Misused Names

Names carry meaning. Throughout Scripture, God often gave names with divine purpose, identity, and calling. Because of this, believers should carefully consider the names they give to their children. One practice that has become increasingly discussed is giving the name Jesus to a girl or woman. While some may view this as an expression of devotion, such a practice raises important biblical and theological concerns.

This article examines why the name Jesus should not be given to a female from a biblical perspective while encouraging believers to honor Christ with reverence and wisdom.

The Name Jesus Belongs to the Son of God

The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ is the unique Son of God, the promised Messiah, Savior, and King.

“You shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)

The angel did not leave the choice of His name to Joseph and Mary. God Himself appointed it because it reflected Christ’s divine mission.

The name Jesus (Hebrew: Yeshua) means “The LORD saves” or “Yahweh is salvation.” It points directly to God’s plan of redemption through His Son.

Because this name was divinely assigned to the Messiah, Christians should treat it with great honor.

Jesus Is a Male Person

The Scriptures consistently present Jesus Christ as a man.

• He was born as a son (Luke 2:7).
• He is called the Son of David.
• He is the Son of Man.
• He is the Bridegroom.
• He is the King of kings.

Nowhere does Scripture present Jesus as female or suggest that His identity can be reassigned.

Giving His name to a girl may unintentionally blur the biblical distinction between Christ’s historical identity and ordinary human names.

God’s Pattern of Male and Female Distinction

From the beginning, God created humanity as male and female.

“Male and female created He them.” (Genesis 1:27)

Throughout Scripture, God maintains distinctions between men and women while affirming their equal value before Him.

Names in the Bible generally reflect these distinctions. While many names can be used across cultures differently, names directly connected to God’s unique redemptive work deserve special reverence.

The Name Above Every Name

The Apostle Paul wrote:

“God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:9–11)

This passage elevates the name of Jesus above every earthly name.

Although many people historically have borne the Spanish name “Jesús,” Christians should remember that the New Testament focuses our attention on honoring the unique identity of Jesus Christ rather than treating His name as an ordinary personal label.

Avoiding Confusion

Giving a girl the name Jesus may create unnecessary confusion.

People naturally associate the name Jesus with:

• The Messiah
• The Son of God
• The Savior
• The Redeemer

Using that same name for a female may distract from the biblical testimony concerning Christ.

Paul instructed believers:

“Let all things be done decently and in order.” (1 Corinthians 14:40)

While this verse addresses worship, its principle encourages believers to avoid practices that may create confusion among God’s people.

Respecting Holy Things

Scripture repeatedly teaches believers to treat what God has made holy with reverence.

God declared:

“I will be sanctified in them that come near Me.” (Leviticus 10:3)

Likewise,

“Holy and reverend is His name.” (Psalm 111:9)

Although Psalm 111 primarily refers to God’s own name, it reflects the biblical principle that what belongs uniquely to God deserves honor and careful treatment.

Parents Should Choose Names Wisely

Parents have the privilege and responsibility of naming their children.

A biblical name should:

• Honor God.
• Carry a good meaning.
• Avoid unnecessary confusion.
• Reflect wisdom and humility.
• Point children toward Christ rather than creating comparisons with Him.

There are countless beautiful biblical names for daughters that celebrate faith without using the sacred name of the Savior.

A Balanced Perspective

It is important to recognize that in some Spanish-speaking cultures, Jesús has historically been used as a male given name. This practice developed over many centuries and is not directed toward girls or women. Christians may hold different convictions about whether that tradition is appropriate.

However, giving the name Jesus specifically to a girl has no biblical precedent. Christians who desire to honor Christ may reasonably conclude that preserving the uniqueness and reverence of His name is the wiser course.

Conclusion

Jesus Christ is unlike any other person in history. His name was chosen by God, fulfilled prophecy, accomplished salvation, and has been exalted above every name.

For these reasons, believers should treat the name of Jesus with profound respect. While the Bible does not contain an explicit command forbidding parents from using the name, Scripture consistently presents Jesus as the unique Son of God whose name is associated with His singular identity and saving work.

Choosing names that honor God without creating confusion demonstrates wisdom, reverence, and love for the Lord. Rather than assigning the sacred name of Jesus to a girl or woman, Christian parents are encouraged to select names that reflect biblical faith while preserving the unique honor due to the Savior alone.

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” — Acts 4:12