Hebrew Names
- Abiel
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"God is my father"Description:
Abiel is a biblical name (he was the grandfather of Saul) that was used by Puritans, particularly in Massachusetts, so it has a long pedigree. Parents are increasingly looking for underused traditional names, and this name, with the great nickname option of Abe, is ripe for more use!
- Paz
Origin:
Hebrew; SpanishMeaning:
"gold; peace"Description:
Paz is an appealing Spanish name meaning "peace", derived from the Latin "pax". It's usually feminine in Spanish, but could also make an interesting literary choice for a boy, honoring the writer Octavio Paz.
- Arela
Description:
Arela is a delicate feminine name with possible Hebrew origins, where it may be related to the word "ara'el" meaning "angel" or "hero of God." In some interpretations, it could be a variation of Ariella, meaning "lion of God." Arela might also have roots in other cultures, such as being a variant of the Spanish Araceli, meaning "altar of the sky." This melodious name remains relatively uncommon but offers a beautiful alternative to more popular names like Aria or Arielle. Its gentle rhythm and soft ending sound create a name that feels both graceful and distinctive, with an ethereal quality that many parents find appealing.
- Meshach
Origin:
AkkadianMeaning:
"who is what Aku is?"Description:
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 God. Meshach Taylor is an actor who has been featured on several sitcoms.
- Jael
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"mountain goat"Description:
This attractive Old Testament option is the name of a place in northern Israel.
- Harrell
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"God's mount"Description:
While everyone may think you said "Harold," this name sounds more up-to-date. And if you get tired of explaining, you can always call him Harry.
- Amarli
Origin:
African, Swahili; HebrewMeaning:
"occupation, activity; my work"Description:
This multi-cultural name has a pleasant, delicate sound. Variations include Amali and Amalya,both of which mean industrious.
- Zahavi
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"gold"Description:
A Middle Eastern name rarely heard here, but with a certain swashbuckling charm.
- Galil
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"rolling hills, cylinder"Description:
Refers to the hilly region of Galilee, an easily assimilated Israeli name.
- Ahab
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"uncle"Description:
Hard to think of this name without "Captain" in front of it.
- Gali
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"wave"Description:
Sprightly name popular in Israel with beachy meaning and international flex.
- Bethesda
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"house of mercy"Description:
Unlike other place names, this one might be tied too tightly to a single locale -- the Maryland suburb of D. C. -- to work as a first name.
- Tziporah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"bird"Description:
Biblical wife of Moses whose name has many variations, with and without the initial T and final h, with one p or two. However you spell it, it's an original choice that also carries teasing potential; those zipper jokes will get old fast, though Zippy is a cute nickname.
- Galya
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"God has redeemed, hill of God"Description:
Well used in Israel and in Russia, either on its own or as an endearment for Galila or Galina.
- Yehudit
Origin:
Hebrew variation of JudithDescription:
Stuck in the Old Country.
- Yeshaya
Description:
Yeshaya is a masculine name with Hebrew origins, serving as a variant of Isaiah (Yesha'yahu in Hebrew). The name means "salvation of God" or "God is salvation," reflecting its deeply religious roots. While less common than Isaiah in Western countries, Yeshaya maintains popularity particularly in Jewish communities, especially among Orthodox families. It carries the gravitas of its biblical connection to the major prophet Isaiah, who authored the Book of Isaiah in the Old Testament. The name combines spiritual significance with a distinctive sound, making it both meaningful and unique for parents seeking a name with religious heritage.
- Chava
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"life"Description:
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, English speakers could always learn.
- Tira
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"small village"Description:
Tyra would be a more modern pick.
- Rosh
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"chief"Description:
Rosh is not Ross, not Rush, but an improvement on both of those more familiar names. The Biblical Rosh was a son of Benjamin, so you might consider it to honor a father or otherwise ancestral Benjamin. Very much associated with the Jewish New Year holiday, Rosh Hashanah.
- Joella
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"the Lord is God"Description:
Most modern parents would drop the Jo, leaving the superpopular Ella.
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