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You would like to have a truly christian name for your little angel, but "Mary" just doesn't fit. No worries, since there are hundreds of lovely names out there! Here are the most popular biblical names picked by American moms and dads, together with their origins and meanings.

#1. Abigail

Abigail means “the Father’s Joy”. So sweet! Not surprisingly, Abigail has been one of the favorite names since the 18th century. Its short form, Abby, has become quite popular in recent years.

• Origin: Hebrew; Abigail was the wife of Nabal the Carmelite in the Book of Samuel
• Popularity: #4 US, #19 UK (2005)
• Alternative spelling: Abagail, Abigale, Abbigail, Abigayle, Abigael, Abbegail
• Variations: Abby, Abbie, Abbey, Abi

Famous “Abigail”s:

Abigail Van Curen, pen name used by the writers of the Dear Abby column, Pauline Phillips and her successor / daughter Jeanne Phillips.

Abigail Adams, first lady of 2nd US President John Adams and mother of John Quincy Adams, the 6th President.

#2. Hannah

Similar to Emma, Hannah is one of the traditional, lovely names that is regaining its popularity. Hannah, which means “gracious” or “favored by God” in Hebrew, first appeared in the Bible as the name of prophet Samuel’s mother.

• Origin: Hebrew
• Popularity: #7 US, #6 New Zealand, #13 UK (2005)
• Alternative spelling: Hannae, Hanna
• Variation: Anna

Famous “Hannah”s:

• Mother of prophet Samuel, also famous for her LordÂ’s prayer in 1 Samuel 2 in the Bible.
• Hannah Van Buren was the wife of the 8th president in the US, Martin Van Buren.

#3. Samantha

Samantha is a girl’s version of Samuel — a combination of Sam and the feminine suffix -antha. Samuel, also a popular name, means “God hears” or “The Listener” in Hebrew.

• Origin: Hebrew
• Popularity: #8 in US (2005)
• Variations: Sam, Sammi, Sammy

Famous "Samantha":

• A 50s hit song I love you, Samantha by American singer Cole Porter.

#4. Elizabeth

The name Elizabeth is believed to come from the Hebrew word shabbÄth meaning “sabbath”. Also, Elisheba is Aaron’s wife in Exodus in the Old Testament.

• Origin: Hebrew
• Popularity: #12 US, #42 UK (2005)
• Alternative spelling: Elisabeth
• Variations: Lisa, Elisa, Eliza, Elyssa, Elsa, Elza, Elyse, Elise, Elsie, Libby, Lissy, Lizzi, Lizzie, Lizzy, Liz, Liesel, Bethany

Famous "Elizabeth":

• Queen Elizabeth
• Elizabeth Taylor, the two-time Academy award winner and one of the most famous actresses in the 20th century.
• Elizabeth Arden, the Canadian-American businesswoman who revolutionized the comestic industry.

#5. Natalie

Natalie is a variation of Natalia, which means “the Lord’s Birthday”. Great name for winter babies!

• Origin: Latin
• Popularity: #25 US (2005)
• Alternative spelling: Nataly
• Variation: Natalia

Famous "Natalie":

• Natalie Portman (real name: Natalie Hershlag), an Israeli-born American actress.
• Natalie Cole, a Grammy Award-winning American singer/songwriter and daughter of Nat King Cole.

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