Uriah Name Meaning & Details
Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Uriah
Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name URIAH. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.
Name
Uriah
Gender
Male
Origin
Hebrew
Lucky Number
3
Meaning of the Name
Uriah is a masculine Hebrew name meaning 'God is my light'. It conveys the idea of divine illumination and spiritual guidance in one's life.
Complete Numerology Analysis
Your Numerology Number
Based on Pythagorean Numerology System
Ruling Planet
Jupiter
Positive Nature
Optimistic, inspirational, and creative.
Negative Traits
Scattered, exaggerating.
Lucky Colours
Yellow, gold, purple.
Lucky Days
Thursday.
Lucky Stones
Yellow sapphire.
Harmony Numbers
1, 2, 9.
Best Suited Professions
Arts, writing, communication.
What People Like About You
Creativity, optimism.
Famous People Named Uriah
Uriah the Hittite
Biblical Military Commander
One of King David's mighty men, known for his loyalty and tragic fate in the Bathsheba narrative
Uriah Heep
Fictional Literary Character
Memorable villain in Charles Dickens' 'David Copperfield', known for his hypocritical humility and cunning nature
Uriah Faber
Mixed Martial Artist
Former WEC Featherweight Champion and UFC Hall of Famer, founder of Team Alpha Male
Uriah Smith
Religious Leader and Inventor
Seventh-day Adventist pioneer, editor of Review and Herald, inventor of the steam-powered velocipede
Name Variations & International Equivalents
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Cultural & Historical Significance
The name's cultural impact expanded significantly in the 19th century through Charles Dickens' creation of Uriah Heep in 'David Copperfield'. This character established an entirely different cultural archetype—the villain who masks his ambition with exaggerated humility. The phrase 'Uriah Heep' has entered the English language as shorthand for hypocritical obsequiousness, demonstrating how a single literary creation can permanently alter a name's cultural associations. This dual heritage—biblical martyr and literary villain—gives the name unique cultural complexity and enduring relevance across different contexts.
Extended Personality Analysis
Individuals named Uriah are often perceived as possessing deep moral conviction and spiritual awareness, reflecting the name's core meaning of 'God is my light'. They tend to demonstrate remarkable loyalty and steadfastness in their relationships and commitments, much like the biblical Uriah who remained dedicated to his military duties despite personal circumstances. This creates an impression of reliability and principle-centered character, with many Uriahs showing strong leadership qualities tempered by a sense of humility and service to higher ideals.
The literary association with Uriah Heep adds an interesting layer of complexity to the name's personality associations. While not necessarily negative, it suggests that Uriahs may possess more depth and nuance than initially apparent. They might be reserved, observant, and inwardly focused individuals who carefully consider their actions and words. This combination of apparent simplicity with underlying complexity often results in people who are both principled and perceptive, capable of navigating challenging situations with both moral clarity and practical wisdom. The tension between the name's noble biblical origins and its cunning literary counterpart creates a rich personality profile that suggests both strength of character and psychological depth.
Modern Usage & Popularity
In contemporary naming practices, Uriah maintains a consistent but modest presence, typically ranking outside the top 500 names in English-speaking countries while enjoying more frequent use in religious communities and among parents seeking meaningful biblical names. The name has experienced a slight resurgence in recent years as part of the broader trend toward reviving Old Testament names, though it remains distinctive rather than popular. Its usage is often intentional and thoughtful, chosen by parents who value its spiritual significance and historical weight rather than following fleeting naming fashions. The success of MMA fighter Uriah Faber has given the name some modern athletic credibility, particularly in the United States, while its literary connections continue to appeal to educated families seeking names with cultural and narrative substance. Overall, Uriah occupies a niche position—uncommon enough to be distinctive, but established enough to feel familiar and substantial.
Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings
Symbolically, Uriah represents the concept of divine illumination guiding human action and moral choice. The core meaning 'God is my light' positions the name as a metaphor for spiritual enlightenment, truth-seeking, and the dispelling of ignorance or moral darkness. This symbolism extends to ideas of guidance, clarity of purpose, and the role of faith in navigating life's challenges. The biblical narrative adds powerful symbolic layers of integrity under pressure, the tragic consequences of betrayed loyalty, and the tension between earthly duty and spiritual calling.
Metaphorically, Uriah embodies the idea of being a 'light bearer' in difficult circumstances—someone who maintains their principles even when surrounded by corruption or temptation. The name also symbolizes the complex relationship between power and morality, as illustrated by Uriah's victimization at the hands of a king. In broader terms, it represents the human capacity for faithfulness and the tragic potential when that faithfulness is exploited. The dual cultural associations create a rich symbolic tapestry that encompasses both noble sacrifice and the dangers of false appearances, making Uriah a name that symbolizes the complex interplay between appearance and reality in human character.