Name Stories: The Meaning of names that mean Trusting

October 2009, Camella asked, "Is there a name that means I put my Trust in the Lord?"

Dear Camella,

Thank you for your question!

There are several ways to look into a meaning of a name. Some names can have an associative meaning, like "Rose" or "Grace", or someone named after a family or relative, who was known for a certain quality or characteristic. Names can also have historical meanings, based on someone who's name carries a certain amount of synonymy with their lives or reputation. Giving a son the name of "Bill" and the middle name of "Clinton" carries with it a certain amount of meaning based on past historical figures.

My favorite source for the meaning of a name from Greek or Hebrew is to look into it's languages and words in scripture. To my knowledge, the Bible doesn't contain a name that was specifically given to mean "I put my Trust in the Lord". However, there are dozens of name meaings with the concept of both being trustworthy, and trusting in God. What may help first, is a study into the word for trust.

Psalm 71:1 begins, "In thee, O LORD (Yahweh), do I put my trust."

There are at least four words translated "Trust" in the Bible. The first is Chacah, Hebrew, which was used to communicate a sense of urgency to get to what you trust in, like the way one would flee to a structure for protection because you have a trust in it's strength. The second Hebrew word, Batach, shows a confidence and boldness in a power or principle, like a soldier striving forward towards the enemy because of the trust in his commander. Were you to take from either of these two words, a Hebrew name such as Chaciah or Yahbatach would directly translate "Trusting [in] Yahweh" or "[In] Yahweh is my Trust." (You'd have to consult a Hebrew Scholar for the best way to construct names like those.)

There are many names that contain God's name in them. The suffix of "-iah" or "-jah" is the poetic form of the name Yahweh. Josiah means "The Fire of Yahweh". Tobiah means "Yahweh is Good", Zechariah means "Yahweh has Remembered."

In the New Testament, the concept of Trusting in God was usually translated Faith, while the word for expectation or confidence was usually translated Trust. That word is Elpizo, usually based on plans or arrangement, (e.g. I trust that I'll see you on Monday.) Or an expectation based on reasoning and observation of evidence, (e.g. The sky looks clear now, we can trust that the weather will be good tomorrow.)

Pisteuo is the other Greek word, which is usually translated believe or faith, as in Matthew 21:22, "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." or Mark 9:29, which says "Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth." Or 1 John 3.23, which says, "And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment." Hebrew 11:6 gives us some keen insight into the use and meaning of the word, when it says, "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

This kind of trust in God can be seen through life-choices that reflect an obedience to God regardless of the circumstance or situation. That trust must be grown through a relationship with God, and an understanding of His commandments and principles. By walking with Him and following those beliefs, we demonstrate our faith -our trust- in Him.

If I had to choose a name whose meaning most reflected the faith and trust we have in our Lord, then I would choose the name Elijah. Both historically and etymologically, the name means "Yahweh is my God". To read a little more about the name Elijah, click here!

Article and Designs by John Dehnart
©2009, All Rights Reserved

More names with similiar meanings are:

Keely, Gaelic, means Beautiful: One of Trust
Faith, English, "Firm Believer: Secure Trust in God"
Hope, Anglo Saxon, "Trust in God's Future: Faithful, Understanding Heart"
Abbi, Hebrew, "Joy from Trust in the Father: One who is Directed of God"
Winston, Old English, "From the Friendly Town: One who is Trusting"
Coen or Koen, German, "Brave: One with Confident Trust in God"
Grant, French, "Tall; Assurance: One of Solid Trust"

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Read More Name Stories:

A Name's Meaning: The significance of Names, and the Encouragement they bring.

Jacob, a life seeking Blessing.

Angela, a name with a Message.

Maria, a name of Healing and Forgiveness

Blake: Meaning Behind the Research

Cross: a name redeemed.

Caleb: The Courage found through a Courageous Leader.

Elijah: The one who Called His God by Name.

Demaris: Strength submitted to God.

David: meaning from the Heart

Isaiah, Joshua and Jesus

Abba, the name of my Daddy