Hebrew Names

Often heard in Israel, spelled with or without the final h.

Bethenny is the spelling introduced to the world by and closely associated with Real Housewife of New York Bethenny Frankel. While the name has a bit of charm, we recommend sticking with the original Bethany spelling.

You might want to abbreviate this from one of the Biblical originals or use it as a name all on its own, an update of Sam or Finn. Sim is a Scottish Gaelic form of Simon.

Debbie is decidedly out, the original Deborah lovely, and other short forms -- Deb, Debs -- for occasional use only.

Gay, nearly giddy, gee-whiz feel; also too reminscent of a gila monster.

A name that is used to describe a handsome or clever boy, and is also an Israeli place-name.

Delicate embellishment of Rani.

Mentioned in the Old Testament as both a place-name and a grandson of Ephraim, this would make a fairly obscure biblical choice.