Egyptian Baby Names

Ancient Egypt has given English a surprising number of names, some directly and some through the Bible. Moses is widely thought to come from an Egyptian word meaning born of or child of, a form found in pharaohs' names such as Ramses. Scholars have suggested Egyptian roots for Miriam and Aaron as well, though those origins are debated. Phineas is often traced to an Egyptian phrase for a Nubian. Moises and Moshe are the Spanish and Hebrew forms of Moses.

Other names come straight from Egyptian gods, places and history. Isis and Osiris were among the most important deities in Egyptian religion, Memphis was one of the great ancient capitals, and the Nile was the river that made the whole civilization possible. Kiya was the name of a queen in the New Kingdom, and even Ebony has an Egyptian link, since the English word for the dark wood passed through Greek from an Egyptian term.

Some of these names carry more weight than others. Pharaoh, Egypt and Memphis are bold word names that make a statement, while Aaron and Miriam feel classic and familiar. Isis is worth thinking through carefully, since the name has taken on unrelated associations in recent years. Say each option aloud with your surname before you decide.