in leadership roles.
124. Omer
Omer means ‘sheaf’. It symbolizes harvest and abundance during a king’s reign.
125. Raad
Raad means ‘good fortune’. Emphasizes the prosperity that is essential for a ruler.
126. Ephraim
Ephraim means ‘fruitful’. A reflection of the productive reign expected from a king.
127. Simcha
Simcha means ‘joy’. A positive quality that a king should exhibit.
128. Toviyah
Toviyah means ‘goodness of God’. It stresses the divine qualities a king should embody.
129. Ayyub
Ayyub means ‘return to God’. It represents growth and repentance in leadership.
130. Jago
Jago means ‘supplanter’. A name that connects to unique historical contexts of rulers.
131. Adar
Adar means ‘noble’. A key trait associated with kings.
132. Gabriel
Gabriel means ‘God is my strength’. It underscores the reliance on divine power in leadership.
133. Doron
Doron means ‘gift’. This signifies the responsibility of a king to provide for his people.
134. Elior
Elior means ‘God is my light’. Reflects the wisdom a king must have in leading.
135. Hagar
Hagar means ‘stranger’. A complex name that describes kings’ unique destinies.
136. Isidore
Isidore means ‘gift from Isis’. It connects to divine favor in leadership.
137. Josue
Josue means ‘Yahweh is salvation’. This relates to a ruler’s role in saving his people.
138. Michal
Michal means ‘who is like God’. A name emphasizing a king’s heavenly aspirations.
139. Rapha
Rapha means ‘to heal’. It emphasizes the duty of a king to mend societal rifts.
140. Shimon
Shimon means ‘he has heard’. This underscores the listening aspect of effective kingship.
141. Tzvi
Tzvi means ‘deer’. It symbolizes agility among leaders.
142. Avis
Avis means ‘bird’. This term emphasizes the freedom that good leadership brings.
143. Keziah
Keziah means ‘cassia’. A name talking about blessing in rulers’ realms.
144. Noa
Noa means ‘to rest’. A reminder of the importance of peace under a king’s reign.
145. Oded
Oded means ‘to restore’. This speaks to the responsibility of kings to bring healing.
146. Samuel
Samuel means ‘heard of God’. It signifies the importance of divine approval in leadership.
147. Tamara
Tamara means ‘date palm’, a symbol of beauty and richness in the lives of the governed.
148. Yaakov
Yaakov means ‘to follow’. It hints at the guidance a ruler provides.
149. Zilla
Zilla means ‘shade’. It represents protection afforded to subjects by their kings.
150. Zipporah
Zipporah means ‘bird’. It symbolizes freedom and leadership among the people.
Final Thoughts
Biblical names often convey deep meanings and can inspire those looking for names symbolizing leadership. From names meaning king to names that reflect royal qualities, there are many options with significant backgrounds. Each name discussed sheds light on the characteristics and responsibilities associated with kingship in biblical narratives. As you explore these names, consider their meanings and the qualities they represent, whether you’re seeking a name for a child or simply trying to learn more about the rich tradition of biblical names.
If you’re interested in learning about the broader category of names that mean king, or perhaps exploring last names that hold similar meanings, don’t hesitate to check out these valuable resources: names that mean king and last names that mean king.