Moses

♂ Boy

Pronounced MOH-zez /ˈmoʊzɪz/High

Meaning: From Hebrew Mosheh, traditionally explained as meaning 'drawn out' (from Hebrew mashah, to draw out), referencing the biblical account of his being drawn from the Nile; may also have Egyptian roots in mes or mose meaning 'son' or 'born of,' as in names like ThutmoseMedium

In 30 seconds: Moses is one of the most towering biblical names — the great lawgiver, liberator, and prophet of three world religions. Bold and serious, it carries enormous historical and spiritual weight.

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Origin HighHebrew, Egyptian

MeaningFrom Hebrew Mosheh, traditionally explained as meaning 'drawn out' (from Hebrew mashah, to draw out), referencing the biblical account of his being drawn from the Nile; may also have Egyptian roots in mes or mose meaning 'son' or 'born of,' as in names like Thutmose

U.S. rank (2025)#515 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births583 boys (0.03% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2016

Total births (all-time)≈ 43,268

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Moses comes from Hebrew Mosheh, which the Bible derives from mashah (to draw out), referencing his rescue from the Nile by Pharaoh's daughter. Scholars also note that the -mose element appears in Egyptian royal names like Thutmose and Ramesses, suggesting a possible Egyptian substrate meaning 'son' or 'born of.'

Moses has been in continuous use in Jewish communities since antiquity and entered Christian naming after the Reformation. It is also revered in Islam as one of the greatest prophets. In American naming, Moses has seen renewed interest in the 21st century among parents seeking bold, resonant biblical names.

Did you know? Moses is the only person described in the Hebrew Bible as having spoken to God 'face to face' and the only one whose burial place was kept secret — the Bible says God buried him and no one knows where, preventing any tomb from becoming a site of idolatry.

Overall data confidence 85%

Behind the Name — Moses — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

MoseMosheMusa

Nicknames

MoMoe

Famous Bearers

★Moses (biblical figure) (biblical)
Hebrew prophet, lawgiver, and liberator who led the Israelites out of Egypt; central figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

If you like Moses…

Elijah— major Old Testament prophet name with the same gravitas and revival energy

Ezra— short, powerful Hebrew prophet name in the same biblical renaissance

Amos— Old Testament prophet name with the same ancient, resonant character

Isaiah— Hebrew prophet name of comparable stature and spiritual depth

Frequently Asked

What does the name Moses mean?

Moses is traditionally said to mean 'drawn out' in Hebrew, referencing his rescue from the Nile. It may also have an Egyptian root meaning 'son' or 'born of.'

How do you pronounce Moses?

It is said MOH-zez — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Moses a boy or girl name?

Moses is used almost exclusively as a boys' name.

How popular is Moses?

Moses has been rising in the U.S. in the 21st century as part of the biblical name revival, typically ranking in the top 300–500.