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Origin and meaning of the name Uriah

What is the origin of the name Uriah?

The first name Uriah is derived from a Hebrew name meaning "God is my light" or "YHWH (the Hebrew God) is my light." It appears several times in the Old Testament of the Bible, most notably as the name of King David's loyal soldier who was killed by Joab at David's command. This name has been in use since biblical times and continues to be popular in Western cultures today.

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The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Uriah

The name Uriah is of Hebrew origin and has roots in biblical history. It is derived from two Hebrew words: "Uri" meaning light or flame, and "Yah" referring to God. Thus, Uriah essentially means "God is my light" or "flame of God".

The name gained significant popularity through the Old Testament character Uriah the Hittite, who was a loyal soldier in King David's army. The story of Uriah is recounted in 2 Samuel chapters 11 and 12, where he is portrayed as an honorable and faithful man, despite being deceived by King David in a scandal involving Bathsheba, his wife. The name Uriah has been used for both males and females throughout history but is more commonly given to boys. It is a strong, biblical name that symbolizes faithfulness and integrity.

Character traits associated with the name Uriah

Uriah is often characterized as a figure of great loyalty and devotion. He is known for his strong moral compass, adhering to principles and values even in challenging situations. His patience and steadfastness are noteworthy traits, demonstrated through his unwavering dedication to duty and allegiance. Uriah's bravery and courage in the face of adversity have earned him respect from those around him. He is also portrayed as a man of wisdom, using discernment and rational thinking when making decisions or solving problems. However, Uriah is not without his flaws, as his unyielding nature may occasionally lead to inflexibility and stubbornness. Despite this, the qualities associated with the name Uriah have made him a respected and admired figure throughout history.

Popularity of the name Uriah

The name Uriah is less common compared to many other names in the United States. According to data from the Social Security Administration, Uriah ranked at approximately 6,847th place among boy's names in 2020 with only 94 births registered. Historically, the popularity of this name has remained relatively low, with a slight increase in usage observed between 1950 and 1970 but subsequently declining. The name holds more prominence in religious communities where it is associated with Biblical figures such as Uriah the Hittite from the Old Testament, though this may contribute to its limited use in everyday life. In conclusion, Uriah is a rare choice for parents seeking a unique and meaningful name for their child.

Famous people with the name Uriah

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Variations of the name Uriah

Uriah is primarily recognized as a masculine given name with origins rooted in Hebrew. The name has multiple variations that stem from different cultures and linguistic adaptations over time.

The most common variant is Uri, which means "light" or "God is my light." Another variation is Orion, derived from the ancient Greek mythology and astronomy, though this may not be directly linked to the Biblical name due to different etymological origins.

Other variations include Ourias, Orrie, Oree, Ury, and Urio. In some cultures, the name can also be spelled as Uriyah or Uray. These variations share a common theme of meaning "God is my light," while offering unique twists in pronunciation and orthography.

Each variation carries a profound significance to those who bear it, reflecting their individuality within a connection to a name with deep historical roots and spiritual connotations.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 14 June 2025

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