500+ 👼 Assyrian Church of the East Baby Names: Preserving Ancient Heritage Through Meaningful Names

Q: What language are traditional Assyrian names derived from?

Traditional Assyrian names are primarily derived from Aramaic, the historical language of the Assyrian people and the language similar to what Jesus spoke. Some names also have roots in ancient Akkadian, the language of the Assyrian Empire, while others have biblical Hebrew origins that were adapted into Aramaic forms.

Q: How are Assyrian babies traditionally named in the Church of the East?

In the Assyrian Church of the East tradition, babies are typically named during their baptism ceremony, which usually occurs within weeks of birth. Names are often chosen to honor saints, biblical figures, or ancestors. Traditionally, the first son might be named after the paternal grandfather and the first daughter after the paternal grandmother, though this practice varies among families.

Q: How do modern Assyrians adapt traditional names?

Many Assyrian baby names are adapted to fit more easily into Western societies where diaspora communities live. For example, Gewargis might become George, Yosip might become Joseph, and Mariam might become Mary. However, there’s also a growing movement to preserve traditional Aramaic names in their original forms as a way of maintaining cultural identity.

Q: What is the significance of saints' names in Assyrian naming traditions?

Saints’ names hold special significance in the Assyrian Church of the East tradition. When a child is named after a saint, that saint is believed to offer spiritual protection and guidance to the child throughout their life. Many parents choose names of saints whose feast days coincide with or are near their child’s birth date, or saints who represent qualities they hope their child will embody.

Introduction

Choosing a name for your child is one of the most significant decisions parents make, especially within communities with rich cultural and religious traditions. For families connected to the Assyrian Church of the East, baby names often carry profound historical and spiritual significance that honors their ancient heritage. These Assyrian baby names reflect thousands of years of cultural continuity, connecting modern children to their ancestral roots in Mesopotamia—the cradle of civilization. Whether you’re looking for traditional Assyrian baby names with biblical connections or names that honor saints and martyrs from this ancient Christian tradition, this comprehensive guide offers a treasure trove of meaningful options. By selecting an Assyrian baby name for your child, you’re not just giving them a beautiful identifier but also connecting them to one of the world’s oldest continuous cultural and religious traditions.

📜 About the Assyrian Church of the East

The Assyrian Church of the East traces its origins to the 1st century AD, making it one of the earliest Christian churches in the world. This ancient apostolic church maintains distinctive theological traditions that emphasize the humanity of Christ while affirming his divinity. The church has historically flourished in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq, Syria, Iran, and Turkey), though due to persecution and migration, substantial communities now exist across the Middle East, India, Europe, Australia, and North America. Despite centuries of hardship, the church continues to preserve the Aramaic language—similar to what Jesus spoke—and maintains rich traditions that connect modern Assyrian families to their ancient Christian heritage.

📊 Complete List of Assyrian Baby Names

👦 Boys Names

No.	Name	Meaning	Significance
1	Addai	Servant of God	Named after St. Addai, one of the seventy disciples
2	Afram	Fruitful	Honors St. Ephrem, a prominent Syriac theologian
3	Akkad	From ancient Akkad	Connects to the Akkadian Empire in Mesopotamia
4	Aprim	Fruitful	Variant of Ephraim, biblical patriarch
5	Ashur	God of justice	Name of the main deity in ancient Assyria
6	Atour	Assyria	Direct reference to the Assyrian homeland
7	Babawi	Father-like	Honors St. Babai the Great, an important church father
8	Banipal	Creator of life	References ancient Assyrian king Ashurbanipal
9	Benyamin	Son of the right hand	Biblical figure, youngest son of Jacob
10	Dinkha	Risen	Refers to the Epiphany or manifestation of Christ
11	Eshai	God exists	Aramaic form of Isaiah
12	Gewargis	Farmer	Aramaic form of George, honoring St. George
13	Gilgamesh	Hero	Named after the legendary Mesopotamian king
14	Hannibal	Gift of Baal	Ancient Assyrian-Phoenician name
15	Hormizd	Wise	Named after several Assyrian patriarchs
16	Khnanya	Mercy	Refers to God’s mercy in Aramaic tradition
17	Madinkha	East	Refers to the Eastern origins of the church
18	Narsai	Victory	Named after St. Narsai, renowned theologian
19	Nimrod	Hunter	Biblical figure, mighty hunter before the Lord
20	Oraham	Merciful friend	Aramaic form of Abraham
21	Pethion	Opened	Named after St. Pethion, an early martyr
22	Qardagh	Warrior	Honors St. Qardagh, an Assyrian martyr
23	Rabban	Teacher	Title given to monastic leaders
24	Raman	Exalted	Refers to divine exaltation
25	Sargon	True king	Named after ancient Assyrian kings
26	Shamasha	Deacon	Title of respect in the church
27	Shamoun	Listener	Aramaic form of Simon
28	Sharbel	God’s plan	Named after a revered Syriac saint
29	Shlemun	Peaceful	Aramaic form of Solomon
30	Tamras	Twin	Aramaic form of Thomas
31	Tiglath	My trust is in God	Name of Assyrian king Tiglath-Pileser
32	Toma	Twin	Aramaic form of Thomas the Apostle
33	Varda	Rose	Symbolizes beauty and purity
34	Warda	Rose	Symbolizes beauty and divinity
35	Yalda	Child	Refers to the birth of Christ
36	Yaqob	Supplanter	Aramaic form of Jacob
37	Yawsip	God will add	Aramaic form of Joseph
38	Yoarish	Heir	Refers to inheritance in the faith
39	Yohanan	God is gracious	Aramaic form of John
40	Youel	Yahweh is God	Aramaic form of Joel
41	Youkhana	God is gracious	Alternate form of John
42	Zaia	Victorious	Celebrates triumph of faith
43	Zaya	Victorious	Celebrates triumph over adversity
44	Zomaya	Fasting	Refers to spiritual discipline
45	Abgar	Mighty	Named after King Abgar who corresponded with Jesus
46	Adad	Thunder	Named after ancient Mesopotamian god of storms
47	Amanuel	God is with us	Aramaic form of Emmanuel
48	Ashurbanipal	Ashur creates a son	Named after the great Assyrian king
49	Babelon	Gate of God	Reference to ancient Babylon
50	Bar-Sauma	Son of fasting	Named after Rabban Bar Sauma, explorer and diplomat
51	Barkho	Blessed	Refers to divine blessing
52	Daniel	God is my judge	Biblical prophet in Babylonian exile
53	Daud	Beloved	Aramaic form of David
54	Eliya	My God is Yahweh	Aramaic form of Elijah
55	Enwiya	Humble	Refers to the virtue of humility
56	Esho	Jesus	Direct reference to Jesus Christ
57	Eshaya	God saves	Aramaic form of Isaiah
58	Eshu	Jesus	Alternative form of Jesus
59	Ezekiel	God strengthens	Biblical prophet during Babylonian exile
60	Giwargis	Farmer	Alternative form of George
61	Habel	Breath	Aramaic form of Abel
62	Hezkiel	God’s strength	Aramaic form of Ezekiel
63	Khoshaba	Sunday	Refers to the day of resurrection
64	Malek	King	Reference to Christ as King
65	Marduk	Sovereign	Named after ancient Babylonian deity
66	Mari	My lord	Honors St. Mari, apostle to Mesopotamia
67	Mattai	Gift of God	Aramaic form of Matthew
68	Ninos	Fish	Named after St. Ninos who evangelized Georgia
69	Ninous	Fish	Alternate spelling of Ninos
70	Ninus	Founder	Named after legendary founder of Nineveh
71	Nisan	First month	Refers to the first month in Babylonian calendar
72	Odisho	Servant of Jesus	Honors the faith commitment to Christ
73	Paulus	Small	Aramaic form of Paul
74	Ramsin	Thunder	Reference to power and strength
75	Ruel	Friend of God	Biblical figure, son of Esau
76	Saba	Old man	Title of respect for elders
77	Sanharib	Sin (moon god) has increased brothers	Named after King Sennacherib
78	Sargis	Protector	Aramaic form of Sergius
79	Sennacherib	Sin (moon god) has replaced brothers	Famous Assyrian king
80	Shabaz	Royal falcon	Symbol of nobility and vision
81	Shammash	Sun	Reference to light and guidance
82	Shamuel	Name of God	Aramaic form of Samuel
83	Shimon	Listener	Aramaic form of Simon Peter
84	Shlemon	Complete	Refers to wholeness in faith
85	Shmuel	God has heard	Aramaic form of Samuel
86	Shushano	Lily	Symbol of purity
87	Talmai	Furrow	Biblical figure, King of Geshur
88	Tatos	Gift	Refers to divine gift
89	Theodoros	Gift of God	Aramaic form of Theodore
90	Tuma	Twin	Alternative form of Thomas
91	Yacoub	Supplanter	Alternative form of Jacob
92	Yalap	Student	Refers to spiritual learning
93	Yatron	Abundance	Refers to God’s abundance
94	Yeshu	Jesus	Alternative form of Jesus
95	Yimaz	Determined	Refers to steadfastness in faith
96	Yonan	Dove	Aramaic form of Jonah
97	Yosep	God will add	Alternative form of Joseph
98	Younan	Dove	Alternative form of Jonah
99	Yousef	God will add	Alternative form of Joseph
100	Zowaa	Movement	Refers to spiritual awakening

👧 Girls Names

No.	Name	Meaning	Significance
1	Alaha	Goddess	Reference to divine feminine aspects
2	Anahid	Immaculate	Refers to purity and holiness
3	Arbella	Four gods	Named after ancient Assyrian city
4	Arda	Light	Symbolizes divine illumination
5	Ashur	From Assyria	National name with strong heritage
6	Atour	Assyria	Direct reference to the ancestral homeland
7	Awit	Spiritual song	Refers to worship and praise
8	Banipal	Creator of life	Feminine form of ancient Assyrian name
9	Barbara	Stranger	Honors St. Barbara, early Christian martyr
10	Belita	Beautiful	Celebrates feminine beauty
11	Bertha	Bright	Symbolizes intelligence and clarity
12	Bessa	Kiss	Symbol of divine affection
13	Christina	Follower of Christ	Honors faith commitment
14	Daniela	God is my judge	Feminine form of Daniel
15	Delala	Bride	Refers to the church as bride of Christ
16	Dina	Judged	Biblical figure, daughter of Jacob
17	Elishwa	God is my oath	Aramaic form of Elizabeth
18	Esraa	Night journey	Refers to spiritual pilgrimage
19	Esther	Star	Biblical figure who saved her people
20	Hanna	Grace	Aramaic form of Hannah
21	Helena	Bright	Honors St. Helena, mother of Constantine
22	Ilona	Torch	Symbolizes guidance and enlightenment
23	Ishtar	Star	Named after ancient Assyrian goddess
24	Khawa	Life	Aramaic form of Eve
25	Lydia	From Lydia	Named after region in Asia Minor
26	Mariam	Bitter sea	Aramaic form of Mary
27	Marta	Lady	Aramaic form of Martha
28	Nahrin	Rivers	Refers to Tigris and Euphrates
29	Narsai	Victory	Feminine form of Narsai
30	Ninlil	Lady of the wind	Named after ancient Mesopotamian goddess
31	Ninorta	Lady of light	Refers to divine illumination
32	Panna	White	Symbolizes purity
33	Ramina	Exalted	Refers to spiritual elevation
34	Semiramis	Dove	Named after legendary Assyrian queen
35	Shamiran	Dove	Alternative form of Semiramis
36	Shamiram	Dove	Alternative form of Semiramis
37	Shamirta	Protected	Refers to divine protection
38	Shammamta	Deaconess	Title of respect in the church
39	Sharra	Princess	Denotes royal heritage
40	Sherin	Sweet	Refers to the sweetness of faith
41	Shirin	Sweet	Alternative form of Sherin
42	Shmoni	Eighth	Biblical figure, mother of seven martyrs
43	Shushan	Lily	Symbol of purity and beauty
44	Tamar	Date palm	Biblical figure, symbol of resilience
45	Tara	Star	Symbolizes divine guidance
46	Theodora	Gift of God	Feminine form of Theodore
47	Tirzah	Pleasant	Biblical figure, daughter of Zelophehad
48	Varda	Rose	Symbolizes beauty and purity
49	Wardiya	Rose	Alternative form of Varda
50	Yamama	Dove	Symbol of peace and Holy Spirit
51	Abigail	Father’s joy	Biblical figure, wife of David
52	Adina	Delicate	Biblical figure, meaning “gentle”
53	Adirah	Mighty	Refers to strength and power
54	Anahita	Pure	Refers to purity and holiness
55	Anoushka	Grace	Refers to divine favor
56	Asenath	Belonging to goddess Neith	Biblical figure, wife of Joseph
57	Ashurina	From Assyria	Feminine form of Ashur
58	Atrina	Fire	Symbolizes passion and Holy Spirit
59	Audrey	Noble strength	Honors St. Audrey (Etheldreda)
60	Barkha	Blessing	Refers to divine blessing
61	Bathsheba	Daughter of oath	Biblical figure, wife of David
62	Bernadette	Brave as a bear	Honors St. Bernadette of Lourdes
63	Cecilia	Blind	Honors St. Cecilia, patron of music
64	Damarina	Gentle	Refers to gentleness of spirit
65	Debora	Bee	Biblical prophetess and judge
66	Dinah	Vindicated	Biblical figure, daughter of Jacob
67	Dorissa	Gift	Refers to divine gift
68	Edessa	Water	Named after ancient Mesopotamian city
69	Elishwa	God is my oath	Alternative form of Elizabeth
70	Emama	Mother	Refers to nurturing qualities
71	Esmeralda	Emerald	Symbolizes beauty and value
72	Falak	Star	Symbolizes divine guidance
73	Fawzia	Successful	Refers to spiritual success
74	Georgina	Farmer	Feminine form of George
75	Gozal	Flower	Symbolizes beauty and growth
76	Hadassah	Myrtle	Hebrew name of Queen Esther
77	Ilyana	God is my light	Refers to divine illumination
78	Inanna	Lady of Heaven	Named after ancient Sumerian goddess
79	Jebrail	God is my strength	Feminine form of Gabriel
80	Judith	Praised	Biblical heroine who saved her people
81	Juliana	Youthful	Honors St. Juliana, early martyr
82	Kanon	Law	Refers to church canon
83	Katrina	Pure	Refers to spiritual purity
84	Leah	Weary	Biblical figure, wife of Jacob
85	Lilith	Of the night	Ancient Mesopotamian figure
86	Makrina	Blessed	Honors St. Macrina the Younger
87	Marian	Bitter sea	Alternative form of Mary
88	Nala	Successful	Refers to spiritual success
89	Neesan	April	Born in the month of April
90	Nineveh	House of fish	Named after ancient Assyrian capital
91	Nora	Light	Symbolizes divine illumination
92	Paulina	Small	Feminine form of Paul
93	Rahel	Ewe	Aramaic form of Rachel
94	Raziqa	Provider	Refers to God’s provision
95	Reema	Gazelle	Symbolizes grace and beauty
96	Salome	Peace	Biblical figure present at crucifixion
97	Sarria	Princess	Refers to royal heritage
98	Sophia	Wisdom	Honors divine wisdom
99	Talitha	Little girl	Biblical name, Jesus used when raising a girl
100	Zomorrod	Emerald	Symbolizes beauty and value

📜 Ancient Assyrian Names

No.	Name	Meaning	Significance
1	Adad-nirari	Adad is my helper	Named after several Assyrian kings
2	Ashur-bani-pal	Ashur creates a son	Famous Assyrian king and scholar
3	Ashur-uballit	Ashur has kept alive	Name of Assyrian kings
4	Esarhaddon	Ashur has given a brother	Powerful Assyrian king
5	Ishme-Dagan	Dagan has heard	Named after Assyrian king
6	Naram-Sin	Beloved of Sin	Akkadian king who ruled over Assyria
7	Nebuchadnezzar	Nabu protect the crown	Famous Babylonian king
8	Sargon	True king	Name of several Assyrian kings
9	Sennacherib	Sin has replaced brothers	Famous Assyrian king
10	Shamash-shum-ukin	Shamash has established a name	Babylonian king
11	Shamshi-Adad	My sun is Adad	Named after Assyrian king
12	Shalmaneser	May Shalman be protected	Name of several Assyrian kings
13	Tiglath-Pileser	My trust is in the son of Esharra	Famous Assyrian king
14	Tukulti-Ninurta	My trust is in Ninurta	Named after Assyrian king
15	Ur-Nammu	Man of Nammu	Sumerian king
16	Belshazzar	Bel protect the king	Last king of Babylon
17	Cyaxares	Ruler of the realm	Median king who helped destroy Assyria
18	Hammurabi	Great family	Babylonian king famous for his law code
19	Nabonidus	Nabu is praised	Last king of Neo-Babylonian Empire
20	Nabopolassar	Nabu protect the son	Founder of Neo-Babylonian Empire
21	Ninurta-tukulti-Ashur	Ninurta is my trust in Ashur	Assyrian king
22	Rimush	Beloved	Akkadian king
23	Ashurbanipal	Ashur is creator of an heir	Greatest king of Assyria
24	Ishtar-bel-usur	Ishtar protect the lord	Assyrian official
25	Marduk-apla-iddina	Marduk has given a son	Babylonian king
26	Mushezib-Marduk	Marduk has saved	Babylonian king
27	Shamash-shum-ukin	Shamash has established a name	Babylonian king
28	Sin-shar-ishkun	Sin is king of all	Assyrian king
29	Zimri-Lim	Wild sheep protection	King of Mari
30	Bur-Sin	Young bull of Sin	Ruler of Isin

🙏 Christian Assyrian Names

No.	Name	Meaning	Significance
1	Abimalek	Father king	Biblical figure
2	Addai	Servant of God	Early apostle to Mesopotamia
3	Aghassi	Servant	Refers to service to God
4	Avimalk	Father of the king	Biblical figure
5	Babai	Fatherly	Early Assyrian church father
6	Bar-Hebraeus	Son of the Hebrew	Famous Syrian scholar
7	Bar-Sauma	Son of fasting	Famous Assyrian monk and diplomat
8	Diodore	Gift of God	Early church father
9	Ephrem	Fruitful	Famous Syrian theologian and poet
10	Gewargis	Farmer	Aramaic form of George
11	Hermizd	Wise	Name of several church patriarchs
12	Ishai	God exists	Aramaic form of Jesse
13	Khnanisho	Jesus has mercy	Name of several church patriarchs
14	Mari	My lord	Early apostle to Mesopotamia
15	Narsai	Victory	Famous theologian and poet
16	Nestorius	Homecoming	Patriarch of Constantinople
17	Odisho	Servant of Jesus	Name of several church figures
18	Qasha	Priest	Title of respect in the church
19	Rabban	Teacher	Title for monastic leaders
20	Sargis	Protector	Aramaic form of Sergius
21	Sharbel	God’s plan	Famous Syriac saint
22	Shlimon	Peaceful	Aramaic form of Solomon
23	Tatian	Arranged	Early Christian apologist
24	Theodore	Gift of God	Famous church father
25	Thoma	Twin	Aramaic form of Thomas
26	Timothy	Honoring God	Early church leader
27	Yaballaha	God gave	Name of several church patriarchs
28	Yohannan	God is gracious	Aramaic form of John
29	Yosip	God will add	Aramaic form of Joseph
30	Zaia	Victorious	Refers to victory in Christ

🌟 Eastern Christianity Baby Names

No.	Name	Meaning	Significance
1	Anastasia	Resurrection	Honors the resurrection of Christ
2	Avitus	Ancestral	Honors ancient church tradition
3	Benedict	Blessed	Honors St. Benedict, father of Western monasticism
4	Christophoros	Christ-bearer	Honors St. Christopher
5	Cyril	Lordly	Honors St. Cyril, missionary to Slavs
6	Dionysius	Devoted to Dionysus	Honors St. Dionysius the Areopagite
7	Elias	Yahweh is God	Honors prophet Elijah
8	Eusebius	Pious	Honors church historian Eusebius
9	Gabriel	God is my strength	Honors Archangel Gabriel
10	Ignatius	Fiery	Honors St. Ignatius of Antioch
11	Irene	Peace	Honors St. Irene, early martyr
12	Justina	Just	Honors St. Justina, early martyr
13	Kyriakos	Of the Lord	Honors St. Cyriacus
14	Larissa	Citadel	Honors St. Larissa, early martyr
15	Macarius	Blessed	Honors St. Macarius the Great
16	Methodius	Pursuit	Honors St. Methodius, missionary to Slavs
17	Michael	Who is like God?	Honors Archangel Michael
18	Nicodemus	Victory of the people	Biblical figure who visited Jesus
19	Pakhomios	Eagle	Honors St. Pachomius, father of cenobitic monasticism
20	Perpetua	Eternal	Honors St. Perpetua, early martyr
21	Polycarp	Much fruit	Honors St. Polycarp of Smyrna
22	Raphael	God has healed	Honors Archangel Raphael
23	Seraphim	Fiery ones	Honors St. Seraphim of Sarov
24	Stephanos	Crown	Honors St. Stephen, first martyr
25	Thecla	Glory of God	Honors St. Thecla, follower of Paul
26	Theodosia	Gift of God	Honors St. Theodosia, early martyr
27	Theophan	Manifestation of God	Honors St. Theophan the Recluse
28	Theophilus	Friend of God	Biblical figure, recipient of Luke’s Gospel
29	Veronica	True image	Woman who wiped Jesus’ face
30	Zosimas	Viable	Honors St. Zosimas, who met St. Mary of Egypt

Conclusion

Choosing an Assyrian baby name is more than just selecting a beautiful-sounding word—it’s about connecting your child to one of the world’s oldest continuous cultural and religious traditions. These names carry the weight of history, from ancient Mesopotamian civilizations to early Christian communities that preserved their faith through centuries of challenges. When you give your child an Assyrian name, you’re providing them with a powerful link to their heritage and an identity rooted in thousands of years of rich cultural history.

The Assyrian Church of the East has maintained its unique traditions, language, and naming practices despite persecution and diaspora. Whether you select a biblically-inspired name, one honoring church fathers and saints, or a name connecting to the ancient Assyrian Empire, you’re participating in the preservation of a cultural treasure. In today’s global society, where many traditions risk being lost, these meaningful Assyrian baby names serve as bridges between generations and reminders of an enduring legacy that continues to thrive.

FAQs

What language are traditional Assyrian names derived from?

Traditional Assyrian names are primarily derived from Aramaic, the historical language of the Assyrian people and the language similar to what Jesus spoke. Some names also have roots in ancient Akkadian, the language of the Assyrian Empire, while others have biblical Hebrew origins that were adapted into Aramaic forms.

How are Assyrian babies traditionally named in the Church of the East?

In the Assyrian Church of the East tradition, babies are typically named during their baptism ceremony, which usually occurs within weeks of birth. Names are often chosen to honor saints, biblical figures, or ancestors. Traditionally, the first son might be named after the paternal grandfather and the first daughter after the paternal grandmother, though this practice varies among families.

Are there any naming taboos in Assyrian culture?

While not strictly taboos, many Assyrian families avoid naming children after living relatives, particularly parents, as this can be seen as disrespectful. Some traditionally-minded families may also avoid names with explicitly pagan origins, though this is becoming less common as many ancient Mesopotamian names are now embraced as part of cultural heritage.

How do modern Assyrians adapt traditional names?

Many Assyrian baby names are adapted to fit more easily into Western societies where diaspora communities live. For example, Gewargis might become George, Yosip might become Joseph, and Mariam might become Mary. However, there’s also a growing movement to preserve traditional Aramaic names in their original forms as a way of maintaining cultural identity.

What is the significance of saints' names in Assyrian naming traditions?

Saints’ names hold special significance in the Assyrian Church of the East tradition. When a child is named after a saint, that saint is believed to offer spiritual protection and guidance to the child throughout their life. Many parents choose names of saints whose feast days coincide with or are near their child’s birth date, or saints who represent qualities they hope their child will embody.