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Uriah Baby Name Meaning

What Does the Name Uriah Mean?

The name Uriah is of Hebrew origin and means 'God is my light.' It is a biblical name that appears in the Old Testament, where Uriah was a loyal soldier in King David's army. Uriah's wife Bathsheba caught the eye of King David, who had an affair with her and then arranged for Uriah to be killed in battle. Despite this tragic story, the name Uriah has remained popular among parents who appreciate its strong, meaningful sound.

Popularity of the Name Uriah

The name Uriah has never been a top 1000 baby name in the United States, but it has seen a slight increase in popularity in recent years. In 2020, Uriah ranked as the 1264th most popular name for boys, with 186 babies given the name. This represents a slight increase from 2019, when Uriah was the 1311th most popular name with 174 babies given the name. While Uriah is not a common name, it is still well-known and recognizable, making it a good choice for parents who want a unique but not too unusual name for their child.

Famous Namesakes

There have been several notable people throughout history with the name Uriah. One of the most famous is Uriah Heep, a character in Charles Dickens' novel 'David Copperfield.' Heep is a conniving and manipulative character who is often used as an example of someone who is 'umble' (humble) to the point of being insincere. Another famous Uriah is Uriah Phillips Levy, a Jewish-American naval officer who was the first Jewish Commodore in the United States Navy. Levy was a strong advocate for religious tolerance and fought against anti-Semitism in the military. Other famous Uriahs include Uriah Rennie, a former English football referee, and Uriah Smith, an American Seventh-day Adventist author and theologian.

Variations of the Name Uriah

There are several variations of the name Uriah, including Uri, Uria, and Urijah. Uri is a shortened version of Uriah that is sometimes used as a standalone name. Uria is the Hebrew version of the name and is sometimes used by parents who want a more traditional or authentic Hebrew name. Urijah is a modern variation of the name that has become popular in recent years, particularly in the United States. It is a combination of Uriah and Elijah, another biblical name that has seen a surge in popularity in recent years.

Final Thoughts

Uriah is a strong and meaningful name with a rich history and biblical significance. While it may not be a common name, it is still well-known and recognizable, making it a good choice for parents who want a unique but not too unusual name for their child. Whether you choose Uriah, Uri, Uria, or Urijah, you can be sure that your child's name will carry with it a sense of strength, loyalty, and faith.