They Shall
Be Called.
Discover the meaning. Understand the story. Live the calling.
A name is one of the first gifts we give a life.
Before the nursery is finished. Before the first photograph. Before the first birthday — there is a question.
What shall this child be called?
For generations, names have carried family histories, hopes, faith, culture and meaning. They Shall Be Called helps families make that choice intentionally.
Begin the Naming JourneyThe book that started the journey
They Shall Be Called
Before this became a digital naming experience, it began with a lifelong fascination with names and a biblical question:
What if choosing a name became an intentional journey of meaning, prayer and purpose?
They Shall Be Called explores biblical names and their meanings while examining the significance Scripture places on naming, identity and purpose.
The book became the foundation for a larger vision: helping individuals and families discover the story behind a name and intentionally consider what they want that name to represent.
In Scripture
Names often marked something greater.
Genesis 17:5
Abram
Exalted father
Abraham
Father of a multitude
A new name given at a covenant moment.
Genesis 32:28
Jacob
He grasps the heel
Israel
He struggles with God
A name given after a long night of wrestling.
Luke 1:13, 63
John
The Lord is gracious
John
Announced before his birth
His father wrote the name down: “His name is John.”
Matthew 1:21
Jesus
The Lord is salvation
Jesus
Name and mission announced together
“You are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people.”
Sometimes a name didn’t merely identify the person. It illuminated the story.
Explore Biblical NamesName Discovery
What shall they be called?
A growing library of biblical names, their meanings and their stories.
Don’t have a name yet?
Let us help you discover one.
You already have a name.
Have you ever discovered its story?
Whether your name was chosen from Scripture, inherited from family, inspired by history or selected simply because someone loved how it sounded, your name has become part of your story.
Discover its origins. Reflect on what it means to you. Explore the values you want it to represent — and decide what you want your name to stand for.
Why families trust it
1,900+
Names in the library
Every entry is drawn from the published manuscript, with its meaning recorded exactly as printed.
16
Curated collections
Kings, tribes, disciples, prophets, the names of God and the names of Jesus — organized for study.
Book-faithful
Editorially reviewed
Entries carry their source page and editorial status, so nothing is invented and nothing is guessed.
They Shall Be Called is written by Gracy Reid and available worldwide on Amazon.
Read Reader Reviews on AmazonThe Name Profile
Your name is the beginning.
Create a private Name Profile that grows with you — or with your child. Record meaning, prayer, aspirations, significant moments and the story of a life as it unfolds.
Create a Free Name ProfileChild profiles are private by default.
Name Profile · Sample
Elijah James
“My God is Yahweh”
“My God is Yahweh.” Hebrew origin. A declaration rather than a description — a sentence about God carried in a single word.
Free Guide
Before you name your baby
7 biblical principles for choosing a name with meaning and purpose.
Before the accomplishments.
Before the titles.
Before the world knows their story.
There is a name.
What shall they be called?
They Shall Be Called — Meaning. Identity. Purpose. Legacy.