Verdict: Moses is an exceptional choice for a baby born in 2025. It offers the “Goldilocks” balance of being universally recognized but not overused. It provides a timeless anchor in a fast-changing world, perfect for parents seeking a name with history, soul, and a gentle strength.
Moses Overview
- Meaning: Moses means “drawn out (of the water)” or “delivered from/born of the water.”
- Gender: Moses is a boy’s name.
- Origin: Moses is an English name with Egyptian and Hebrew roots. It may stem from the Egyptian element “msy/mes” (son of/born of) or the Hebrew element “mashah” (draw out).
- Pronunciation: Moses is pronounced “MOH-zus” and “MOW-zis.”
- Popularity: Moses is highly popular, ranking 331st worldwide, 517th on U.S. charts, and 3rd in Uganda.
- Nicknames: Maish, Mo, Moe, Moeez, Momo, Moos, Mosi, Moss, Moysh, Moyshee.
- Variations: Moïse, Moishe, Moshe, Moss, Mousa, Moussa, Movses, Moyses, Mozes, Musa.
- Namesakes: Moses ben Maimon, rabbi, and philosopher. Moses Dyer, New Zealand football player. Moses, a leader and prophet of Israel.
What Does Moses Mean?
On the surface, Moses is an English biblical name widely defined as meaning “drawn out (of the water).” This definition comes directly from the book of Exodus. When Pharaoh’s daughter discovers the infant in a basket floating among the reeds of the Nile, she names him Moses because, as she states, “I drew him out of the water.”
However, the etymology is richer and more complex than a simple definition. Most scholars agree that while the Hebrew verb mashah means “to draw out,” the name likely originated from the Egyptian root msy or mes, which simply means “son of” or “born of.” This element is found in the names of Egyptian pharaohs like Thutmose (born of Thoth) and Ramesses (born of Ra). It is believed that over centuries, the Hebraic interpretation was adopted to symbolize his destiny as the one who would “draw” the Israelites out of slavery.
Where Does the Name Moses Come From?
The name Moses boasts a pedigree that spans millennia. Its journey began in Ancient Egypt, transitioned into Hebrew as Moshe, moved into Greek as Moyses, and settled into Latin and English as Moses.
Historically, it is one of the most significant names in Western and Abrahamic tradition. Its first recorded significance dates back to the Old Testament (Torah), around the 13th century BCE, attributed to the lawgiver and prophet who led the Exodus. Because of this massive religious figure, the name became a staple in Jewish communities for thousands of years. It eventually crossed over into broad Christian usage during the Protestant Reformation, when Puritans began favoring Old Testament names over the names of Catholic saints.
How Popular is the Name Moses?
Moses is a “sleeping giant” in the world of baby names. While it is not currently in the Top 10 for US births, it is a timeless classic that has never truly disappeared.
In the late 1800s, Moses was a Top 200 staple. It saw a slow decline throughout the 20th century, reaching its lowest point in the 1990s. However, the trajectory has shifted. Since the early 2000s, Moses has been on a slow, steady incline. It has shaken off the “old man” dust and is now viewed as a vintage, artistic choice. It is not yet a “viral” hit, which is good news for parents who want a recognizable name that won’t result in three other children in the same kindergarten class having it. It occupies the “sweet spot” of familiarity without oversaturation.
How Do I Pronounce Moses?
In English, the standard pronunciation is MOH-zis or MOH-zus.
The emphasis is always placed on the first syllable. The “S” sounds are soft Z-sounds (like in “rose”). It is rarely mispronounced, which is a significant advantage for a child.
Is Moses a Boy or Girl Name?
Moses is overwhelmingly a male name. Historically and traditionally, it has been reserved for boys. While some parents in the modern era are experimenting with “boy names for girls,” Moses has not yet crossed that divide significantly, likely due to the strong historical association with the male patriarch figure.
Variations of Moses
Because the story of Moses is central to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, the name has traveled to every corner of the globe. Here are the most prominent international variations:
- Moshe (Hebrew)
- Moïse (French)
- Musa (Arabic/Turkish)
- Moussa (Western African)
- Moises (Spanish/Portuguese)
- Mozes (Dutch)
- Movses (Armenian)
- Mose (German)
- Mózes (Hungarian)
- Moyseo (Italian)
Nicknames for Moses
One of the charms of Moses is that it doesn’t require a nickname, but there are several charming options if you want one.
- Mo: The most classic, snappy short form.
- Moe: A vintage spelling of the classic nickname.
- Moss: A nature-inspired nickname that stands on its own as a cool, earthy name.
- Mose: A country-western style variation (pronounced “Mose” like “Rose”).
- Zee: A creative option taken from the strong ending sound of the name.
- Momo: A playful, affectionate name perfect for a toddler.
- Maish: derived from the Yiddish variation.
Names Similar to Moses
If you love the vibe of Moses, ancient, soft, and substantial, but aren’t sure it’s “the one,” consider these alternatives:
- Amos: Shares the biblical roots and the soft “-os” ending, but is slightly more obscure.
- Silas: Another New Testament name that shares the gentle “S” ending and vintage feel.
- Noah: A peer to Moses in terms of biblical importance, though much more popular currently.
- Jonah: Offers the same “O” sound and peaceful, maritime connotation.
- Ezra: Short, punchy, and biblical, with a very similar artistic “cool factor.”
- Abraham: If you are looking for a name with similar patriarchal weight and history.
- Otis: Shares the vintage charm and the ending sound, but with a jazzier, secular vibe.
- Hosea: A rare biblical gem that rhymes with the “Mose” sound.
Middle Names for Moses
Moses is a two-syllable name with a soft ending, which makes it versatile. It pairs best with names that have hard consonants to ground it, or longer names that provide grandeur.
Classic & Timeless
Earthy & Modern
- Moses Orion
- Moses River
- Moses Gray
- Moses Fox
- Moses Wilder
- Moses Jude
Biblical Flow
Sibling Names for Moses
Creating a sibset around Moses usually involves finding other names that feel timeless, historical, and slightly vintage.
For a Brother
- Arthur: Like Moses, it is a legendary leader’s name with a soft sound.
- Solomon: A perfect biblical match that implies wisdom.
- Isaac: A classic Hebrew name that has never gone out of style.
- Gideon: An underused biblical name that feels rugged and cool.
- August: Shares the “antique revival” style that Moses currently enjoys.
For a Sister
- Esther: A Queen to match the Prophet; deeply historical and beautiful.
- Ruth: Short, strong, and undeniably classic.
- Miriam: The name of Moses’s sister in the Bible, making it the ultimate thematic match.
- Florence: A vintage name that matches the soft, intellectual vibe of Moses.
- Matilda: Strong and historical, standing up well next to Moses.
Famous People Named Moses
- Moses: The biblical prophet and leader who received the Ten Commandments.
- Moses ben Maimon (Maimonides): A renowned 12th-century Sephardic Jewish philosopher and astronomer.
- Moses Malone: An NBA legend and Hall of Famer, known as the “Chairman of the Boards.”
- Grandma Moses (Anna Mary Robertson Moses): A famous American folk artist.
- Moses Martin: The son of actress Gwyneth Paltrow and musician Chris Martin, credited with sparking modern interest in the name.
- Moses Ingram: An American actress known for her role in The Queen’s Gambit and Obi-Wan Kenobi.
- Moses Sumney: An acclaimed modern singer-songwriter known for his soulful music.
Moses in Pop Culture
- Moses: The raven in George Orwell’s classic allegory Animal Farm.
- Moses Pray: A character played by Ryan O’Neal in the film Paper Moon.
- Moses Hightower: A beloved character from the Police Academy film series.
- Prince of Egypt: The titular character of the DreamWorks animated masterpiece, which remains a touchstone for the name in media.
FAQs About the Name Moses
What Does the Name Moses Mean in Greek?
Stemming from the Hebrew Moshe, Moses means “drawn out (of the water)” in Greek, though it usually takes the Greco-Latin form Moyses.
What Is the Feminine Form of Moses?
Moses does not have a direct feminine variant; however, some use Moselle. Moselle is the name of a river in Europe. Although it looks and sounds like Moses, Moselle derives from the Celtic Mosela, a diminutive form of Mosa. Ultimately, it originated in Latin and means “little Meuse (river).”
Is the Name Moses Too Religious to Use?
While Moses is inextricably linked to religion, it has crossed into the realm of “cultural classic.” Like Noah, David, or Sarah, it is so established in history that it is widely used by secular families who appreciate its sound and vintage appeal, not just its theology.
What Is the Spanish Version of Moses?
The Spanish variation of Moses is Moises (pronounced moy-SEH). It is a very popular name in Hispanic communities and often appears in the US Top 1000 names list distinct from the English spelling.
What Are Good Nature Names to Pair with Moses?
Because Moses implies “water” and “reeds,” it pairs beautifully with other nature names. Moses River, Moses Ash, Moses Forest, and Moses Reed are all excellent combinations that highlight the name’s earthy origins.
Does Moses Appear in Religions Outside of Christianity?
Yes, Moses is a major prophet in Islam, where he is known as Musa. He is the most frequently mentioned individual in the Quran. He is also the most important prophet in Judaism (Moshe Rabbenu). This makes the name significant across all three major Abrahamic faiths.
What Personality Traits Are Associated with the Name Moses?
Culturally, the name is associated with leadership, humility, wisdom, and patience. In numerology, names associated with these sounds often link to the “Number 9,” signifying humanitarianism, compassion, and a desire to make the world a better place.
