Exodus

Meaning & origin

Exodus is a modern biblical name that entered the U.S. baby name charts in 1999. By 2025 it reached rank 1,992 with a 1-in-22,475 incidence, and its peak year so far is also 2025, reflecting steady growth. The name's trajectory has been rising since 2002, with strongest usage in North Carolina, Texas, and California. As a straightforward word-name with deep scriptural resonance, it appeals to parents looking for a meaningful and uncommon choice outside the traditional canon. Its clean Greek-derived etymology and distinctive sound set it apart from more conventional biblical picks like Noah or Elijah, while remaining accessible in pronunciation.

Exodus comes directly from the Greek word exodos (ἔξοδος), meaning 'a way out' or 'departure,' formed from ex- ('out of') and hodos ('way' or 'road'). The name is taken from the title of the second book of the Old Testament, which recounts the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Although used as a given name, its adoption appears to be modern and rare before the late 20th century, possibly influenced by its dramatic biblical association.