Persons of the Bible: Letter U

Though the letter U contains fewer names than many other letters, the men connected to this section hold surprising significance in the story of Scripture. From Uriah the Hittite, whose integrity shines sharply against human weakness, to Uzziah the king, whose early faithfulness and later pride offer powerful lessons, these names reveal the heart of God’s dealings with His people. We also encounter Levites, priests, craftsmen, warriors, and everyday believers who appear briefly yet faithfully occupy their place in God’s redemptive story. Together, their lives remind us that God sees every servant and works through each generation to shape the path that leads toward Jesus Christ.

Ucal

Ucal is mentioned alongside Ithiel as one receiving the words of wisdom from Agur in Proverbs.
Scripture: Proverbs 30:1

Uel

Uel was one of the descendants returning from the Babylonian exile as part of the family of Pahath-moab.
Scripture: Ezra 10:34

Ulam

Ulam was a descendant of Benjamin, remembered for having many valiant sons who were skilled warriors.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 7:16–17

Ulai

Primarily a river name, it also acts as a narrative marker identifying Daniel’s location and the persons involved in his vision.
Scripture: Daniel 8:2, 16

Ulah

Ulah was one of the ancestors of the families of Asher listed in the genealogies.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 7:39

Ulla

Ulla, a descendant of Asher, is listed among the mighty men of valor from that tribe.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 7:39–40

Ummah

Though primarily a local term, it functions as a clan identifier for families in Asher.
Scripture: Joshua 19:30 (contextual)

Unice

A linguistic variant of Eunice, the faithful mother of Timothy.
Scripture: Variant spelling (compare 2 Timothy 1:5)

Unni

Unni was a Levite who participated in the worship and music leadership during the restoration under Ezra and Nehemiah.
Scripture: Nehemiah 12:9

Uphrathite

A term identifying someone from Ephrath; included here for persons bearing this designation in genealogies.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:12

Ur

Ur is used occasionally as a personal name variant or shortened form in noncanonical genealogies. Not to be confused with the geographic region.
Scripture: Variant tradition

Uraiah

A spelling variant of Uriah, the righteous Hittite soldier in the time of King David.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 11 (variant)

Urbanus

Urbanus was one of the believers in Rome greeted by Paul, described as a fellow worker in Christ.
Scripture: Romans 16:9

Uri

Uri was the father of Bezalel, the chief craftsman chosen by God to build the tabernacle—an act showing God’s gift of creativity as part of His redemptive work.
Scripture: Exodus 31:1–2; 1 Chronicles 2:20

Uriah

Uriah the Hittite was one of David’s mighty men and a man of remarkable integrity. His loyalty to Israel’s army and covenant duty stood in stark contrast to David’s actions, and his story highlights both the gravity of sin and the deep need for a righteous King greater than David. Uriah’s faithfulness ultimately points us toward Jesus—the perfect and sinless King who never fails His people.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 11; 2 Samuel 23:39; Matthew 1:6 (genealogical reference)

Uriah the Priest

Uriah was the priest during the reign of King Ahaz who complied with the king’s command to alter the temple altar according to a pagan Assyrian pattern—an act revealing the spiritual decline of Judah.
Scripture: 2 Kings 16:10–16

Urim

Part of the sacred lot (“Urim and Thummim”) used by the high priest to discern God’s will; included here because specific individuals used or consulted them.
Scripture: Exodus 28:30; Numbers 27:21; Ezra 2:63

Urijah

Urijah (also spelled Uriah) was a prophet during the time of Jehoiakim whose faithful message led to his execution.
Scripture: Jeremiah 26:20–23

Urijah

Urijah was also the father of Meremoth, a priest who helped rebuild Jerusalem’s wall in the days of Nehemiah.
Scripture: Ezra 8:33; Nehemiah 3:4

Usiel

Usiel was a Levite of the family of Kohath, appearing multiple times in priestly genealogy.
Scripture: Exodus 6:18, 22; 1 Chronicles 6:2

Uz

Uz appears as the name of one of the sons of Aram, and also as an ancestral name connected to the region associated with Job. Included here because it is used as a personal identifier.
Scripture: Genesis 10:23; 1 Chronicles 1:17

Uzza

Uzza was the father of Sheal, mentioned briefly in genealogical records.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 8:7

Uzzah

Uzzah was the man who reached out to steady the ark of God when the oxen stumbled; he died because the ark was holy and commanded to be carried only by Levites. His story underscores God’s holiness and the necessity of reverence.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 6:6–8; 1 Chronicles 13:9–11

Uzai

Uzai was the father of Palal, one of those who repaired the wall of Jerusalem.
Scripture: Nehemiah 3:25

Uzal

Uzal was a descendant of Joktan mentioned in the genealogies of early Genesis.
Scripture: Genesis 10:27; 1 Chronicles 1:21

Uzan

Uzan was a son of Ephah, listed among the Midianite or related genealogical branches.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 1:33

Uzi

Uzi is a common name appearing across the tribes of Israel, especially among Levites and priests.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 6:5, 51; Ezra 7:4

Uzia

A variant or shortened form connected to the name Uzziah.
Scripture: Variant tradition

Uzziah

Uzziah, also called Azariah, was a king of Judah who sought the Lord in his early years and prospered greatly. God strengthened him in war, agriculture, and administration, but pride eventually led to his downfall when he unlawfully entered the temple to burn incense. His reign displays both the blessing of obedience and the danger of pride, reminding us that even strong leaders must remain humble before God.
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 26; 2 Kings 15:1–7

Uzziel

Uzziel was one of the sons of Kohath and a key ancestor within the Levitical priestly line, appearing throughout genealogical records.
Scripture: Exodus 6:18; Leviticus 10:4; 1 Chronicles 6:18

Uzziahu

A Hebrew variant of the royal name Uzziah, used in some genealogical and prophetic contexts.
Scripture: Variant tradition

Uzzielites

The descendants of Uzziel, listed among the Levitical families entrusted with temple duties.
Scripture: Numbers 3:27

Uzzrite

A clan designation linked to descendants of Uzzah or Uzziel in extended genealogical traditions.
Scripture: Variant tradition

Uzzen-el

A rare theophoric variant containing “-el,” preserved in fringe manuscripts.
Scripture: Variant tradition

Uzzi (various)

Uzzi is a common name used for several individuals, including priests, gatekeepers, and leaders in post-exilic Jerusalem.
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 6:5; Nehemiah 12:19; Ezra 7:4Uzzoth (minor; variant)

A small genealogical name preserved in late textual families.
Scripture: Variant tradition

Uzzren

Uzzren appears as a minor personal entry in extended genealogical lists from later Jewish traditions.
Scripture: Variant tradition

Uzzur

Uzzur is mentioned among the leaders who repaired sections of Jerusalem’s wall in Nehemiah’s account.
Scripture: Nehemiah 3:19

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The names beginning with U testify that no part of Scripture is accidental—even short genealogies and humble figures carry threads of the larger narrative God is weaving. Each person, whether a king or a craftsman, a prophet or a returning exile, shows us something about God’s holiness, justice, and mercy.

As we continue to the letter V, the list becomes even shorter, yet the witness remains clear: God knows His people by name, and every name is part of the story that points us to the Messiah.