Bible names for boys have topped the US popularity list for over two decades, with Biblical names like Jacob and Noah earning the top ranks for nearly two decades until recently, when Liam took over. Other popular names from the Bible include Matthew, David, and John. There are many ways to interpret what is popular among name-givers today. One could argue that names like Jacob and Noah are popular because they are easy to spell and remember. However, it is also possible that name lovers are looking for more meaning in a name, so they choose names like these that are associated with the Bible or religion. Name popularity is very subjective; names that may seem ordinary to one person may be famous among others. In the Bible, boys' names were important tools used by parents to identify their children's roles in society. It was not unusual for boys to take their father's names upon coming of age, but it was common for them to change them too. For example, Solomon changed his name to Peter after he became king. Names were important because they indicated relationships; for example, Jacob was named after his grandfather Abraham. But beyond this basic function, names were also used as a form of decoration. The Israelites loved their names; for example, Moses asked to be called "Aaron" instead of "Abraham".