Biblical Baby Names: Best Resources

What do Mary, Sophie and Rachel have in common with Kristen, Shiloh and Alexandra?

They're all biblical baby names that happen to be popular, as well.

Many parents pick biblical baby names to honor their Christian or Jewish heritage and often, their choices are inspired by a favorite Bible story.

For boys, Jesus is a top baby name in Hispanic communities, and the apostles, evangelists and heroes of the Old Testament often appear on annual top 100 boy baby names lists.

But, even if parents are not religious, there are still good reasons to pick biblical baby names. These names are timeless, since they have been used continuously for thousands of years, and a widely-used baby name such as Matthew or David is a safe choice for parents concerned their child might be teased over an unusual name.Parents looking for biblical baby names for girls often turn to the Old Testament for inspiration. While Mary and its variants -- Marie and Maria, for example -- are perennially popular monikers for Christians, interesting biblical baby names can have traditional meanings, yet sound entirely new.

Before choosing a biblical baby name, parents should research its meaning. The Bible is full of villains, as well as heroes, and parents should think carefully before giving a child a name such as Judas or Jezebel.

Not sure where to begin? Here are some resources for parents who need help picking the best biblical baby names.

Classic Biblical Baby Names: Timeless Names for Modern Parents by Judith Tropea: This book is an invaluable resource for expectant parents. Old and New Testament names are organized alphabetically by gender, and each entry describes the meaning of the name as well as the scriptural stories surrounding the name and citations for the relevant Bible verses. The author also includes a pronunciation guide (extremely helpful for lesser-known names) and suggestions for alternative spellings and nicknames.

Biblical Baby Names Website: This website lists more than 700 biblical baby names and popular derivatives. Each name is accompanied by its meaning and a description of the biblical character. Parents searching for a unique baby name will enjoy the "Unusual Baby Names" section, and those looking for a classic and traditional choice will appreciate the "Top Baby Names" section. This guide even includes lesser-known choices such as Dimnah. But, since Dimnah means dunghill, it's easy to understand why few parents select it for their child.

The Bump: The Bump's guide to biblical baby names may be less comprehensive than some resources, but parents will find a carefully edited list of names. Another useful feature of this site is its ratings system. Visitors can rank names from zero to five stars, and parents can sort names based on these ratings. Some five star names include Nathan, Jordan, Sarah and Rachel.

Baby Name Wizard: Parents who need help narrowing down their baby name choices will appreciate this website. Refine your search for biblical baby names by selecting whether you want a popular, unusual or occasional name. Parents can even chart a name's popularity over time and view ratings to see if others think the name is smart, sophisticated, sexy, friendly, creative, strong or young. Finding the right baby name may seem daunting, but time spent researching biblical baby names using these online resources and books can be rewarding. While evaluating your name choices and examining lesser-known names, you'll learn unfamiliar Bible stories and have the opportunity to reread old favorites. And remember: Your hard work will pay off when you discover the perfect name for your new baby.