Boaz

This is effectively an either–or question, since (as every quizzer should know) there are only two books in the Old Testament that are named after women: Ruth and Esther.

In the Bible, Boaz was a wealthy land–owner from Bethlehem. He was a close relative of Elimelech, who was married to Naomi; Ruth was married to their son Mahlon. After Mahlon's death, Boaz was obliged by the Levirate law to marry Ruth in order to carry on his family's inheritance. He agreed to do so after she seduced him. Their son Obed was the father of Jesse, and thus the grandfather of David.

Most people in Great Britain – most football fans, at least – first came across the name Boaz in the early years of the 21st century, when Boaz Myhill became the first–choice goalkeeper for Hull City (who were first promoted to the Premier League in 2008).

Boaz Myhill was born in Modesto, California to an American father and a Welsh mother. His parents came across the name Boaz while travelling in Israel; they wanted to give the name to their son, but were dissuaded from doing so by other members of their family. The son was christened Glyn, but has been known as Boaz all his life. He played 277 games for Hull City between 2003 and 2010, and (as at February 2018) has won 19 caps for Wales – the last one in 2013. Since 2010 he has been understudy to Ben Foster at West Bromwich Albion.

He was one of four senior West Brom players who attracted widespread media coverage in February 2018 (about ten days after this question was asked in MQL) after allegedly stealing a taxi during a warm weather training camp in Barcelona.