Hebrew Names
Across 42 pages
of 42
Joby
Hebrew
"persecuted"
Reduces and lightens up the Job connection even further, sounding like a lively, Jody-like nickname name.
Jobina
Hebrew
"persecuted"
Jobina may be the female version of Job, but it doesn't carry the same negative weight as that of the biblical martyr -- in fact, few would get the connection. Joby is its perky and unusual nickname.
Dina
Hebrew variation of Dinah or Adinah
"judged or delicate"
Dina is a 20th century version of either Dinah or Adinah, two Old Testament names not related to each other. Dinah was the beautiful daughter of Jacob and Leah, while Adinah or Adina was a male…
Yochanna
Yochanna is a feminine name with Hebrew origins, considered a female variant of Yochanan (John), meaning 'God is gracious.' This relatively uncommon name carries deep biblical and Jewish cultural…
Jezebel
Hebrew
"not exalted"
Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab in the Hebrew Book of Kings, has long had a bad girl reputation. But in the modern secular world, this is somewhat mitigated by the feminist perspective of her as a…
Haya
Hebrew or Japanese
"life; universal feathers"
Appealing crosscultural choice.
Arella
Hebrew
"messenger from God, angel"
Bell-like and original.
Aleeza
Hebrew
"joy"
Aleeza is one of the most energetic of the legion of Alyssa/Alicia/Eliza names. Another spelling of Aleeza: Aliza.
Jethra
Feminization of Jethro, Hebrew
"excellence"
Rare and ethereal.
Jesse
Hebrew
"God exists"
The boyish spelling, which is still pronounced with two syllables and a long e at the end, is sometimes used for girls, though the Jessie form -- whether short for Jessica or standing on its own --…
Jessa
Short form of Jessica, Hebrew
"behold or wealthy"
Once rare, this streamlined form of Jessica has been boosted by two very different television figures: the Jemima Kirke character on HBO series Girls , and reality television daughter Jessa Duggar.…
Chava
Hebrew
"life"
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,…
Ardith
Hebrew
"flowering field"
Appearing in some versions of the Old Testament, Ardith sounds like an ethereal combination of Arden and Edith, with a sweet naturey meaning. Also appearing as Ardeth and Ardath, it was first…
Jerusha
Hebrew
"inheritance"
This biblical name of the mother of King Jotham of Judah has an appealing soft Russian accent.
Chanah
Hebrew variation of Hannah
Begs for the guttural pronunciation that's a problem in this culture.
Jemima
Hebrew
"dove; daytime"
Jemima, the name of a strong and beautiful Biblical daughter of Job, has long been among the chicest choices of aristocratic Brits, and has since shifted to be used more generally too, replacing…
Jarah
Hebrew
"honeycomb or honeysuckle"
This Old Testament name feels feminine to a modern English speaker, thought the Biblical Jarah was male. In the most recent year counted, there were seven girls and five boys given the name. With the…
Chaka
Hebrew
"life"
We all know that Chaka really means disco.
Arava
Hebrew
"willow"
Unknown but eminently usable choice, especially for Jewish parents, with lovely meaning.
Akiva
Hebrew
"to protect, shelter"
Bright and bold traditionally masculine name used in Israel.