This post will show you a list of popular Amish first names.
In Amish culture, the process of naming a child is deeply rooted in tradition, religious significance, and cultural heritage.
The Amish, a Christian group in North America that originated in Europe during the 16th century Protestant Reformation, are known for their simple and humble way of life – and their naming practices reflect this.
JUMP TO: List of Amish first names
Amish people often select names that reflect their values, faith, and connection to their ancestors.
History of Amish names
Many Amish names are derived from the Bible, particularly the Old Testament, reflecting the community’s strong Christian faith.
Biblical names such as Abraham, Sarah, Moses, and Rebecca are popular because of their deep biblical roots and association with important figures in Christian history.
The Amish often choose names that have been passed down through generations, preserving a strong connection to their family line.
READ MORE: Forgotten Vintage Baby Boy Names that Could Go Extinct
It is common for children to be named after grandparents or other respected family members. This practice not only honors the family’s heritage but also ensures that traditional names continue to thrive within the community.
For instance, names like Jacob, Anna, and Samuel are frequently seen across different generations in Amish families.
Amish name examples
Amish names are generally simple, often one or two syllables. Unlike in the modern world, where unique or trendy names are sought after, the Amish prefer names that are time-honored and familiar within their community.
John, Mary, Levi, and Emma are examples of the modest, yet strong names chosen by Amish parents.
These traditional Amish names often carry biblical references or German origins, reflecting the cultural heritage of the Amish people.
Check out this list of Amish first names to help you make the perfect choice.
List of Amish First Names
Amish Boy Names
Aaron
– Meaning: Exalted, strong.
– Origin: Hebrew. Aaron was the oldest brother of Moses in the Old Testament, an important biblical figure in Amish communities.
Abraham
– Meaning: Father of many.
– Origin: Hebrew. Named after the biblical patriarch, Abraham is a very common name among Amish parents.
Amos
– Meaning: Carried by God.
– Origin: Hebrew. Amos is a traditional Amish name with biblical roots from the Old Testament.
Benjamin
– Meaning: Son of the right hand.
– Origin: Hebrew. This popular name is frequently found in Amish communities.
Caleb
– Meaning: Devotion to God.
– Origin: Hebrew. A biblical name from the Old Testament, Caleb has a strong presence in the Amish community.
Daniel
– Meaning: God is my judge.
– Origin: Hebrew. Daniel is a common Amish name and has been popular in recent years.
Eli
– Meaning: Ascended, uplifted, high.
– Origin: Hebrew. Eli is a short name with biblical reference, frequently used by Amish parents.
Elijah
– Meaning: My God is Yahweh.
– Origin: Hebrew. A traditional Christian name with deep Amish roots.
Isaac
– Meaning: He will laugh.
– Origin: Hebrew. A name with strong biblical roots, Isaac is very common among Amish families.
Jacob
– Meaning: Supplanter.
– Origin: Hebrew. Jacob is one of the most common Amish names, used widely across Amish settlements in Lancaster County and Holmes County.
Jeremiah
– Meaning: Yahweh will exalt.
– Origin: Hebrew. A name with a strong biblical reference, used frequently among Amish people.
John
– Meaning: Yahweh is gracious.
– Origin: Hebrew. A common name with both Old and New Testament references, John is also a very familiar Amish name.
Jonas
– Meaning: Dove.
– Origin: Hebrew. A name found frequently in Amish settlements, derived from the biblical prophet Jonah.
Joseph
– Meaning: God will increase.
– Origin: Hebrew. Joseph is a popular Amish name, commonly used as a first and middle name.
Levi
– Meaning: Joined, attached.
– Origin: Hebrew. Levi is a traditional Amish name with strong biblical roots.
Malachi
– Meaning: My messenger.
– Origin: Hebrew. A biblical name from the Old Testament, Malachi is often chosen by Amish parents.
Matthew
– Meaning: Gift of Yahweh.
– Origin: Hebrew. A common Amish name, frequently used as a first name in Amish communities.
Micah
– Meaning: Who is like God?
– Origin: Hebrew. This name has a strong biblical reference, making it a perfect choice for Amish families.
Moses
– Meaning: Drawn out of the water.
– Origin: Hebrew. Named after the important figure Moses, who led the Israelites out of Egypt, this name has great significance in Amish culture.
Noah
– Meaning: Rest, comfort.
– Origin: Hebrew. One of the most common Amish names, Noah is a name with deep biblical roots.
Reuben
– Meaning: Behold, a son.
– Origin: Hebrew. Reuben is a traditional Amish name with strong ties to the Old Testament.
Samuel
– Meaning: Heard by God.
– Origin: Hebrew. A very popular name in Amish communities, often chosen for its biblical significance.
Seth
– Meaning: Appointed.
– Origin: Hebrew. A name with a strong biblical reference, Seth is often found in Amish families.
Simon
– Meaning: He has heard.
– Origin: Hebrew. Simon is a name with biblical roots, frequently used in Amish settlements.
Tobias
– Meaning: Yahweh is good.
– Origin: Hebrew. A traditional Amish name, often shortened to “Toby.”
Amish Girl Names
Abigail
– Meaning: Father’s joy.
– Origin: Hebrew. A popular Amish name, Abigail is often associated with the wife of King David in the Old Testament.
Anna
– Meaning: Grace.
– Origin: Hebrew. A very common name among Amish women, often passed down through generations.
Barbara
– Meaning: Foreign woman.
– Origin: Greek. Name Barbara is a traditional name in Amish communities, often used in Lancaster County.
Beulah
– Meaning: Married.
– Origin: Hebrew. A biblical name referring to the land of Israel, often chosen by Amish parents.
Dinah
– Meaning: God will judge.
– Origin: Hebrew. Dinah is a female Amish name with strong biblical roots.
Elizabeth
– Meaning: God is my oath.
– Origin: Hebrew. Elizabeth is one of the most common Amish names for girls, frequently used as both a first and middle name.
Esther
– Meaning: Star.
– Origin: Persian. Named after the prominent figure Esther from the Old Testament, this name is popular in Amish communities.
Hannah
– Meaning: Grace.
– Origin: Hebrew. A beautiful name with a strong biblical reference, Hannah is commonly found in Amish families.
Ivy
– Meaning: Faithfulness.
– Origin: Old English. Ivy is a more modern name gaining popularity among Amish parents in recent years.
Judith
– Meaning: Woman of Judea.
– Origin: Hebrew. Judith is a traditional Amish name with deep biblical roots.
Leah
– Meaning: Weary.
– Origin: Hebrew. A biblical name from the Old Testament, Leah is frequently used in Amish communities.
Lydia
– Meaning: Woman from Lydia.
– Origin: Greek. A traditional name found in the New Testament, often chosen by Amish families.
Miriam
– Meaning: Wished-for child.
– Origin: Hebrew. Miriam, the sister of Moses, is an important figure in the Bible, making this a very popular name in Amish communities.
Naomi
– Meaning: Pleasantness.
– Origin: Hebrew. Naomi is a common Amish girl name with strong biblical roots.
Rachel
– Meaning: Ewe.
– Origin: Hebrew. A beautiful name often chosen by Amish parents, Rachel is deeply rooted in biblical tradition.
Rebecca
– Meaning: To bind, tie.
– Origin: Hebrew. A biblical name from the Old Testament, frequently used by Amish people.
Ruth
– Meaning: Friend, companion.
– Origin: Hebrew. A name with a strong biblical reference, Ruth is a common choice in Amish families.
Sarah
– Meaning: Princess.
– Origin: Hebrew. Sarah, the wife of Abraham, is a traditional Amish name with a biblical background.
Susanna
– Meaning: Lily.
– Origin: Hebrew. Susanna is a name with deep biblical roots, commonly found in Amish communities.
Tabitha
– Meaning: Gazelle.
– Origin: Aramaic. A biblical name often used by Amish parents for its uniqueness and beautiful meaning.
Anna Mary
– Meaning: Grace and beloved.
– Origin: Hebrew. This combination is a typical Amish name, often used in Lancaster County.
Mary Ann
– Meaning: Beloved and grace.
– Origin: Hebrew. Mary Ann is a very familiar Amish name, frequently used in Amish settlements.
Emma
– Meaning: Whole, universal.
– Origin: Germanic. Emma is a popular name among Amish families, especially in Holmes County.
Fannie
– Meaning: Free.
– Origin: Latin. Fannie is a traditional name frequently found in Amish communities.
Sadie
– Meaning: Princess.
– Origin: Hebrew. A variant of Sarah, Sadie is a common name among Amish people.
Amish middle names
Middle names are commonly used in Amish culture, often to differentiate between individuals with the same first name within a close-knit community.
For example, a common practice might be to include a middle name or initial to distinguish between two boys named John by adding the middle initial (e.g. John A. or John B.). This practice helps maintain individuality while still adhering to the community’s naming traditions.
Amish surnames
Amish surnames are often of German origin and are passed down through generations. The most common amish surnames include such as Yoder, Stoltzfus, and Fisher and reflect the community’s roots in European history.
Naming is also influenced by the community’s practices. Amish people often consult with family members and elders in their community when choosing a name, ensuring that it aligns with cultural expectations and family traditions.
This communal approach to naming helps maintain the continuity of traditional Amish names across different settlements, whether in Lancaster County, Holmes County, or Northern Indiana.
Whether you’re looking for baby boy names or baby girl names with biblical roots, the Amish community offers a rich array of beautiful names with meaningful origins.
This post showed you a list of Amish first names.
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