Biblical Baby Names -- A Treasure Trove For Expectant Parents

I recently had the opportunity to conduct a short butthe meanings and spiritual significance of these names
fascinating print interview with Judith Tropea, author ofmight be.The name Dannah literally means "judging." It
the recently-published book, "Classic Biblical Babysignifies a woman who stands for justice and fair play.
Names - Timeless Names for Modern Parents."At theIvah means "overturning," and it is a reminder that faith
outset, I was struck by a quotation from the book'scan move mountains. Zaccai means "just," or "seeker
introduction -- a quotation from Proverbs, 22:1, "A goodof justice." I was beginning to understand what the
name is to be chosen rather than great riches." Ratherauthor meant about names affecting our
a bold statement, I thought, especially when many ofself-perception.The boy's name Asher means "happy"
us hold "great riches" in such high esteem!What isor "blessed." Barak, a name currently very prominent
there to say about a biblical name, or any name forbecause of the senator from Illinois, means' "flash of
that matter, that could make it so important? After all,lightning," and the spiritual connotation is "powered by
isn't a name just a name? As Shakespeare said,God." Jakim means "God lifts up," and it symbolizes a
"what's in a name? A rose by any other name wouldman who lives his life as an example to other
smell as sweet."But would it?In her book, Judith Tropeapeople.Quite a remarkable group of names. "Classic
notes that "Names are an integral part of our identity.Biblical Baby Names" is filled with examples of names
A child's name affects his or her self-perception andlike these, spelling out their literal and spiritual meanings,
reflects the parents' beliefs and cultures. A name paysand how the names crop up in different biblical stories.
tribute to the individual spirit and is one of the firstSome of the names are quite well known, such as
wonderful gifts you can offer your child." When I askedAdam, Paul, or Elizabeth; others, like Darius or Calah,
her about this during our conversation, she said "Aare much more obscure. After my conversation with
biblical name gives a baby a connection to spiritualityJudith Tropea, I found myself wanting to dig into her
that may be a springboard to finding spirituality later inbook more, to see what other little-known names and
life."I think that's a pretty good reason for prospectivemeanings are lurking in there.I also found myself in the
parents to consider the names in the bible. and seeodd position of having to disagree with Shakespeare.
what a treasure trove of names might be betweenMuch as the great Bard knew his stuff, on this point I
the covers.At my urging, Judith Tropea came up with 3think he was mistaken -- a rose, by any other name,
suggestions each for boy's and girl's names from thesometimes may not smell as sweet.Neil Street is
bible that are a little out of the ordinary, and that carryco-publisher of Baby Names Garden, a website
a positive spiritual message. For girls, the names werededicated to helping prospective parents choose a
Dannah, Ivah, and Zaccai. For boys, Asher, Barak, andbaby name. You can find the full text of his interview
Jakim. I grabbed my copy of her book to see whatwith Judith Tropea about biblical baby names there.