Biblical Dog Names

Introduction

Finding inspiration in the Bible for your puppy’s name can be daunting because of all the unique names that are difficult to pronounce and people would give you a weird look at the dog park. You do not want to embarrass your dog with an odd name, instead you want to inspire greatness. However, there are interesting and fun names in the Bible that would be the perfect fit for your newest family addition. So, when you are planning to add a puppy to your family, crack open the Bible to search for the best biblical name for him or her.

Biblical Dog Names in Pop Culture

Featured Famous Dog With a Biblical Name

Barabbas

When you think of the name Barabbas, you think of the notorious criminal mentioned in all four gospels of the Bible. Barabbas was chosen by the crowd to be released over Jesus Christ. Therefore, it is amusing that in the movie, My Dog, the Thief, had a lovable Saint Bernard named Barabbas. The movie was released in 1969 and starred Dwayne Hickman as Jack Crandall and Mary Ann Mobley as Kim Lawrence. Jack was an air-traffic reporter who finds out that his partner and best friend, Barabbas, stole a priceless necklace from a group of jewel-smugglers. Throughout the movie the antics and tricks done by Barabbas keep you laughing and make you fall in love with the large canine crook. The movie aired as a two part episode on television on September 21, 1969 and September 28, 1969.

Actress Alicia Silverstone also had a dog with a biblical name. Her Rottweiler-Pitbull-Doberman mix was named Samson. Silverstone stumbled across Samson in East Los Angeles while she was filming True Crime, a detective thriller. When she found Samson, he was cut, bleeding and emaciated. After nursing him back to health, Silverstone decided to keep him. He became one of her five rescue dogs. While filming Clueless, Silverstone was able to get Samson a cameo appearance. With her love for Samson and her other rescued pooches, she has opened an animal shelter named Stone Haven on her estate.

Actor Bradley Cooper has stated on several occasions that his dogs are part of his family. In an interview to People magazine in 2009, Cooper stated that his dogs are his kids. Samson, a German Shorthaired Pointer, was Cooper’s constant companion for several years after saving the dog from being euthanized. When Samson passed away at the ripe old age of 15, Cooper was devastated and found a way to always remember the love and devotion they had for each other. A life-sized photograph of Samson was hung in Cooper’s home.

The largest dog in Britain is named Samson. This giant stands 6 feet five inches when he is on his hind legs. Samson has a 59 inch chest and his neck measures 29 inches; therefore, he cannot wear traditional dog coats. He has to wear pony coats and his collar has to be special made. His owners, Julie and Ray Woods believe that Samson is still growing. They make sure he gets plenty of exercise, going for four walks a day that cover two miles each.

Biblical Dog Name Considerations

Whether you are devote Christian or not, you can find a wealth of interesting names in the Bible. Both male and female names abound, some fairly common and others rather obscure or slightly wacky. Some people choose to name their canine companion after they get to know their personality; others have a name picked out before they even find their new puppy. Many of the biblical names can be used exactly as they are found within the Bible, or they can be shortened to give them a friendlier feel such as Abe instead of Abel or Zeke instead of Ezekiel.

When you are choosing a name for your puppy, think about the dogs in your neighborhood or family and try to avoid naming your new friend the same name or even something similar. This will help avoid some confusion when playing in the dog park or having doggy play dates. Family gatherings will also be less confusing if your puppy has a completely unique name from the other dogs in the extended family. Take the time to think through name ideas and get to know your puppy a bit before settling on the official name. Many times, you will know their perfect name when you meet and spend time with them.

Male Biblical Dog Names

Votes	Name	Vote
13	Abel Adam and Eve’s son that was murdered by his brother
9	Rufus Son of Simon a Cyrenian who helped carry the cross of Jesus Christ; found in the Book of Mark
7	Luke Author of the third gospel in the New Testament
7	Gideon Great warrior; military leader found in the Book of Judges
7	Asher Son of Zilpah and Jacob and younger brother of Gad; found in Genesis
5	Samson Israelite warrior with extreme strength from his uncut hair; found in the Book of Judges
5	Ezekiel Strength in God; name of Hebrew prophet
4	Micah One of the 12 minor prophets of Tanakh; contemporary of Isaiah, Hosea and Amos
4	Elijah Yahweh is God; name of Israelite prophet
3	Jethro Father or Zipporah and father-in-law of Moses; found in Exodus
2	Seth Son of Adam and Eve; found in Genesis
2	Reuben Eldest son of Jacob and Leah; founder of the Tribe of Reuben
2	Josiah The son of King Amon and grandson of Manasseh
2	Barabbas Lovable Saint Bernard from the movie My Dog, a Thief
1	Solomon The son of King David; also known as Jedidiah
1	Simon The Zealot was an apostle of Jesus and can be found mentioned in Acts, Luke, Matthew and Mark
1	Noah Builder of the infamous ark that saved animal pairs during the great flood
1	Moses Led the exodus Israelites out of Egypt and across the Red Sea; brought the 10 commandments to his people
1	Meshach One of three Jewish boys thrown into the fire by King Nebuchadnezzar
1	Levi The third son of Jacob; apostle Matthew’s name before he began following Jesus
0	Matthew Author of the first gospel in New Testament; apostle of Jesus
0	Mark Author of the second gospel in New Testament; only one to refer to Jesus as the son of Mary
0	Jared Called the forefather of Noah in Genesis
-1	Jonah Prophet in the Book of Jonah; story of Jonah and the whale
-2	James Apostles of Jesus; James the son of Zebedee and James the son of Alphaeus
-2	Jacob Father of the 12 tribes of Israel
-2	Adam The first man created by God
-3	Isaac He will laugh; son of Abraham and Sarah
-3	Gabriel God is my strength; angel that delivers message of Jesus’ birth to Mary
-8	Joshua One of the 12 Israelite spies sent by Moses into Canaan

Female Biblical Dog Names

Votes	Name	Vote
11	Mara Meaning bitter it is the name Naomi gave herself when she returned from Moab
7	Naomi Wife of Elimelech and mother-in-law of Ruth; meaning my joy
6	Miriam Sister of Moses and Aaron; Prophet that appears in Exodus
6	Angel Heavenly being or messenger of God
5	Mary Mother of Jesus; many other women were named Mary throughout Scripture
5	Esther The Jewish woman who became the wife of Persian King Ahasuerus
5	Anna Means grace or favor; the first woman Christian missionary
4	Vashti First wife of Persian King Ahasuerus
4	Lydia Woman baptized in Acts 16; meaning beauty
4	Kezia The second daughter of Job; beautiful
4	Eve The first woman created by God; from Adam’s rib
3	Adah Beauty or adornment; the first woman named after Eve in the Bible
2	Sarah Abraham’s wife; mother of Isaac
2	Phoebe Deacon of the church of Cenchreae; found in Romans 16
2	Leah Became Jacob’s wife through the deception of her father, Laban
2	Hannah Means Grace of God; the mother of Samuel
2	Dinah Daughter of Jacob and Leah of the Old Testament
2	Delilah Woman who deceived Samson; found in the Old Testament
1	Tamar A palm tree; Canaanite who married Er
1	Abigail Means cause of joy; wife of David in the Old Testament
0	Susanna White lily; one of the women healed by Jesus
0	Jezebel Wife of King Ahab; convinced King Ahab to worship other gods besides Yahweh
0	Chloe A convert of Paul; means blooming
-1	Candace Ruler of children; Ethiopian queen mentioned in Luke
-2	Orpah The daughter-in-law of Naomi; means young doe or fawn
-3	Rachel Jacob’s second wife; daughter of Laban
-4	Drusilla Granddaughter of Herod; means watered by the dew
-6	Zillah Shadow of darkness; one of Lamech’s wives
-6	Jael The woman who murdered a man while he slept; wild
-8	Beulah The land of Israel as described by the prophet Isaiah

Written by a Rough Collie lover Holly Ramsey

Published: 01/13/2018, edited: 02/14/2024

Community Dogs With Biblical Names

Saint

Male

Dachshund

Baton Rouge, LA

Had a friend whose last name was St. Romain. He was called Saint in college. I was grieving from loss of my husband. After a visit with my friend I was urged to get a male dog and to name him Saint. The dog’s personality has proved he has been a Saint in helping me through my grief.