Biblical Women Names

Women in the Bible: A Look at Their Names, Stories, and Contributions

The Bible is rich with stories of many women who, though often overlooked in patriarchal times, played critical roles in the narrative of God’s people.

From the courageous actions of queens and prophets to the quiet strength of mothers and wives, these women shaped the history and faith of the people of Israel and beyond.

Below, we explore the stories of some of the most notable women in the Bible, their names, their roles, and the scripture references where they appear. See our table of Biblical Names at the end of this article.

Be sure to visit our Prayer page for encouragement and Biblical Men Names.

1. Eve – Life, the First Woman (Genesis 3:20)

Name Meaning: Life; Living
Summary: Eve is the first woman created by God, made from Adam’s rib. She is the mother of all humanity and plays a pivotal role in the fall of mankind. Despite the consequences of her actions, she is also part of the divine promise of redemption.
Scripture Reference: Genesis 3:20

Eve’s story is well-known for her interaction with the serpent and the subsequent eating of the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. Although her act led to the fall of humanity, God’s promise of salvation through her descendants is part of the ongoing story of redemption.

2. Sarah – Princess and Mother of Nations (Genesis 17:15-16)

Name Meaning: Princess
Summary: Sarah, originally named Sarai, was the wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac. Despite being barren for many years, she laughed when God promised her a son. Her faith and eventual motherhood made her a key matriarch in the Bible.
Scripture Reference: Genesis 17:15-16, 18:9-15, 21:1-7

Sarah’s faith journey is marked by moments of doubt and strength. Her laughter at God’s promise and her eventual obedience to the covenant with God makes her an important figure in biblical history.

3. Hagar – The Woman in the Wilderness (Genesis 16:1-16)

Name Meaning: Flight
Summary: Hagar was Sarah’s servant, who bore Abraham’s first son, Ishmael, when Sarah could not have children. After being mistreated by Sarah, Hagar fled into the wilderness, where God comforted her and promised to make her son the father of a great nation.
Scripture Reference: Genesis 16:1-16

Hagar’s story speaks to God’s care for the marginalized, as He sees her distress and promises that her son will be a father of a great nation, despite the strained circumstances of his birth.

4. Rebekah – The Woman Who Loved (Genesis 24:15-67)

Name Meaning: To tie; To bind
Summary: Rebekah, the wife of Isaac, was chosen by God through a divine sign at a well. Her story exemplifies obedience and love, as she leaves her family to marry Isaac, continuing the covenant God made with Abraham.
Scripture Reference: Genesis 24:15-67

Rebekah is known for her active role in fulfilling God’s plan, as well as her influence on the future of Israel through her sons, Jacob and Esau. Her willingness to leave her family reflects her faith and trust in God’s provision.

5. Leah – The Unloved Yet Blessed (Genesis 29:16-35)

Name Meaning: Weary
Summary: Leah, the first wife of Jacob, was initially unloved compared to her sister Rachel, but God blessed her with many children, including Judah, from whom the royal line of David and ultimately Jesus would descend.
Scripture Reference: Genesis 29:16-35

Leah’s story is one of pain and persistence. Though she was not loved by her husband, God blessed her with the gift of many sons, and her legacy is deeply tied to the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel.

6. Rachel – The Beloved and Tragic Wife (Genesis 29:6-30)

Name Meaning: Ewe (female sheep)
Summary: Rachel was Jacob’s beloved wife, but her story is marred by struggles with infertility and jealousy toward her sister Leah. She eventually gives birth to Joseph and Benjamin but dies in childbirth with Benjamin.
Scripture Reference: Genesis 29:6-30, 35:16-20

Rachel’s story is full of longing and sorrow. She is the mother of Joseph, who becomes a key figure in the history of Israel, and her death signifies the emotional cost of her role in God’s plan.

7. Miriam – The Prophetess and Leader (Exodus 15:20-21)

Name Meaning: Wished-for child
Summary: Miriam, the older sister of Moses, played an important role in leading the Israelites through their early years in the desert. She was a prophetess and celebrated God’s deliverance through song and dance.
Scripture Reference: Exodus 15:20-21, Numbers 12:1-16

Miriam’s leadership, as well as her eventual moment of criticism and repentance, makes her a significant figure in the story of Israel’s exodus. Her song of victory is one of the first expressions of praise in the Bible.

8. Deborah – The Judge and Prophetess (Judges 4:4-9)

Name Meaning: Bee
Summary: Deborah was a prophetess and judge who led Israel during a time of oppression. She was known for her wisdom and courage, leading Barak to victory over the Canaanites.
Scripture Reference: Judges 4:4-9, 5:1-31

Deborah’s story is one of empowerment and leadership. As a woman in a male-dominated society, her ability to judge and lead military campaigns demonstrated God’s choice of leaders regardless of gender.

9. Ruth – The Faithful Moabite (Ruth 1:16-17)

Name Meaning: Friend; Companion
Summary: Ruth, a Moabite widow, showed loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi, and to God. Her faith and dedication led her to marry Boaz, becoming the great-grandmother of King David.
Scripture Reference: Ruth 1:16-17, 4:13-17

Ruth’s story highlights themes of faith, loyalty, and God’s providence. Despite being from a foreign nation, Ruth’s decision to follow Naomi and God led her to become an ancestor of Jesus Christ.

10. Esther – The Queen Who Saved a Nation (Esther 2:7)

Name Meaning: Star
Summary: Esther, a Jewish woman who became queen of Persia, risked her life to save the Jewish people from a plot to exterminate them. Her bravery and wisdom led to the deliverance of the Jews, and the festival of Purim was established to commemorate this event.
Scripture Reference: Esther 2:7, 4:12-16

Esther’s courage in the face of danger is a powerful testament to God’s sovereignty and the influence of a single individual in His plan. Her story is one of divine providence.

The Women Who Shaped the Early Christian Church

The New Testament also presents women who played significant roles in the early Christian church. These women, such as Mary, the mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and Phoebe, each made unique contributions to the spreading of the gospel.

11. Mary (Mother of Jesus) – The Chosen One (Luke 1:26-38)

Name Meaning: Beloved
Summary: Mary, the mother of Jesus, is revered for her humble acceptance of God’s plan for her to bear the Messiah. Her obedience and faith make her one of the most significant women in Christian history.
Scripture Reference: Luke 1:26-38, Matthew 1:18-25

Mary’s role as the mother of Jesus makes her central to the story of salvation. Her willingness to accept God’s will despite the challenges she faced exemplifies the kind of faith that is central to Christian belief.

12. Mary Magdalene – The First Witness (John 20:11-18)

Name Meaning: Tower
Summary: Mary Magdalene was a devoted follower of Jesus who was present at His crucifixion and was the first person to witness His resurrection. She is often regarded as a symbol of redemption and devotion.
Scripture Reference: John 20:11-18, Mark 16:9-11

Mary Magdalene’s story emphasizes themes of transformation and the importance of women in the ministry of Jesus. Her witness of the resurrection is foundational to the Christian faith.

The Enduring Legacy of Women in the Bible

Women in the Bible played diverse roles, from leaders and prophets to mothers and followers. Their stories are marked by courage, faith, and often great sacrifice. Through their actions, they exemplified the virtues of faith, hope, and love, which continue to inspire people today. Whether they were queens, judges, or humble servants, their legacies endure in the scriptures, and their stories remind us that God uses all people, regardless of gender, to accomplish His will.