Hebrew Names

Gili

Not a traditional biblical choice, but the Philistine giant isn't a bad character as such, just a champion fighter who lost to the underdog. He has given his name to everything from insect species to roller coasters. In a time when we're seeing more biblical names with chequered associations — Leviathan and Cain spring to mind — Goliath may appeal to some.

Goliath

A rare, unisex Biblical name, with a similar feel to choices like Omar, Haziel, Gideon, and Ofir, but also to Montgomery and Grover. In the Bible, Gomer was both a son of Japheth (and therefore grandson of Noah), and the wife of the prophet Hosea. 
 Once associated mainly with the good natured but very naïve Gomer Pyle, a character from The Andy Griffith Show, Gomer is now linked to the medical abbreviation "Get Out of My Emergency Room", referring to a patient who doesn't appear to be in need of medical care.
 More generally and more derogatively, it might also be used to describe a difficult patient who is often readmitted, or a foolish and incompetent work colleague. And then, there's gomerization, an informal farming term for a type of animal neutering. Not the associations you'd want for a baby, for multiple reasons.

Gomer

Symbolic name given to both boys and girls born on Shavuot, the Feast of the Harvest. 

Goren

When considering the playground years, might be too close to gory. 

Guri

Hebrew name rarely heard in the U. S. , making it a distinctive choice. 

Guryon

A minor Old Testament prophet, and a (deservedly) even more minor name. 

Habakkuk

A Hebrew name also used for girls, with many variations to choose from. Hadara is another version. The name is associated with the holiday of Sukkot.

Hadar

Hanoch

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. 

Harrell

Ichabod, an eccentric Old Testament name, is forever tied to the character of Ichabod Crane -- and worse, the teasing possibilities of "icky bod."  Even its original meaning is a negative.  Skip Ichabod, as if you were ever tempted.

Ichabod

Straightforward yet intriguing, a winning combination. 

Arza

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.

Arela

Japhy Ryder was a hero of Jack Kerouac's Dharma Bums. Compared with Moses and Noah, Japhy sounds downright adorable and eminently baby-worthy.

Japhy

Unfortunately, everyone will just hear Jared. 

Jareb

Appearing in some versions of the Old Testament, Ardith sounds like an ethereal combination of Arden and Edith, with a sweet naturey meaning. Also appearing as Ardeth and Ardath, it was first considered as a first name after the writer Marie Corelli used Ardath as the name of her 1889 novel. It was at its peak in the 1930s, when it was given to 176 girls.

Ardith

Unknown but eminently usable choice, especially for Jewish parents, with lovely meaning. 

Arava

Erelah (and Erela and Erella) are feminine forms of the Hebrew unisex name Erel, which may be derived from Ariel.

Erelah

This feminine form of the Hebrew unisex name Erel, possibly a form of Ariel, is used in modern Israel. Also found as Erella and Erelah.

Erela

Jarden is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a modern variation of Jordan, which comes from the Hebrew name for the Jordan River, meaning "flowing down" or "descend." Alternatively, it could be related to the French word "jardin" meaning "garden." The name has a contemporary feel while maintaining a connection to established names. With its two syllables and strong consonant sounds, Jarden projects a modern, masculine energy. The name remains relatively uncommon, making it appealing to parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible and easy to pronounce. Its natural associations give it an earthy, grounded quality.

Jarden

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 44)