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Neriah

♀ Girl

Pronounced neh-RY-uh /nɛˈɹaɪ.ə/High

Meaning: Lamp of God or light of the Lord; from the Hebrew Neriyah, combining ner meaning lamp or light and Yah, a shortened form of YahwehHigh

In 30 seconds: Neriah means lamp of God in Hebrew, a rare biblical name combining ner (light) and Yah (God), giving it deep scriptural roots and a radiant meaning that resonates with spiritual parents seeking uncommon choices.
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Origin HighHebrew
MeaningLamp of God or light of the Lord; from the Hebrew Neriyah, combining ner meaning lamp or light and Yah, a shortened form of Yahweh
U.S. rank (2025)#762 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births356 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)≈ 3,645

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202519942025

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

History & Origin

Neriah derives from the Hebrew Neriyah, composed of ner (lamp, light) and Yah (a shortened divine name). The name appears in the Old Testament as the father of Baruch and Seraiah. The same root ner appears in the Hanukkah menorah, the lamp that is central to Jewish liturgy.

In biblical Hebrew, Neriah was a masculine name, but in modern American usage it has transitioned predominantly to a girls name. It follows the pattern of many Hebrew biblical names that have been adopted as feminine names in contemporary use. Its rarity and meaningful origin have driven slow but steady growth in the United States.

Did you know? In the Hebrew Bible, Neriah was the father of Baruch, the devoted scribe and companion of the prophet Jeremiah who recorded Jeremiah's prophecies. This makes the name closely connected to one of the most significant prophetic books of the Old Testament.
Overall data confidence 91%
Behind the Name — Neriah — Hebrew etymology and biblical usageU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

NeriaNeriyaNerriah

Nicknames

NeriRia

Famous Bearers

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If you like Neriah…

Azaria— same Hebrew -iah ending with a luminous meaning
Moriah— shares the Hebrew -iah divine suffix and biblical significance
Zariah— fellow modern feminine use of a Hebrew -iah name
Tirzah— same rare and beautiful Old Testament feminine heritage

Frequently Asked

What does the name Neriah mean?

Neriah means lamp of God or light of the Lord, from the Hebrew ner (lamp) and Yah (God).

How do you pronounce Neriah?

It is said neh-RY-uh, three syllables with stress on the second.

Is Neriah a biblical name?

Yes, Neriah appears in the Old Testament as the father of Baruch, the scribe of the prophet Jeremiah.

Is Neriah a boy or girl name?

Neriah was a masculine name in the Bible but is used predominantly as a girls name in modern American usage.