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Yiddish Names

  1. Yetta

    • Origin:

      Yiddish

    • Meaning:

      "light"

    • Description:

      Too close to yenta.
  2. Rifka

    • Origin:

      Yiddish variation of Rivka, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "to tie, bind"

    • Description:

      The Yiddish form of Rivka hums along at the bottom of the baby name charts. It's been given to anywhere between 5 and 20 baby girls since the late '60s. Rivka is currently more than 30 times as popular, but for Jewish families, the softer (but still saucy) Rifka may be due for a comeback.
  3. Roza

    • Origin:

      Russian and Polish variation of Rosa

    • Description:

      Adds some zest to Rosa.
  4. Charna

    • Origin:

      Yiddish

    • Meaning:

      "dark, black"

    • Description:

      Popular name in Israel, worth considering for a dark-haired daughter with a bit of a bohemian cast.
  5. Gittel

    • Origin:

      Yiddish

    • Meaning:

      "good"

    • Description:

      Still heard in some religious Jewish communities, however diminutive Gitty is more common as a given name.
  6. Yossel

    • Description:

      Yossel is a masculine name of Yiddish origin, serving as a diminutive form of Yosef (Joseph). The name Joseph comes from Hebrew, meaning 'God will add' or 'God will increase.' Yossel was particularly common among Ashkenazi Jewish communities in Eastern Europe before the mid-20th century. The diminutive suffix '-el' adds an affectionate quality to the traditional name. Following the Holocaust and subsequent migration of Jewish populations, traditional Yiddish names became less common, though they remain important cultural identifiers. Today, Yossel is relatively rare, primarily used in traditional Jewish communities preserving Yiddish naming customs. The name carries deep cultural significance, connecting bearers to Jewish heritage and history. For many families, using names like Yossel represents an intentional preservation of cultural traditions that might otherwise be lost.
  7. Heskel

    • Description:

      Heskel is a masculine name with Hebrew origins, representing a variant of Ezekiel or Yechezkel, meaning 'God strengthens' or 'God will strengthen.' Common in Jewish communities, particularly among Sephardic Jews, Heskel carries biblical significance through its connection to the prophet Ezekiel. The name has a dignified, scholarly quality while remaining accessible and straightforward to pronounce. Though uncommon in mainstream Western usage, Heskel offers cultural richness and historical depth. The name's distinctive beginning with 'H' differentiates it from more common variants while maintaining its authentic roots. Heskel combines religious significance with a strong, masculine sound, making it appealing to parents seeking a name with cultural depth and meaningful etymology.
  8. Sisel

    • Description:

      Sisel is a feminine name with Yiddish origins, primarily used in Jewish Ashkenazi communities. It is believed to be a diminutive form of the Hebrew name Susanna, meaning 'lily' or 'rose.' In some traditions, it's also connected to the word for 'sweet' or 'sweetness.' Sisel was particularly popular among Eastern European Jewish communities in the 19th and early 20th centuries, though its usage declined following World War II and the Holocaust. The name carries a vintage charm and cultural significance, often honoring ancestors from pre-war Europe. While uncommon in mainstream naming trends, Sisel has seen some renewed interest among families seeking to revive traditional Jewish names with historical roots. Its soft sounds and gentle meaning give it a delicate, feminine quality that connects to a rich cultural heritage.
  9. Ruchel

    • Description:

      Ruchel is a feminine name of Yiddish origin, representing the Yiddish variant of Rachel. Rachel comes from Hebrew and means 'ewe' or 'female sheep,' symbolizing gentleness and nurturing qualities. In Jewish tradition, Rachel was one of the matriarchs of Israel, the beloved wife of Jacob in the Bible. The Yiddish pronunciation and spelling reflects the cultural and linguistic traditions of Eastern European Jewish communities. Ruchel maintains the spiritual significance of Rachel while connecting to Ashkenazi Jewish heritage specifically. This name was more common among Jewish families before World War II, particularly in Eastern Europe. Though less frequently used today, it represents an important connection to Yiddish-speaking ancestors and Jewish cultural heritage for families who choose it.

  10. Abush

    • Origin:

      Yiddish diminutive of Abraham

    • Meaning:

      "Father of multitudes"

    • Description:

      Whether you're looking for an unexpected nickname for the imposing Abraham or a fresh spin on the Biblical classic, this highly unusual variation might appeal to namers with a sense of adventure.
  11. Yutke

    • Description:

      Yutke is an unusual feminine name with obscure origins. It may have roots in indigenous American cultures or possibly stem from Eastern European or Asian naming traditions, though specific etymology is difficult to trace. The name has an exotic quality with its distinctive consonant combination and compact two-syllable structure. Yutke remains extremely rare in most countries, making it a highly distinctive choice for parents seeking an uncommon name. The unusual combination of sounds gives it a strong, memorable quality despite its brevity. With minimal historical usage in mainstream Western culture, Yutke carries few preconceptions or associations, allowing the bearer to define the name's character. The scarcity of information about this name suggests it might be a very localized traditional name, a modern invention, or possibly derived from a surname or word from a minority language.
  12. Issur

    • Description:

      Issur is a masculine name with Hebrew and Yiddish origins. It may have developed as a variation of the Hebrew name Isser or Issar, which is believed to be related to the Hebrew word 'asur' meaning 'bound' or 'forbidden.' The name gained some recognition as the birth name of actor Kirk Douglas, who was born Issur Danielovitch before adopting his stage name. In Jewish communities, particularly among Ashkenazi Jews, the name has historical usage though it remains relatively uncommon in mainstream society. Issur has a strong, distinctive sound with its double 's' and concise ending. The name carries a sense of heritage and cultural connection for those with Jewish ancestry, while offering a rare and distinctive option for parents seeking a name with historical depth.
  13. Hersz

    • Description:

      Hersz is a masculine name of Yiddish origin, primarily used in Jewish communities of Eastern European descent. It functions as a variant of Hirsch, which means 'deer' or 'stag' in Yiddish and German. The name carries symbolic significance in Jewish tradition, where deer represent gentleness and grace. Hersz was relatively common among Jewish men in pre-WWII Poland and surrounding regions but became less frequent following the Holocaust. Today, it remains rare globally but maintains cultural significance for families honoring their Ashkenazi Jewish heritage. The name's distinctive pronunciation and spelling reflect its rich linguistic origins spanning Yiddish, Hebrew, and Eastern European influences.

  14. Zelig

    • Origin:

      Yiddish variation of Selig

    • Meaning:

      "blessed, happy"

    • Description:

      A super quirky and upbeat choice, if it can ever shake off its ubiquitous-guy Woody Allen identity.
  15. Chava

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "life"

    • Description:

      The Hebrew, Biblical form of Eve. While English speakers will likely find the forms Ava or Eve easier in everyday life, Chava is a lovely variation for a family that speaks Hebrew or Yiddish - plus, English speakers could always learn.
  16. Shem

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "name"

    • Description:

      This down-to-earth Bible name is surprisingly little-used, considering the popularity of other Old Testament names. Shem was Noah's eldest son, and is the origin of the term Semitic (as in the language family).
  17. Moyshe

    • Description:

      Moyshe is a masculine name representing the Yiddish form of Moses, a name of ancient Egyptian and Hebrew origins. In Jewish tradition, Moses (Moshe in Hebrew) was the prophet who led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and received the Torah at Mount Sinai. The Yiddish pronunciation and spelling reflects the language developed by Ashkenazi Jewish communities in Central and Eastern Europe. Moyshe carries deep cultural and religious significance in Jewish communities, particularly those with connections to Yiddish-speaking regions. While less common today than in previous generations, the name continues to be used in traditional Jewish families honoring linguistic heritage. The name conveys wisdom, leadership, and commitment to faith and community values.
  18. Motl

    • Description:

      Motl is a masculine name of Yiddish origin, typically used as a diminutive form of Mordecai (Hebrew for 'warrior'). The name gained literary recognition through the character Motl in Sholem Aleichem's stories, later adapted into the musical 'Fiddler on the Roof.' Compact and distinctive, Motl carries cultural significance in Jewish communities, particularly those with Eastern European heritage. Though uncommon in mainstream Western naming practices, it remains an important cultural name that connects to Jewish traditions and history. The brevity of Motl gives it a punchy, memorable quality while still maintaining its rich cultural roots.

  19. Beinish

    • Description:

      Beinish is a masculine name with Yiddish origins, derived from 'ben' meaning 'son' in Hebrew. The name may also have connections to Eastern European Jewish communities. Though relatively uncommon in mainstream usage, Beinish has historical significance in Jewish communities and may be used to honor family traditions. The name carries a distinctive sound that sets it apart from more common names. Some families choose this name to maintain cultural heritage while providing their child with a unique identity. Beinish remains relatively rare in contemporary naming trends, appealing to parents seeking names with cultural depth and historical connections.
  20. Yosel

    • Description:

      Yosel is a masculine name with Judaic origins, being a variant of Joseph or Yosef. The name carries the beautiful meaning 'God will add' or 'God shall increase.' Primarily used in Jewish communities, particularly among Ashkenazi Jews, Yosel maintains strong cultural and religious connections. It's one of many variations of Joseph that developed across different Jewish communities and languages, including Yiddish. While less common in mainstream American society, the name remains meaningful within Jewish traditions. Yosel offers a distinctive alternative to the more widely used Joseph while maintaining its rich biblical heritage and significance. The name evokes feelings of tradition, faith, and cultural identity.