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Jewish Names

  1. Tziporah

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "bird"

    • Description:

      Biblical wife of Moses whose name has many variations, with and without the initial T and final h, with one p or two. However you spell it, it's an original choice that also carries teasing potential; those zipper jokes will get old fast, though Zippy is a cute nickname.
  2. Hallel

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "praise"

    • Description:

      Hallel is derived from the Hebrew word halall, meaning "praise."
  3. Ofri

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "my fawn"
  4. Annael

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "the grace of God"

    • Description:

      The extra N in Anael adds a dose of femininity.
  5. Teive

    • Description:

      Teive is an uncommon masculine name with obscure origins, possibly deriving from Portuguese or Sephardic Jewish heritage. It may be related to the surname Teive found in Portuguese-speaking regions or could be a variation of Steve or Stephen. The name has a distinctive brevity and modern sound despite potential historical roots. Teive combines uniqueness with straightforward pronunciation, making it accessible despite its rarity. With just two syllables and a balanced blend of consonants and vowels, Teive offers simplicity while remaining distinctive. The name carries a contemporary feel with potential ancient connections, appealing to parents seeking an uncommon name that still sounds familiar enough to be easily pronounced.
  6. Zahavah

    • Description:

      Zahavah is a feminine Hebrew name meaning 'golden' or 'precious gold.' This name has deep roots in Jewish tradition and carries beautiful symbolic meaning representing something valuable and pure. The spelling variation with the final 'h' adds a traditional Hebrew touch to the more commonly seen form 'Zahava.' The name conveys warmth, radiance, and worth, making it a meaningful choice for parents seeking a name with cultural significance. While not among the most common names, Zahavah has maintained steady usage in Jewish communities worldwide and has begun to gain appreciation beyond these circles for its melodious sound and positive connotations.

  7. Lazar

    • Origin:

      Russian, Bulgarian, Serbian and Macedonian variation of Lazarus, Latin from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "God is my helper"

    • Description:

      With Lazarus heating up, this slimmer Eastern European form will likely see an uptick in use.
  8. Paz

    • Origin:

      Hebrew; Spanish

    • Meaning:

      "gold; peace"

    • Description:

      Paz is an appealing Spanish name meaning "peace", derived from the Latin "pax". It's usually feminine in Spanish, but could also make an interesting literary choice for a boy, honoring the writer Octavio Paz.
  9. Asaf

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "collector"

    • Description:

      The modern Hebrew form of Asaph, which was the name of several characters in the Old Testament.
  10. Eber

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Eberhard, German

    • Meaning:

      "brave boar"

    • Description:

      Eber is far more approachable than its full forbidding form.
  11. Lavan

    • Description:

      Lavan is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Hebrew tradition, it appears in the Bible as the name of Jacob's father-in-law, meaning 'white' or 'pure.' In Sanskrit and Hindi, Lavan (लवण) means 'salt' and is associated with essentiality and preservation. The name also has connections to Irish mythology through a variation of Leabhar, and appears in various forms throughout the Middle East. With its simple two-syllable structure, Lavan is easily pronounced across different languages while maintaining its distinctive character. Though uncommon in Western countries, it has seen modest usage in Israel and India. The name's cross-cultural significance and pleasant sound make it appealing to families seeking something with both meaning and uniqueness.

  12. Nachman

    • Description:

      Nachman is a Hebrew masculine name derived from the word 'nacham,' meaning 'comfort' or 'consolation.' It has deep roots in Jewish tradition and is often associated with Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, an influential Hasidic master and religious thinker who lived in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The name carries connotations of providing solace and spiritual guidance. While primarily used in Jewish communities, particularly among Hasidic and Orthodox families, Nachman remains relatively uncommon in mainstream society. It reflects both religious devotion and cultural heritage, often chosen by parents seeking to honor Jewish traditions or ancestral connections.

  13. Sasson

    • Origin:

      Judeo-Italian

    • Meaning:

      "joy, happiness"
  14. Baruch

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "blessed"

    • Description:

      Think of this as the Hebrew equivalent of Benedict or Benito; best for observant Jews.
  15. Pessa

    • Origin:

      Yiddish

    • Meaning:

      "pearl"

    • Description:

      Old-fashioned enough to the American ear that literally no baby girls received the name in the US in the most recent year counted. Though might Pessa provide a more unique spin on Tessa? It certainly has a lovely meaning, one shared with Margaret.
  16. Irwin

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "boar friend"

    • Description:

      Son of Irving.
  17. Shloma

    • Description:

      Shloma is a masculine name of Hebrew and Yiddish origin, representing a variant of the name Solomon or Shlomo. The name derives from the Hebrew word 'shalom' meaning 'peace' or 'wholeness.' Shloma carries the same rich historical significance as Solomon, which was the name of the biblical king renowned for his wisdom. In Jewish communities, particularly among Ashkenazi Jews, Shloma serves as a traditional name honoring ancestral heritage. While less common in mainstream Western naming practices, it remains meaningful within certain cultural and religious contexts. The name evokes qualities of wisdom, peace, and scholarly achievement, continuing its legacy through generations maintaining traditional naming customs.
  18. Meir

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "bringer of light"

    • Description:

      The original form of the Hebrew Meyer.
  19. Michal

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "brook"

    • Description:

      In the Bible, daughter of King Saul and wife of King David.
  20. Avner

    • Description:

      Avner is a masculine name of Hebrew origin meaning 'father of light' or 'my father is a lamp,' composed of 'av' (father) and 'ner' (light or lamp). It appears in the Bible as the name of King Saul's commander, Abner, with Avner being the modern Hebrew pronunciation. The name has been consistently used in Jewish communities, particularly in Israel, but remains relatively uncommon in the broader Western world. Avner carries significant cultural and religious meaning while offering a distinctive sound that works well cross-culturally. Its biblical roots provide historical depth, while its concise two-syllable structure feels contemporary. The name suggests qualities of wisdom and guidance through its literal meaning of bringing or being light. Avner has seen modest increased usage as parents seek names with both cultural significance and uniqueness.