Across cultures and centuries, the name of God has held a unique fascination. People have asked, sometimes out of reverence and sometimes out of curiosity, “What is God’s full name?” The question itself touches on the deepest mysteries of faith, language, and the human desire to know the Divine more intimately.
Whether whispered in prayer, debated in theology, or written in sacred texts, the names of God are more than mere words—they are keys to understanding the vastness, complexity, and intimacy of the Creator.
For billions, the name of God is a source of comfort, inspiration, and even controversy. We see names like Yahweh, Jehovah, Allah, and Elohim, each reflecting cultural, linguistic, and spiritual perspectives.
The search for God’s full name is not just about uncovering a set of syllables—it’s about exploring the heart of what people believe God to be. As we journey through the world’s faith traditions, languages, and scriptures, we discover not only names, but stories and meanings that reveal as much about us as about the Divine itself.
The Concept of God’s Name: A Universal Mystery
The idea of a “full name” for God might seem straightforward at first glance, but it quickly becomes a profound mystery. Every culture and religion has grappled with how to address the Infinite, and each approach reveals something unique about their relationship to the Divine.
For many, the very act of naming God feels paradoxical. If God is beyond comprehension, can any name truly capture the essence of the Divine?
- Transcendence vs. Immanence: Names can make God feel closer, yet also highlight the chasm between Creator and creation.
- Language Limitations: Human language struggles to express the fullness of an infinite being.
- Personal vs. Universal: Some names are deeply intimate, while others are meant to convey God’s universal sovereignty.
The question of God’s name also plays a pivotal role in many stories and prayers. For instance, when Moses encounters God in the burning bush, he asks for God’s name—a telling moment that underscores humanity’s longing to connect with the Divine on a personal level.
“Then Moses said to God, ‘If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” – Exodus 3:13
In most traditions, God’s name conveys both identity and authority. Whether spoken aloud or kept secret, the name represents the power and mystery of the Divine.
This ongoing tension between intimacy and awe is reflected in how different communities approach naming God.
The Many Names of God in the Hebrew Bible
When we look to the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), we encounter a tapestry of names and titles for God. Each name reflects a particular aspect of God’s character or relationship with humanity.
The two most prominent names are Yahweh and Elohim, but there are many others, each carrying deep significance.
Yahweh: The Ineffable Name
Perhaps the most sacred name in Judaism is Yahweh (often written as YHWH). This four-letter name, known as the Tetragrammaton, is considered so holy that observant Jews will not pronounce it aloud.
- YHWH is understood as “I AM WHO I AM” or “The One Who Is.”
- It signifies God’s eternal, self-existent nature.
- Substitutes like Adonai (“Lord”) are used in prayer and reading scripture.
Elohim, El Shaddai, and More
Other names in the Hebrew Bible include:
- Elohim: A plural word, often interpreted as “God” or “Mighty One.”
- El Shaddai: Translated as “God Almighty.”
- El Elyon: Meaning “God Most High.”
| Name | Meaning | Significance |
| Yahweh | I AM WHO I AM | Eternal, self-existent |
| Elohim | God, Mighty One | Creator, Judge |
| El Shaddai | God Almighty | Power, sustenance |
| Adonai | Lord | Master, authority |
Each name is more than a label; it’s a lens through which believers experience God’s attributes—mercy, justice, power, and presence. The diversity of names suggests that no single term can fully capture the Divine.
For more on biblical names and their meanings, you might enjoy exploring the meaning of Emmanuel, another significant biblical name.
God’s Name in Christianity: The Trinity and Beyond
Christianity inherited the Hebrew names for God but added new dimensions, especially through the concept of the Trinity. This doctrine holds that God is one being in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Each person of the Trinity brings distinct names and titles, further expanding the richness of God’s identity in Christian thought.
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
- Father: Represents God’s nurturing, parental care.
- Son (Jesus): God incarnate, whose earthly name means “God saves.”
- Holy Spirit: The Breath or Spirit of God, present and active in the world.
Jesus himself refers to God as “Abba,” an intimate term for father. This closeness is balanced by the majesty of titles like “King of Kings” and “Lord of Lords.”
Some traditions emphasize the power of the name of Jesus, believing it carries authority to heal, save, and transform lives.
“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name.” – Philippians 2:9
The Power and Mystery of Names
In Christian prayer, invoking God’s name is an act of faith and reverence. The Lord’s Prayer begins with, “Hallowed be thy name,” underscoring the sacredness of God’s identity.
The New Testament also introduces the idea that the name of God—and especially the name of Jesus—is a source of spiritual power.
For a deeper dive into biblical meanings, check out the meaning of Thomas in the Bible and how names carried spiritual weight in scripture.
The Names of God in Islam: The 99 Beautiful Names
In Islam, God is known as Allah, a term that simply means “The God” in Arabic. However, Islamic tradition holds that Allah has 99 “most beautiful names,” each reflecting a unique attribute of the Divine.
These names are recited in prayers, inscribed in art, and meditated upon as a way to draw closer to God’s character.
- Ar-Rahman – The Most Merciful
- Al-Malik – The King
- Al-Quddus – The Holy
- Al-Aleem – The All-Knowing
Each name is understood as both a description and an invitation. Muslims are encouraged to call upon God using these names, seeking the qualities they most need in their lives.
There is a tradition that the 100th name of God is hidden, known only to the truly enlightened or revealed in the afterlife, which continues the aura of mystery around God’s “full” name.
| Name | English Meaning |
| Ar-Rahman | The Most Merciful |
| Al-Malik | The King |
| Al-Hakim | The Wise |
| As-Salam | The Peace |
Islamic art and culture are rich with references to the 99 names, and memorizing them is considered a meritorious act. This tradition reinforces the idea that God’s nature is multifaceted and ultimately beyond complete human grasp.
Names of God in Other World Religions
While Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are the most widely recognized monotheistic faiths, many other religions have their own traditions regarding the names and titles of the Divine.
From Hinduism to Buddhism and beyond, the practice of naming God can be both deeply personal and widely varied.
Hinduism: Thousands of Names for the Divine
In Hinduism, the Divine is worshipped under countless names and forms. The Sanskrit word Brahman refers to the ultimate reality, but individual deities like Vishnu, Shiva, and Devi each have hundreds or thousands of names.
The “Vishnu Sahasranama,” for example, lists a thousand names of Vishnu, each expressing a different aspect of his being.
- Brahman: The unchanging, infinite, immanent, and transcendent reality.
- Ishvara: The personal aspect of God.
- Paramatma: The supreme soul present in all beings.
Buddhism and Other Faiths
Buddhism, while often non-theistic, uses titles for transcendent beings like the Buddha or bodhisattvas. Other world religions, such as Sikhism and indigenous faiths, also have rich traditions of naming the Divine.
In Sikhism, God is called Waheguru—the “Wonderful Lord”—and is also described using terms like Ik Onkar (“One God”).
“There is but One God. His name is Truth, He is the Creator.” – Guru Granth Sahib
These traditions show that naming the Divine is both a universal impulse and a deeply contextual practice, shaped by language, culture, and theology.
The Significance of Naming: Power, Reverence, and Relationship
Names possess power. In many cultures, to know someone’s name is to gain a measure of influence or closeness.
This is especially true when it comes to God.
Throughout history, knowing or invoking God’s name has been seen as a sacred act—one that can bring blessing, protection, or even judgment.
- Prayer: Calling upon God by name is central to worship and supplication.
- Oaths and Promises: Swearing by God’s name is meant to emphasize honesty and seriousness.
- Prohibitions: Many traditions warn against misusing or taking God’s name in vain.
There are even commandments specifically addressing the use of God’s name. For example, the Third Commandment in the Judeo-Christian tradition states, “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.”
For a closer look at this concept, see what is considered taking the Lord’s name in vain?, which explores the ethical and spiritual dimensions of naming the Divine.
In some cultures, special rituals or preparations are required before uttering God’s name. This reverence underscores the belief that a name is much more than a word—it is a point of contact with the sacred.
Why No “Full Name” for God? The Limits of Language and Mystery
Despite the richness of titles and attributes, no tradition claims to possess God’s “full name” in the way we might have a full legal name for a person. The reasons for this are both practical and theological.
Human language can only approximate the reality of God. Any attempt to fully name the Divine risks reducing an infinite being to a finite concept.
Theological Caution and Humility
Many religious teachers urge humility when speaking about God. The Divine is ultimately beyond complete human comprehension, and names are understood as signposts rather than final definitions.
As the Jewish philosopher Maimonides wrote, even the most sacred names are but metaphors, pointing us toward the mystery of God’s true nature.
“The highest knowledge of God is to know that we do not know Him.” – Maimonides
- Names are Approximations: They help us relate to God but never fully define Him.
- Emphasis on Mystery: The Divine is both revealed and hidden in every tradition.
Interestingly, the search for a “full name” for God is reminiscent of other naming mysteries, such as the definition of a full legal name for humans. Yet, while we can document and list human names, the Divine remains elusive and transcendent.
The Role of Names in Personal Faith and Spiritual Practice
For individuals, God’s name often becomes central to daily spiritual life. Whether repeated in mantra, sung in hymns, or invoked in moments of need, these names foster connection and trust.
Personal experiences with God can lead to the creation of new names or titles, reflecting unique encounters or revelations.
Names as a Bridge
In many spiritual traditions, repeating or meditating on the Divine name is believed to bring peace, clarity, and transformation.
- Prayer and Worship: Many prayers begin or end with the invocation of God’s name.
- Mantra and Meditation: In Hinduism and Buddhism, the repetition of sacred names is a path to enlightenment.
- Personal Testimony: Believers often share how calling on God’s name has changed their lives.
The personal relationship people form with God often finds expression in the name they choose to use. For some, it is “Father,” for others, “Friend,” “Savior,” “Healer,” or simply “Love.”
This intimacy is mirrored in how people choose names for their children, reflecting hope, meaning, and spiritual connection. To see how names carry meaning in other contexts, explore the meaning of the name Jinx or the origins of the name Jordyn.
Conclusion: The Endless Journey of Knowing God’s Name
Trying to answer the question, “What is God’s full name?” ultimately leads us deeper into wonder rather than certainty. Every tradition, scripture, and community offers a rich array of names and titles, each revealing a facet of the infinite.
Yet, the Divine always remains greater than any single word or phrase could capture.
For many, this endless journey is not frustrating, but inspiring. The multiplicity of names invites us to keep seeking, asking, and relating to God in new ways.
It reminds us that the Divine is both intimately near and gloriously beyond, inviting relationship while preserving mystery. The power of God’s name lies not only in its syllables, but in the stories, prayers, and lives it touches.
As we explore the sacred, we find that the act of naming God binds us to a history of seekers, poets, and believers who have all tried, in their own way, to speak the unspeakable. In the end, perhaps the most profound answer is that God’s “full name” is written not just in texts, but in the hearts and hopes of all who search for the Divine.
If you’re curious about the significance of names in other realms, from people to cultures, you can find more insights by exploring the importance of full legal names and how names shape identity across the world.
