Hebrew Names

A biblical character who was one of David's most valiant warriors and was known for being fast.  But in the modern English-speaking world, this name may be too close to an insulting anatomical word.

Asahel

A name with a sound that is both unique and familiar, Beulah is a Biblical name, reminiscent of Bella, Luna, and Selah. In the Bible, Beulah is a place, applied to the land of Israel by the prophet Isaiah. Its meaning, "married", comes from the idea that the Israelites would "marry" the land, though other sources interpret it as meaning "inhabit".
 
Used as a given name since the Protestant Reformation and favored by the 17th century Puritans, Beulah was also popular in the US in the early half of the 20th century. It declined in use around the 1950s, likely because of The Beulah Show. 
 
While the radio and TV sitcom was notable for being the first to feature an African-American title character, it was equally controversial for relying on stereotypes and racial caricatures. In a recent year, the name was given to just 26 girls, though it may be worth noting that this is double the number it was chosen for a decade prior.
 
Noteworthy Beulahs include the mathematician Beulah Armstrong, synchronized swimmer Beulah Gundling, literacy campaigner Beulah Thumbadoo, inventor Beulah Louise Henry, artist Beulah H. Brown, and the educator and activist Beulah Burke.
 
So is Beulah totally off the table? That's down to your judgement and perception, but singer-songwriter Brit Taylor did opt to use it for her daughter, Beulah Anne, in 2025.

Beulah

Kelilah, also spelled Kelila, is a lovely and unusual name that would make a perfect substitute for the trendy Delilah.

Kelilah

A popular choice in Israel, Noya shares the appeal of Kaya, Maya, and Nia, while also having its own distinctive sound. Derived from the Hebrew noi, it means "beauty" or "ornament", although sometimes it may be listed as meaning "beauty of God", if the ending interpreted as the Hebrew yah.
 
Noya is also a Cherokee name, translating to "sand", though it may also relate to the Biblical Noa, meaning "comfortable", to the Persian no and Urdu niya meaning "new", or to the Russian name, Noyabrina, meaning "November".

Noya

A jewel-encrusted choice, far more unusual than Pearl. 

Penina

Peretz is a masculine name of Hebrew origin meaning 'breakthrough' or 'burst forth.' It appears in the Bible as a son of Judah and ancestor in the lineage of King David. The name carries significant cultural importance in Jewish communities, symbolizing perseverance and the ability to overcome obstacles. Historically used among Ashkenazi Jews of Eastern European descent, Peretz gained cultural prominence through the influential Yiddish writer I.L. Peretz in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While uncommon in mainstream Western usage, the name maintains steady presence in Jewish communities, particularly among those honoring their heritage. Peretz offers a distinctive sound with its strong consonants and biblical roots, appealing to parents seeking a name with both cultural significance and an uncommon quality in contemporary society.

Peretz

Sera is a truly international variation heard in Hebrew-speaking, Spanish and Italian cultures. Sera can also spelled Serah. Sera might also be a short form of Seraphina.
 
While Sera may rightly be considered a fresh spin on Sarah or Sara, it will often be misunderstood as one of those more <a href="/list/653/100-most-common-names-for-girls">common names for girls</a>. Another similar idea: the Welsh Seren.

Sera

Its meaning refers to the rich wood that lined the walls of King Solomon's temple.  Well used in modern Israel, it's pronouced ah-REE-zuh.

Ariza

Typically spelled as Amaël, this name can be a variation of the popular Breton name, Maël, which ranks in the Top 10 in France. Amaël itself entered the French Top 500 in 2021, and ranked at #337 in a recent year. Meaning "chieftain" or "prince", Amaël (or Amael) would typically be pronounced as A-MA-EHL
 
Alternatively, Amael may be related to Anael, an archangel in Jewish lore, who is also known as Hanael and Aniel. Anael is associated with the planet Venus, grace, favor, and charm. As such, it would be pronounced ah-mee-ehl or ah-mah-ehl

Amael

Calah, also called Nimrud, is one of four ancient cities of Assyria, Noah's great-grandson. This unusual name suggests a woman open to opportunity.

Calah

Rarely used in the last two centuries, but might be worth dusting off and holding up to the light. 

Elihu

Both Jeb and Jed are very attractive Old Testament short forms with long and bright futures. Jeb's main current association is with the Bush brother and former governor of Florida, but the name was a mainstay on early TV westerns, and then went upscale as the nickname (his birth name being Josiah) of the President on "The West Wing."
 Jebediah Obadiah Zachariah Jedediah Springfield was the fictitious founder of the Simpsons' hometown. As for Civil War Confederate General Jeb Stuart, his nickname sprang from his initials--his full name was James Ewell Brown.

Sarita is a delicately pretty name all but unknown in the US, where it can make an original honor name for an ancestral Sara....or Rita. Rita is a midcentury favorite tiptoeing back into style among adventurous parents.

Sarita

Aleeza is one of the most energetic of the legion of Alyssa/Alicia/Eliza names. Another spelling of Aleeza: Aliza.

Aleeza

Avital is a feminine Hebrew name that appears in the Bible as the name of one of King David's wives. The name symbolizes freshness, renewal, and natural beauty. 

Avital has gained moderate popularity in Israel and among Jewish communities worldwide, appreciated for its biblical roots and melodic sound. In recent decades, it has also appealed to parents seeking names with cultural significance and a contemporary feel. Avital can also be styled as Abital.

Avital

Though this name is used for both boys and girls in Israel, in the U.S. it sounds decidedly masculine, with Zohara the feminine form.  Has a futuristic macho feel.

Zohar

Adonijah was one of King David's sons in the Old Testament; this name (the accent is on the "ni" syllable) is waiting to be rediscovered.

Adonijah

Aleph came into the spotlight when chosen by Israel-born Natalie Portman for her son. Alef is a more common spelling of these related <a href"https://nameberry.com/baby-names/158/hebrew-names">Hebrew baby names</a>.
 In the Kabbalah, Aleph/Alef relates to the origin of the universe. The letter Aleph is also the subject of a midrash, a Jewish folktale, which praises its humility in not demanding to start the Bible. (In Hebrew, the Bible begins with the second letter of the alphabet, Bet.) As a reward, Aleph is allowed to start the Ten Commandments.

Aleph

Raffaella is the Italian form of the lovely name Raphaela, the female version of the angel's name Raphael, gorgeous in any spelling or international variation. Raffaella is one of the most appealing <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/166/italian-names">Italian baby names</a> for girls.

Raffaella

Roni may sound like the Doowop-era Ronnie or Ronni, often named for her dad Ron, but it's actually a freestanding Hebrew name with an uplifting meaning.

Roni

Hebrew names used widely in the modern world include Noah, Isabella, Elizabeth, Sarah, Asher, Elijah, Jacob, Leah, James, John, Michael, Mary, and Eva. 

 include Ariel, Delilah, Eliana, Eva, Maya, and Naomi. For boys, 

 include Asher, Elijah, Jacob, Levi, and Noah. In Israel, popular names include Tamar, Shira, Uri, and Noam.

 are some of the best-known as well as the most interesting Hebrew baby names today.

 often have Hebrew origins. Recommended choices include Delilah, Dinah, Keziah, Esther, and Susannah.

 include such appealing Hebrew boy names as Amos, Asher, Eli, Ezra, and Moses.

Hebrew is spoken in modern Israel, so it's both an ancient and a living language. Names popular in modern Israel include many Hebrew names but some modern Israeli names as well. 

If you’re searching for Hebrew names for your baby or simply want to survey all the options with roots in ancient languages and cultures, here is the full range of Hebrew name choices in our database, ordered by their current popularity on Nameberry.

Hebrew names including Hebrew boy names and Hebrew girl names for jewish babies with meaning and popularity (Page 28)