Hebrew Names
Across 42 pages
of 42
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.…
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 --…
Jethra
Feminization of Jethro, Hebrew
"excellence"
Rare and ethereal.
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…
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…
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.
Joby
Hebrew
"persecuted"
Reduces and lightens up the Job connection even further, sounding like a lively, Jody-like nickname name.
Joella
Hebrew
"the Lord is God"
Most modern parents would drop the Jo, leaving the superpopular Ella.
Jola
Hebrew
"God is willing"
Could be used to honor a Joel.
Joëlle
Hebrew
"the Lord is God"
A French name that's lost its chic.
Jora
Hebrew
"autumn rain"
Unique possibility for a girl born between September and November.
Jardena
Jardena is a feminine name with Hebrew origins, derived from the word "yarden" meaning "to flow down" or "descend," which is also the source of the name for the Jordan River. The addition of the…
Josepha
Feminine variation of Joseph, Hebrew
"Jehovah increases"
Josepha is less heard in this country than in other parts of the world, seen as a slightly awkward feminization a la Ricarda and Benjamina. In the U.S., Josephine or Joanna is the more usual feminine…
Jubilee
Hebrew
"ram's horn"
Jubilee has a joyous and jubilant aura, but it wouldn't be an easy name to carry, what with all that pressure to be a living, breathing, 24-7 party. Jubilee was the name selected by television's…
Jude
Latin diminutive of Judith or variation of Judah, Hebrew, Arabic
"praised; to be generous and good to others"
Jude may be a popular boys' name, thanks to Jude Law, but boyish nicknames for girls - like Frankie and Teddy - are on trend and Jude is also a new way to spin Judy or Judith. It's long been used…
Yehudit
Hebrew variation of Judith
Stuck in the Old Country.
Kelila
Hebrew
"laurel, crown"
Kelila, which can also be spelled Kelilah, is a more distinctive and attractive Kayla relative.
Keren
Hebrew
"ram's horn, ray of light"
Israeli-born singer Keren Ann introduced this traditional Hebrew name to the US, where it could well be mistaken for Karen. Nevertheless, 100 girls were given the name in a recent year.
Keryn
Keryn is a feminine name of Celtic origin, though it can occasionally be used for boys as well. It represents a modern variation of the Welsh name Ceryn or can be seen as a feminized version of…
Kaylie
Short form of Kayla, Arabic and Hebrew
"laurel, crown"
A cute nickname name that's risen high over the past decade or so, more especially as Kaylee, this name combines the attributes of Hailey and Kayla, Kylie and Callie.