Why names matter, and what the names of God reveal about who He is and who we are
The name you have was chosen. The choice was significant and, whether you like it or not, will be bound up with your identity until you breathe your last – even then, it is likely to be on a memorial stone! Admittedly, sometimes people choose to change their names by ‘Deed Poll’ but such cases are rare. More often, someone may opt to be called by their second name or by a ‘nick name’. Despite this, many people are unaware if their name has a meaning or what it is.
Choosing Names
If you were told that a child, a street or a ship had been named after you, there would probably be a bottle of something fizzy to celebrate such an honour. Perhaps you have had the privilege of naming your own child. Parents usually put a lot of thought into this, although you do wonder sometimes! Real names given include ‘Xy’ (remember your Biology class), Rob Banks who became a police officer, Anita Bath and Paige Turner. Really? Really! Noel or Noella can indicate someone was born on Christmas Day – a bit tough to share your birthday.
In 1960, the four most popular boys’ names were David, James, Michael and John. For the same year, the four top names for girls were Lisa, Susan, Deborah and Mary. Sixty-five years later, the top boy names are Noah, Liam, Elijah and Oliver. Equivalent for girls in 2025 are Olivia, Amelia, Sophia and Emma. A child may be named after a sporting hero, a film star or a former sweetheart but for many parents, the choice of a name has greater significance.
What’s In A Name
It can often actually reflect the child’s cultural and spiritual heritage. A name can carry something of identity, history, theology, family expectations, and even hopes for the child’s future. Nigerian families with a Christian background commonly choose names like Mercy, Blessing, Joy, Grace, Miracle and Promise. In Kenya, names like David (‘beloved), Mary (‘wished for’), John (‘God is gracious’) and Esther (‘Star’) remain popular.
Names of God
I wonder what name you would have thought God would give Himself. What name would you have imagined for the One Who began physical life itself? It is no surprise that the names associated with God all have deep meaning. These names give profound insights into His character and His essential being. As you read them, consider the implication of these names for your understanding of God and His love for you.
1. Elohim — ‘God,’ ‘Mighty One,’ ‘Creator’
Meaning: The powerful Creator who brings order out of chaos.
Where it appears: Genesis 1:1
Tone: Majesty, transcendence, creative authority.
2. Yahweh (YHWH) — ‘I AM WHO I AM’
Meaning: The self‑existent, eternal God who is faithful to His covenant. Revealed to Moses when he asked for God’s name.
Where it appears: Exodus 3:14
Tone: Personal, relational, holy.
3. Adonai — ‘Lord,’ ‘Master’
Meaning: The One who rules, leads, and has rightful authority.
Tone: Surrender, trust, obedience.
4. El Shaddai — ‘God Almighty’ (All‑Sufficient One)
Meaning: The God who is more than enough; the One who nourishes and sustains.
Where it appears: Genesis 17:1
Tone: Comfort, strength, provision.
5. El Elyon — ‘God Most High’
Meaning: The exalted One above all powers and kingdoms.
Where it appears: Genesis 14:18–20
Tone: Sovereignty, supremacy, victory.
6. El Roi — ‘The God Who Sees Me’
Meaning: The God who notices, understands, and cares for the overlooked.
Where it appears: Genesis 16:13 (Hagar’s encounter)
Tone: Compassion, presence, dignity.
7. Yahweh Jireh — ‘The LORD Will Provide’
Meaning: God sees ahead and provides what is needed.
Where it appears: Genesis 22:14
Tone: Trust, sacrifice, divine provision.
8. Yahweh Rapha — ‘The LORD Who Heals’
Meaning: God restores, mends, and makes whole—physically, emotionally, spiritually.
Where it appears: Exodus 15:26
Tone: Healing, renewal, mercy.
9. Yahweh Nissi — ‘The LORD Is My Banner’
Meaning: God is the One under whom we rally; He is our victory and identity.
Where it appears: Exodus 17:15
Tone: Protection in warfare, unity.
10. Yahweh Shalom — ‘The LORD Is Peace’
Meaning: God Himself is wholeness, rest, and harmony.
Where it appears: Judges 6:24
Tone: Calm, reassurance, inner stillness.
11. Yahweh Ra’ah — ‘The LORD Is My Shepherd’
Meaning: God guides, protects, and cares intimately for His people.
Where it appears: Psalm 23
Tone: Tenderness, guidance, companionship.
12. Yahweh Tsidkenu — ‘The LORD Our Righteousness’
Meaning: God is the One who makes His people righteous.
Where it appears: Jeremiah 23:6
Tone: Justification, holiness, redemption.
13. Yahweh Shammah — ‘The LORD Is There’
Meaning: God’s abiding presence—He does not abandon His people.
Where it appears: Ezekiel 48:35
Tone: Presence, hope, restoration.
14. Abba — ‘Father,’ ‘Papa’
Meaning: The intimate, relational Father who adopts us as His children.
Where it appears: Romans 8:15
Tone: Love, belonging, closeness.
Names and Titles of Jesus
It is no wonder that God The Father has taken great care in the naming of His Son. When Mary was told separately that she would give birth to the Son of God, despite being a virgin, she was naturally overwhelmed. Additional to that, Mary was told that His name was to be Jesus – no wonder she pondered all these things in her heart. Just look at what His name means and the awesome impact of the other titles that Jesus has – He has them for you.
1. Jesus — ‘Yahweh Saves’
Meaning: God Himself has come to rescue His people.
Where: Luke 1:31
Tone: Salvation, deliverance, divine intervention.
2. Christ/Messiah — ‘Anointed One’
Meaning: The promised King, Priest, and Prophet who fulfills God’s covenant.
Where: Matthew 16:16
Tone: Fulfilment, authority, divine mission.
3. Son of God
Meaning: The unique, divine Son who shares the Father’s nature.
Where: John 1:34
Tone: Divinity, intimacy, revelation.
4. Son of Man
Meaning: The heavenly figure from Daniel 7 who receives everlasting dominion; also identifies with humanity.
Where: Mark 10:45
Tone: Humility, kingship, incarnation.
5. Immanuel — ‘God With Us’
Meaning: God has come near—present, personal, incarnate.
Where: Matthew 1:23
Tone: Presence, comfort, companionship.
6. Lamb of God
Meaning: The sacrificial Lamb who takes away the sin of the world.
Where: John 1:29
Tone: Redemption, sacrifice, purity.
7. The Word (Logos)
Meaning: The eternal self-expression of God, through whom all things were made.
Where: John 1:1
Tone: Revelation, creation, divine communication.
8. Light of the World
Meaning: The One who reveals truth, dispels darkness, and guides humanity.
Where: John 8:12
Tone: Illumination, hope, clarity.
9. Bread of Life
Meaning: The One who satisfies the deepest hunger of the human soul.
Where: John 6:35
Tone: Nourishment, sustenance, spiritual fulfilment.
10. Good Shepherd
Meaning: The One who knows, leads, protects, and lays down His life for His sheep.
Where: John 10:11
Tone: Care, guidance, intimacy.
11. The Door/Gate
Meaning: The only way into salvation, safety, and the flock of God.
Where: John 10:9
Tone: Access, welcome, protection.
12. The True Vine
Meaning: The source of life, fruitfulness, and spiritual vitality.
Where: John 15:1
Tone: Connection, growth, dependence.
13. The Way, the Truth, and the Life
Meaning: Jesus is the exclusive path to the Father, the embodiment of truth, and the giver of eternal life.
Where: John 14:6
Tone: Certainty, clarity, exclusivity.
14. King of King/Lord of Lords
Meaning: Supreme authority over all earthly and spiritual powers.
Where: Revelation 19:16
Tone: Majesty, sovereignty, victory.
15. Alpha and Omega
Meaning: The beginning and the end; the One who holds history.
Where: Revelation 22:13
Tone: Eternity, completeness, divine sovereignty.
16. The Lion of Judah
Meaning: The victorious, royal Messiah from Judah’s line.
Where: Revelation 5:5
Tone: Power, triumph, kingship.
17. The Morning Star
Meaning: The One who brings new beginnings and signals the dawn of God’s kingdom.
Where: Revelation 22:16
Tone: Hope, renewal, promise.
18. The Resurrection and the Life
Meaning: The One who conquers death and gives eternal life.
Where: John 11:25
Tone: Victory, comfort, eternal hope.
There is such richness in knowing the names and titles of both God your Father and Jesus your Saviour. It is because these names not only mean something but have been and are being demonstrated every day for you.
Named 750 Years Before His Birth
Isaiah was given advance notice that Jesus would be born and what His life would mean for a messed-up humanity. There are four more names/titles here of immense significance that no other human being has been given or would dare to take, unless they were raving mad.
‘For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders.
And He will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace’ – Isaiah 9:6
Need To Know Basis
There is an imperative for every person alive here – not so much to know the names but to know and trust The One behind the names. If you do, you are very privileged for it means more than the world to you – it means your own name is in His Book of Life. If you are unsure, you need to know that it is, now.*
One More Thing
Just as God gave a name to His Son, He has an individual name for every person who has their name added to The Book of Life. All those who are in that all-important book have a future inheritance in Christ awaiting … and a new name known to God that is yours for always.
- ‘Everyone who conquers will be clothed in white, and I will not erase his name from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that he is mine’ – Revelation 3:5 (TLB)
- ‘To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it’ – Revelation 2:17
For contemplation: ‘What A Beautiful Name’ sung by Hillsong –
*How to make a connection and have your name added to The Book of Life – https://connect4life.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/unconnected2016.pdf
Further reading:
Comments