If you are looking for names of women in the Bible, you will find many choices across both the Old Testament and New Testament.
Well-known names include Eve, Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Leah, Miriam, Ruth, Esther, Mary, Martha, Deborah, Hannah, Abigail, Elizabeth, Lydia, Priscilla, and Phoebe.
The Bible also mentions many less familiar women by name. Some appear in major stories, while others are mentioned only briefly in genealogies or family records.
Below is a useful list of biblical women, organized to make the names easy to explore.
Names of Women in the Old Testament
The Old Testament includes many women whose stories are connected with important biblical families, leaders, prophets, queens, and historical events.
Women in the Early Biblical Family
| Name | Biblical connection |
|---|---|
| Eve | Wife of Adam and mother of Cain, Abel, and Seth |
| Sarah | Wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac |
| Hagar | Mother of Ishmael |
| Rebekah | Wife of Isaac and mother of Jacob and Esau |
| Leah | Wife of Jacob and mother of several of his children |
| Rachel | Wife of Jacob and mother of Joseph and Benjamin |
| Bilhah | Rachel’s servant and mother of Dan and Naphtali |
| Zilpah | Leah’s servant and mother of Gad and Asher |
| Dinah | Daughter of Jacob and Leah |
| Tamar | Woman in the family line of Judah |
| Asenath | Wife of Joseph and mother of Ephraim and Manasseh |
| Keturah | Wife of Abraham after Sarah’s death |
| Zillah | Wife of Lamech |
| Adah | Wife of Lamech |
| Serah | Daughter of Asher |
Women Connected With Moses and Israel
| Name | Biblical connection |
|---|---|
| Shiphrah | Hebrew midwife during the time of Pharaoh |
| Puah | Hebrew midwife who helped preserve Hebrew children |
| Jochebed | Mother of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam |
| Miriam | Sister of Moses and Aaron and a prophetess |
| Zipporah | Wife of Moses |
| Rahab | Woman from Jericho associated with the Israelite spies |
| Deborah | Judge and prophetess of Israel |
| Jael | Woman who killed Sisera |
| Cozbi | Midianite woman mentioned in Numbers |
| Mahlah | One of the daughters of Zelophehad |
| Noah | One of the daughters of Zelophehad |
| Hoglah | One of the daughters of Zelophehad |
| Milcah | One of the daughters of Zelophehad |
| Tirzah | One of the daughters of Zelophehad |
Names of Women in the Books of Ruth and Samuel
| Name | Biblical connection |
|---|---|
| Ruth | Moabite woman who became part of David’s family line |
| Naomi | Ruth’s mother-in-law |
| Hannah | Mother of Samuel |
| Abigail | Wife of Nabal and later wife of David |
| Bathsheba | Mother of Solomon and wife of David |
| Michal | Daughter of Saul and wife of David |
| Tamar | Daughter-in-law of Judah |
| Delilah | Woman associated with Samson |
| Jezebel | Queen associated with King Ahab |
| Peninnah | One of Elkanah’s wives |
| Rizpah | Concubine of Saul |
| Abishag | Young woman who cared for David in his old age |
| Merab | Daughter of Saul |
| Ahinoam | Name associated with women in the Old Testament |
| Eglah | One of David’s wives |
| Zeruiah | Mother of Joab, Abishai, and Asahel |
| Abital | One of David’s wives |
| Haggith | One of David’s wives |
Queens and Women of the Kingdoms
| Name | Biblical connection |
|---|---|
| Athaliah | Queen of Judah |
| Huldah | Prophetess consulted during the reign of Josiah |
| Esther | Jewish queen who helped save her people |
| Vashti | Queen before Esther in the Book of Esther |
| Maacah | Name used for several women in the Old Testament |
| Naamah | Name associated with women in the Old Testament |
| Jehosheba | Woman who helped preserve Joash |
| Jedidah | Mother of King Josiah |
| Hephzibah | Wife of King Hezekiah and mother of Manasseh |
| Zebudah | Mother of King Jehoiakim |
| Zeresh | Wife of Haman in Esther |
Other Female Names in the Old Testament
| Name | Biblical connection |
|---|---|
| Abihail | Name associated with several women in the Old Testament |
| Shelomith | Name used for women in the Old Testament |
| Gomer | Wife of Hosea |
| Hodiah | Woman named in Chronicles |
| Jemima | One of Job’s daughters |
| Keziah | One of Job’s daughters |
| Keren-Happuch | One of Job’s daughters |
The biblical reference All the Women of the Bible also records a much larger collection of named women, including many lesser-known names that appear in genealogies and brief passages.
Women’s Names in the New Testament
The New Testament mentions many women who were connected with Jesus, the early Christian community, and the ministry of the apostles.
Women Connected With Jesus
| Name | Biblical connection |
|---|---|
| Mary | Mother of Jesus |
| Elizabeth | Mother of John the Baptist |
| Anna | Prophetess who encountered Jesus as a child |
| Martha | Sister of Mary and Lazarus |
| Mary of Bethany | Sister of Martha and Lazarus |
| Mary Magdalene | Follower of Jesus who appears in the resurrection accounts |
| Salome | Woman associated with Jesus’ ministry and the resurrection accounts |
| Joanna | Woman associated with Jesus’ ministry |
| Susanna | Woman who supported Jesus’ ministry |
| Herodias | Woman connected with Herod Antipas and the death of John the Baptist |
Names of Women Mentioned in Acts
| Name | Biblical connection |
|---|---|
| Bernice | Woman appearing in Acts in connection with Agrippa |
| Drusilla | Wife of Felix in Acts |
| Lydia | Woman in Philippi who became an early Christian believer |
| Sapphira | Wife of Ananias in Acts |
| Dorcas | Also called Tabitha; woman known for good works |
| Rhoda | Servant girl mentioned in Acts |
| Damaris | Woman who believed Paul’s message in Athens |
Women Mentioned by Paul
| Name | Biblical connection |
|---|---|
| Priscilla | Early Christian teacher and coworker of Aquila |
| Phoebe | Woman commended by Paul in Romans 16 |
| Junia | Woman named by Paul in Romans 16 |
| Chloe | Woman whose household is mentioned by Paul |
| Claudia | Woman mentioned in Paul’s final greetings |
| Apphia | Woman addressed in Paul’s letter to Philemon |
| Euodia | Woman addressed by Paul in Philippians |
| Syntyche | Woman addressed alongside Euodia in Philippians |
| Persis | Woman praised by Paul for her work |
| Tryphena | Woman greeted by Paul in Romans |
| Tryphosa | Woman greeted by Paul in Romans |
| Julia | Woman greeted by Paul in Romans |
| Nereus’s sister | Woman mentioned in Romans 16 |
| Rufus’s mother | Woman Paul describes with maternal affection |
Women in the Early Christian Community
| Name | Biblical connection |
|---|---|
| Eunice | Mother of Timothy |
| Lois | Grandmother of Timothy |
The New Testament women include both prominent figures and women who appear briefly in Paul’s greetings or other passages. Bible Gateway’s reference work lists names such as Anna, Apphia, Bernice, Chloe, Claudia, Damaris, Dorcas, Drusilla, Elizabeth, Eunice, Lydia, Martha, Mary, Phoebe, Priscilla, Rhoda, Sapphira, Susanna, and others.
Most Famous Female Names in the Bible
Some biblical women’s names are especially familiar because of their important roles in major biblical narratives.
Eve
Eve is introduced in Genesis as Adam’s wife. Genesis 3:20 connects her name with her role as the mother of all living.
Sarah
Sarah is the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac. Her story is central to the Genesis account of God’s covenant with Abraham.
Rebekah
Rebekah becomes Isaac’s wife and the mother of Jacob and Esau. Her story is primarily found in Genesis.
Rachel
Rachel is Jacob’s wife and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin. She is one of the best-known women in the Genesis narrative.
Leah
Leah is Jacob’s wife and the mother of several of Jacob’s children.
Miriam
Miriam was the sister of Moses and Aaron. She is described as a prophetess and is associated with the Israelites’ song after the crossing of the Red Sea.
Deborah
Deborah is presented as both a judge and prophetess in the Book of Judges. She is one of the Bible’s prominent female leaders.
Ruth
Ruth was a Moabite woman who remained with Naomi and became part of the family line leading to David.
Esther
Esther became queen and played a central role in the story of the preservation of the Jewish people in the Book of Esther.
Mary
Mary is the mother of Jesus and one of the most recognized women in the New Testament.
Beautiful Biblical Girl Names
If you are looking for biblical names for a baby girl, these are some of the most recognizable choices:
- Abigail
- Anna
- Esther
- Eve
- Hannah
- Leah
- Lydia
- Mary
- Miriam
- Naomi
- Rachel
- Rebekah
- Rebecca
- Ruth
- Sarah
- Susanna
- Tabitha
- Tamar
- Martha
- Elizabeth
These names have different histories and biblical contexts, so it is useful to read the relevant biblical passage before choosing one based on its story.
Strong Female Names From the Bible
Some biblical women are remembered for leadership, courage, wisdom, loyalty, or faith. Names associated with these stories include:
- Deborah
- Esther
- Abigail
- Ruth
- Hannah
- Miriam
- Jael
- Huldah
- Rahab
- Priscilla
- Phoebe
- Lydia
For example, Deborah is presented as a judge and prophetess, while Huldah is identified as a prophetess during the reign of Josiah. The New Testament also records women such as Lydia and Priscilla in important roles within early Christian communities.
Rare and Less Common Women’s Names in the Bible
If you want a biblical name that feels less familiar today, consider some of these:
- Abishag
- Abital
- Achsah
- Apphia
- Atarah
- Cozbi
- Eglah
- Haggith
- Hephzibah
- Huldah
- Jemima
- Keren-Happuch
- Mahlah
- Mehetabel
- Milcah
- Noadiah
- Persis
- Rizpah
- Serah
- Zeresh
- Zilpah
Several of these names appear only briefly in Scripture. The alphabetical reference list of named Bible women includes many such less-familiar names.
Female Biblical Names From the Story of Jesus
The Gospels mention several named women who were connected with Jesus’ life and ministry. Important names include:
- Mary
- Elizabeth
- Anna
- Martha
- Mary of Bethany
- Mary Magdalene
- Joanna
- Salome
- Susanna
The New Testament accounts also describe women as witnesses to important events surrounding Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Women Named in the Early Church
The early Christian communities described in Acts and Paul’s letters include several named women:
- Lydia
- Priscilla
- Phoebe
- Junia
- Chloe
- Euodia
- Syntyche
- Damaris
- Dorcas
- Rhoda
- Sapphira
- Lois
- Eunice
- Apphia
- Persis
- Julia
- Claudia
- Tryphena
- Tryphosa
These references show that women appear in a variety of roles in the New Testament, including household leaders, coworkers, teachers, supporters, and members of early Christian communities.
How Many Women Are Named in the Bible?
There is no single simple number that works for every list of women in the Bible. Different reference works count names differently because some women share the same name, some are identified only by relationships, and some names have variant spellings or uncertain identification.
For example, the reference All the Women of the Bible has a substantial alphabetical catalog of named women, including multiple women with names such as Abigail, Abihail, Deborah, Mary, Miriam, and Tamar.
So, if you see different totals on different websites, check how each source defines and counts a “named woman.”
Female Bible Names by Letter
A
- Abigail
- Abihail
- Abishag
- Abital
- Achsah
- Adah
- Ahinoam
- Anna
- Apphia
- Asenath
- Atarah
- Athaliah
B
- Bathsheba
- Bernice
- Bilhah
- Bithiah
C
- Chloe
- Claudia
- Cozbi
D
- Damaris
- Deborah
- Delilah
- Dinah
- Dorcas
- Drusilla
E
- Eglah
- Elizabeth
- Esther
- Eunice
- Eve
G
- Gomer
H
- Hagar
- Hannah
- Huldah
- Herodias
J
- Jael
- Jemima
- Jezebel
- Joanna
- Jochebed
- Julia
- Judith
K
- Keren-Happuch
- Keturah
- Keziah
L
- Leah
- Lois
- Lydia
M
- Martha
- Mary
- Michal
- Miriam
- Milcah
N
- Naamah
- Naomi
- Noah
- Noadiah
O
- Orpah
P
- Peninnah
- Persis
- Phoebe
- Priscilla
- Puah
R
- Rachel
- Rahab
- Rebekah
- Rhoda
- Rizpah
- Ruth
S
- Salome
- Sapphira
- Sarah
- Serah
- Shiphrah
- Susanna
- Syntyche
T
- Tabitha
- Tamar
- Tirzah
- Tryphena
- Tryphosa
V
- Vashti
Z
- Zebudah
- Zeresh
- Zeruiah
- Zillah
- Zilpah
- Zipporah
The alphabetical list above follows established biblical-name references, while spelling can vary between Bible translations and reference works.
Biblical Women’s Names With Different Spellings
Some biblical names appear in different forms depending on the translation or language tradition. For example:
| Common form | Other form |
| Sarah | Sarai / Sara |
| Rebekah | Rebecca |
| Mary | Miriam / Maria |
| Phoebe | Phebe |
| Priscilla | Prisca |
| Tabitha | Dorcas |
| Elisabeth | Elizabeth |
| Tamar | Thamar |
Variant spellings can be especially useful when researching a biblical name for a baby, character, study project, or family history.
How to Choose a Biblical Girl Name
If you are choosing one of these names for a baby, character, project, or another personal use, consider more than how the name sounds.
Consider the Biblical Story
Read the passages connected with the woman before choosing her name. A name may have a very different biblical association from the one you first expect.
Check the Spelling
Biblical names can have different spellings across translations and languages. Decide if you prefer a traditional English form or another variant.
Think About Pronunciation
Choose a pronunciation that feels natural for the people who will use the name every day.
Look Beyond Popular Names
If you want something distinctive, less familiar names such as Huldah, Jemima, Keren-Happuch, Persis, or Zeresh may be worth exploring.
Consider the Meaning Separately
Name meanings can be useful, but they should be checked carefully. Some biblical etymologies are uncertain or debated, so avoid relying on a simple online meaning without checking a reputable reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most famous women’s names in the Bible?
Some of the best-known names include Eve, Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Leah, Miriam, Deborah, Ruth, Esther, Mary, Martha, and Elizabeth.
What is the most popular female name in the Bible?
There is no single biblical text that ranks female names by modern popularity. Mary is one of the most frequently recognized female names in the New Testament, while the Old Testament contains several women with widely known names such as Sarah, Rachel, Leah, and Ruth.
What are rare women’s names in the Bible?
Less familiar biblical names include Huldah, Abishag, Eglah, Keren-Happuch, Persis, Rizpah, Zeresh, and Noadiah.
What are strong female names from the Bible?
Names such as Deborah, Esther, Abigail, Ruth, Miriam, Huldah, Jael, Priscilla, Phoebe, and Lydia are associated with women who have notable roles in biblical narratives.
What are biblical girl names that are easy to pronounce?
Names such as Eve, Ruth, Leah, Sarah, Rachel, Naomi, Esther, Anna, Mary, and Martha are familiar English forms and are generally straightforward to pronounce.
Are all women in the Bible named?
No. Many women in biblical narratives are identified without personal names, such as descriptions based on their relationship, location, or role. Biblical reference works therefore distinguish between named women and unnamed women.
Are Mary and Miriam the same name?
They are closely related forms in biblical naming traditions. Bible reference material notes the relationship between Miriam and Mary/Maria, although the exact linguistic development is more complex than simply treating every occurrence as the same person or name.
Final Thoughts
The names of women in the Bible range from familiar choices such as Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary, and Rachel to less common names such as Huldah, Abishag, Persis, Rizpah, and Zeresh.
Their stories also cover a wide range of roles, including mothers, wives, queens, prophets, judges, disciples, and members of early Christian communities.
If you are choosing a biblical name, take time to explore the woman’s story, the name’s spelling, and the biblical passages where she appears. That gives you more context than choosing a name from a list alone.
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I’m Grace Anderson, a name researcher and the writer behind NameLimo. I love discovering unique and meaningful names for babies, pets, characters, and businesses, helping readers find the perfect name with confidence.
