There are about 1,500 names of people in the Bible, and for centuries it has been a popular source for finding names for children. The names of the four gospel writers, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John have always been great favourites. The name Luke means light giving and the gospel has certainly enlightened millions of hearts and minds.

The name Saul is hardly used today but it was originally the name of an arrogant terrorist from Tarsus whose life was so transformed by Christ that he changed his name to Paul, a humble name meaning little. Of the many other popular Bible names, Stephen, meaning a crown, became the first Christian martyr because he had the courage to condemn the people for killing the prophets who foretold the coming of Jesus whom they had now murdered. The name Hannah means grace. She prayed for a son and promised to dedicate him to God’s service. When he was born she called his name Samuel meaning, asked of God. He became the great prophet who anointed David to be king. David’s name occurs over 1000 times in the Bible, more than any other, and it means beloved. A thousand years later Jesus was born into the family of David in Bethlehem, David’s birth place.

Simeon (or Simon) means hearing and he was indeed so tuned in that God promised him he would not die until he had seen Christ. Later he was able to take the baby Jesus up in his arms and pray the famous prayer, “Lord now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace.” [ Luke 2:29 ] Finally Thomas, meaning, twin was nicknamed Doubting Thomas because he would only believe that Jesus had risen from the dead unless he could actually see the wound in His side and the nail prints in His hands. When he did see them he cried out, “My Lord, and my God.” [ John 20:28 ]