Hebrew Names
Across 42 pages
of 42
Kemuel
Hebrew
"helper of God"
If you're seeking a biblical name somewhat similar to the popular Samuel but way more distinctive, this could be the one.
Laban
Hebrew
"white"
An Old Testament name used by the Puritans, less well known than female relatives Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah and as deserving of revival.
Lael
Hebrew
"belonging to God"
Although this is an ancient Old Testament name, it has a pleasant contemporary feel that might appeal to today's parents, who might just as easily use it for a girl. It was one of the fastest rising…
Eleazer
Variation of Lazarus
"God is my helper"
Four-syllable names can be tricky, but this rarely used Old Testament appellation has considerable potential. In the Bible, Eleazer is a son of Aaron and nephew of Moses who succeeds his father as…
Lev
Hebrew, Russian
"heart; lion"
This concise one-syllable name, has two possible derivations and two positive meanings associated with it. In Hebrew, it means "heart", while in Russian it means "lion". So strong and simple Lev has…
Maoz
Hebrew
"fortress, strength"
Maoz is a symbolic name given to boys born at Hannukah because of the song "Maoz Tzur," "Rock of Ages," which is sung at that time.
Machi
Hebrew
"decrease"
Not ready to go all the way to Malachi? Then take this Biblical shortcut name, with the second syllable rhyming with eye.
Matt
Short form of Matthew
"gift of God"
Still one of the most appealing short forms, which goes a long way toward explaining the sustained popularity of Matthew. Matt is perennially the popular guy in high school, friendly, attractive, and…
Mattie
Diminutive of Matthew, Hebrew
"gift of God"
Mattie ranked among the Top 1000 for boys a century ago, in the heyday of the nickname-name. Today, few parents would dream of putting it on the birth certificate, preferring it as a short form for…
Mayer
German surname or Hebrew
"landlord, farmer; bringer of light"
More common -- when it was common -- with the Meyer spelling.
Meyer
German, Dutch, Hebrew, "tenant, farmer, leader; great; bringer of light, shining"
"tenant, farmer, leader; great; bringer of light, shining"
Old-fashioned but right on trend with the likes of Miller, Baker, Sawyer, and Major, Meyer has been borne by gangsters, businessman, sculptors, composers, and writers alike. A versatile choice in…
Menachem
Hebrew
"the comforter"
A middle-aged, if not elderly, name associated with Israeli statesman and onetime prime minister Begin, this is a symbolic appellation for boys born on the holiday of Tishah-b'Ab.
Nachum
Hebrew
"comforter"
This name of a minor Hebrew prophet in the Old Testament is rarely heard outside the Jewish culture.
Menashe
Hebrew
"causing to forget"
An Old Testament name -- he was the eldest son of Joseph -- that's still used in the Jewish community.
Meshach
Akkadian
"who is what Aku is?"
Derived from Aku, the name of the Babylonian god of the moon. In the Book of Daniel in the Old Testament this is the Babylonian name of Mishael, one of the three men cast into a furnace but saved by…
Mordecai
Hebrew
"follower of Marduk"
Mordecai, although it has a noble heritage, has never caught on in this country, because of its rather weighty image. Nevertheless, with parents searching for rarer Biblical names that work as…
Naaman
Hebrew
"sweet herbs"
The double a makes it special.
Nahir
Hebrew
"clear, bright"
Positive meaning -- and a choice of spelling variations.
Namir
Hebrew, Arabic
"leopard"
A worldly choice that translates well, Namir is an animal-related choice in Hebrew and Arabic.
Naor
Hebrew
"cultured and enlightened"
Certainly qualities desired for our sons.