Moses
MOH-zuhs
Moses comes from the Hebrew Mōshēh, traditionally interpreted as “drawn from the water,” a reference to the biblical story of the infant Moses placed in a basket on the Nile. Scholars also propose an Egyptian origin from ms meaning “son” or “born of.”
Moses is one of the central figures of the Abrahamic faiths. As the prophet who led the Israelites out of Egypt and received the Torah at Sinai, his name carries the highest possible scriptural weight in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Moses ranked No. 119 in the US in 1880—the earliest SSA records—with 111 births. In 2024 it sits at No. 505 with 603 births, showing a genuine revival after declining through most of the 20th century.
What the name Moses means
The name has been carried by luminaries including Moses Mendelssohn, the 18th-century philosopher, and photographer Edward Weston. Actor Gwyneth Paltrow named her son Moses in 2006, contributing to its modern revival.
Two syllables—MOH-zuz—are sturdy and resonant. The name has the weight of antiquity without sounding archaic, a balance that explains its renewed appeal.
In African American naming tradition, Moses has maintained continuous use across generations as a name of prophetic dignity and moral leadership.
The Arabic form Mūsa and the Hebrew Mōshēh are the same name across different scripts. Moses is the English version used across Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish traditions.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Moses
Moses - similar names
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