Boy Old & New Testament Known
Boaz
or Booz, in strength
בֹּ֫עַז Βοόζ bo.az
Boaz (Hebrew: בֹּ֫עַז, bo.az) means “or Booz, in strength”, by traditional interpretation. It appears in 23 verses across 5 books of the Bible. In 2025 it was given to 268 children in the United States, ranking 891. Use is rising. Around 3,476 Americans have been given it since 1880. Appears with Chilion in Ruth 4.
The bearer in scripture
One person in scripture bears this name.
-
Boaz
father of Obed
Scripture against society
The two measures, side by side
At a glance
- Verses
- 23 across 5 books
- Bearers
- 1 one person only
- Testament
- Both
- Era
- Judges
Using it today
Based on 2025 births across the United States.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Given in 2025 | 268 | Rising |
| All-time total | 3,476 | Since records begin in 1880 |
| Peak | 268 in 2025 | Its highest year on record |
| Ten-year trend | +123% | Change in share of births |
| Strongest state | CA | Highest share relative to births |
In scripture
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First appears | Ruth 2:1 |
| Last appears | Luke 3:32 |
| Cross-references | 275 linked passages |
Names connected to this one
- Salmon co-occurrence Appears with Salmon in Luke 3.
- Obed co-occurrence Appears with Obed in Luke 3.
- Elimelech co-occurrence Appears with Elimelech in Ruth 2.
- Ruth co-occurrence Appears with Ruth in Ruth 4.
- Naomi co-occurrence Appears with Naomi in Ruth 4.
- Nahshon co-occurrence Appears with Nahshon in Luke 3.
- Chilion co-occurrence Appears with Chilion in Ruth 4.
- Mahlon co-occurrence Appears with Mahlon in Ruth 4.
Origin & meaning
A man of the tribe of Judah living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.2.1;
son of: Salmon (H8007) and Rahab (H7343); married to Ruth (H7327);
father of: Obed (H5744)
Also named: Booz (Βοόζ "Boaz" G1003)
§ Boaz = "fleetness"
1) ancestor of David, kinsman-redeemer to Ruth, daughter-in-law of Naomi
2) name of the left of two brazen pillars, 18 cubits high, erected in the porch of Solomon's temple
Boaz, a wealthy Bethlehemite, married Ruth and became an ancestor of King David and Jesus Christ.
The biblical story
Boaz was a wealthy man from Bethlehem who played a significant role in the story of Ruth (Ruth 2-4). He was a relative of Naomi's deceased husband, Elimelech, and acted as a kinsman-redeemer for Ruth, a Moabite widow. When Ruth gleaned grain in Boaz's field, he showed her kindness and protection, recognizing her loyalty to Naomi (Ruth 2). Later, Naomi instructed Ruth to approach Boaz at night and request that he fulfill his role as a kinsman-redeemer (Ruth 3). Boaz agreed to marry Ruth, after ensuring that a closer relative did not wish to claim this right (Rut.4.1-12). Their marriage led to the birth of Obed, who became the grandfather of King David (Rut.4.13-17). Boaz is also mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matt. Rut.1.5; Luk.3.32), highlighting his importance in God's plan of redemption. Additionally, Boaz is associated with one of the two bronze pillars in Solomon's temple, which was named after him (1Ki.7.21; 1 Chr. 1Ki.2.11-12). His story demonstrates the importance of integrity, kindness, and faithfulness in fulfilling one's duties and God's purposes.
Key verses
Boaz appears in 23 verses. Here are some of the most notable:
-
And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband’s, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz.
Ruth 2:1 -
And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech.
Ruth 2:3 -
And, behold, Boaz came from Beth–lehem, and said unto the reapers, The Lord be with you. And they answered him, The Lord bless thee.
Ruth 2:4 -
Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this?
Ruth 2:5 -
Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens:
Ruth 2:8
Show all 23 references
Ruth (18)
- Ruth 2:1
- Ruth 2:3
- Ruth 2:4
- Ruth 2:5
- Ruth 2:8
- Ruth 2:11
- Ruth 2:14
- Ruth 2:15
- Ruth 2:19
- Ruth 2:23
- Ruth 3:2
- Ruth 3:7
- Ruth 4:1
- Ruth 4:5
- Ruth 4:8
- Ruth 4:9
- Ruth 4:13
- Ruth 4:21
1 Kings (1)
- 1 Kings 7:21
1 Chronicles (2)
- 1 Chronicles 2:11
- 1 Chronicles 2:12
Matthew (1)
- Matthew 1:5
Luke (1)
- Luke 3:32
Name variants & nicknames
- Booz — KJV New Testament form (also Spanish)