Berel

Berel Origin and Meaning

The name Berel is a boy's name.

Berel is a masculine name of Yiddish origin, commonly used in Jewish communities, particularly among Ashkenazi Jews. It developed as a diminutive form of the Hebrew name Ber (or Dov), which means 'bear.' The bear symbolism carries connotations of strength, protection, and stoic wisdom in Jewish tradition. Berel was widely used in Eastern European Jewish communities before World War II, though its usage declined afterward as many families assimilated and adopted more mainstream names. In Hasidic and other traditional Jewish communities, Berel remains in use, often given to honor ancestors. The name carries a warm, traditional quality that connects its bearers to rich cultural heritage and family lineage.