Female names in the Book of Kings

Not the usual suspects

Jan 01, 2023

Would you like to name your daughter a unique Biblical name?

Here is a list of 25 female names mentioned in the Book of Kings. Most are unusual, although you will occasionally come across a Batsheva or a Tzivia.

(* See footnote)

You should not pick a name randomly from this list. One should only use the names of righteous people, and not all these women were described as righteous.

No one would, or should, use the name Izevel, or Ataliah, for their daughter.

Even Rachav, who later converted, used that name prior to her conversion, when she was still engaged in immoral acts, so it shouldn't be used in naming a child. (Why didn't she change her name? People usually change their name after converting to Judaism. Perhaps she was remembered by the name Rachav because she became famous for hiding the spies in Jericho before her conversion .)

Similarly, we don't name children after people who left a wicked legacy, someone who died an unnatural death, or someone who experienced unusual tragedies in their lifetime. Boys should not be named Yeravam (the first King of Israel, who sinned and caused Israel to sin with idolatry) or Amalek (whose name should be wiped out) or Cain (killed his brother Hevel).

You will see that some of the names are not so rare, such as Batshevah (not uncommon) and Tzivia. Avishag, Chamutal, and Naama are used in the Land of Israel, but they are still somewhat rare.

It is interesting, actually, why some names remain rare.

1. Avishag

2. Batsheva

3. Tafas

4. Basmas

5.Tachpenes

6.Zruah

7.Naamah

8.Maachah

9.Izevel