Hebrew Names
- Abbigail
Origin:
Spelling variation of Abigail, HebrewMeaning:
"my father is joyful"Description:
A fast-rising variation of Abigail that was shooting up the popularity charts a few years ago, but whose star is now falling now that Abigail is not quite as hot as she once was.
- Ilisha
Origin:
Hebrew variation of Alisha, ElishaDescription:
The relationship to "ill" makes this and similar names less pleasing than the versions that start with A or E.
- Avshalom
Description:
Avshalom is a masculine Hebrew name meaning 'father of peace' or 'my father is peace.' It appears in the Hebrew Bible as the name of King David's son (often transliterated as Absalom in English translations). The name combines 'av' (father) with 'shalom' (peace), reflecting important values in Jewish tradition. While relatively uncommon outside of Israel and Jewish communities, Avshalom carries deep cultural and religious significance. In Israel, it has maintained steady usage, connecting modern bearers to ancient biblical heritage. The name's biblical associations include a complex narrative, as the biblical Avshalom rebelled against his father, adding layers of historical depth to this traditional name with its inherently peaceful meaning.
- Ganya
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"clever"Description:
Tanya with a G.
- Berakhiah
Description:
Berakhiah is a Hebrew name of biblical origin meaning "blessed of God" or "God has blessed." It appears in the Old Testament as the name of several individuals, including a Levite musician and a father of the prophet Zechariah. The name combines "berakhah" (blessing) with the suffix "iah" (referring to God). Though relatively uncommon in contemporary usage, Berakhiah remains significant in Jewish tradition and scholarship. The name carries profound spiritual significance, emphasizing divine favor and gratitude. Its distinctive character and meaningful etymology might appeal to parents seeking a name with deep religious roots and a connection to ancient Hebrew heritage.
- Gavriella
Description:
Gavriella is a feminine name of Hebrew origin, the female form of Gabriel, meaning 'God is my strength' or 'devoted to God.' This elegant name combines biblical significance with a melodious quality. While less common than Gabriella (its variant spelling), Gavriella has gained modest popularity in Jewish communities and beyond. The name preserves the Hebrew pronunciation more closely than its variants, making it appealing to parents seeking authenticity. Gavriella offers numerous nickname possibilities, including Gavrie, Ella, or Rielle. With its beautiful sound, meaningful etymology, and balance between uniqueness and familiarity, Gavriella represents a choice that is distinctive without being difficult to pronounce or understand. Its usage has gradually increased in recent decades.
- Zippora
Origin:
Variation of Tziporah, HebrewMeaning:
"bird"Description:
This upstanding Old Testament name of the wife of Moses would almost inevitably provoke some tricky zipper teasing.
- Aleeza
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"joy"Description:
Aleeza is one of the most energetic of the legion of Alyssa/Alicia/Eliza names. Another spelling of Aleeza: Aliza.
- Rafya
Description:
Rafya is a feminine name with multicultural origins. It likely derives from Arabic roots, possibly related to 'Rafia' which means 'high status' or 'exalted.' In some cultures, it may be connected to 'raffia,' a type of palm known for its versatility and strength. The name has a melodic quality with its flowing syllables and exotic feel. Rafya remains relatively uncommon in Western countries, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking something unique yet pronounceable. The name carries a sense of natural beauty and resilience, possibly evoking images of desert landscapes or tropical environments depending on the cultural context. Its rarity gives a child named Rafya a sense of individuality from an early age.
- Erga
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"yearning, craving"
- Tamah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"innocent, honest"Description:
Gentler and much less frequently heard than Tamar.
- Naarah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"girl, maiden"Description:
Another rarely heard biblical name, with some possible pronunciation confusion.
- Galila
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"rolling hills"Description:
Interesting alternative to Dalila, relates to the Biblical Galilee.
- Jardena
Description:
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 feminine ending "-a" creates a graceful, flowing name with natural imagery. Jardena is uncommon in most Western countries but has some usage in Israel and among Jewish communities globally. The name carries connotations of natural beauty and biblical significance. With its melodic three syllables and unique sound, Jardena offers an uncommon choice with distinctive cultural roots and a connection to nature that might appeal to parents seeking something both meaningful and unusual.
- Ranita
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"song"Description:
Delicate embellishment of Rani.
- Tibbie
Origin:
Diminutive of ElizabethMeaning:
"pledged to God"Description:
An old-fashioned nickname that hasn't been heard in ages--Cute and unusual, but lacking the legs to stand on its own. Maybe save it for your kitten.