Meaning
The meaning of Boaz
Boaz is often associated with strength, though the exact nuance is discussed. In the biblical story, the name's strongest meaning comes through character: protection, generosity, honor, and redemption.
Name story
Strength expressed as kindness
Boaz stands out in Ruth because his strength is not harsh. He notices Ruth, protects her dignity, provides generously, and acts with integrity.
That gives the name a warm masculine quality: strong, but hospitable and just.
Biblical arc
A redeemer in David's line
Boaz marries Ruth, and their family line leads to David. That places the name inside a much larger biblical story of providence and redemption.
For Christian readers, Boaz is often loved because his actions echo themes of mercy, welcome, and costly faithfulness.
Sound
How to pronounce Boaz
- Phonetic
- BOH-az
- IPA
- /ˈboʊæz/
2 syllables · stress: BOH-az · ends in a consonant
Forms
Variants and nicknames
Alternate spellings
- Booz
- Boaz
Short forms and nicknames
- Bo
Languages
Boaz in other languages
- Hebrew
- בֹּעַזBoaz
- Greek
- ΒοόζBooz
- Latin
- Booz
- Spanish
- Booz
- French
- Booz
- German
- Boas
- Italian
- Booz
Christian background
Christian and biblical background
Boaz has Christian resonance because the book of Ruth is read as a story of providence, redemption, and family restoration. Boaz's role gives the name moral substance.
Scripture
The biblical figure
Boaz is a relative of Naomi's family who shows kindness to Ruth and becomes her husband. He is part of the family line leading to David.
Bearers
Notable people named Boaz
biblical
BoazBethlehemite landowner in the book of Ruth who marries Ruth and becomes great-grandfather of King Davidmodern
Boaz MaudaIsraeli singer, winner of Kokhav Nolad and Israeli entrant at Eurovision 2008, born 1987
Naming history
Naming tradition and history
Boaz is less common than Noah or Ezra but has become more appealing to families who want distinctive Old Testament names with strong stories.
Recent US use
Boaz in recent US use
- Rank in 2025
- #891
- Peak rank
- #891 in 2025
- Recent trend
- stable over the last 5 years
- Years in the SSA records
- 56 (since 1928)
Source: US Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880-2025.
Sibling fit
Sibling name suggestions
Pairings
Names paired with Boaz
For families
For families looking at Boaz
Boaz may suit parents who want a rare biblical boy name that feels sturdy and kind. It is distinctive but easy to pronounce.
Common questions
What does Boaz mean?
Boaz is often associated with strength.
Is Boaz a biblical name?
Yes. Boaz is a major figure in the book of Ruth.
Why is Boaz important?
Boaz is remembered for kindness, integrity, and his role as kinsman-redeemer in Ruth.
Sources
Sources for Boaz
- A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament, Brown, Driver, and BriggsSupports: Hebrew etymology; associated with strength.
- The Book of Ruth, King James Version (KJV 1769)Supports: biblical figure; kinsman-redeemer who marries Ruth and is great-grandfather of David.
Last reviewed July 19, 2026. See our methodology, or report an error on the corrections page.
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