Hebrew Names

Yes, it's a word name, but Busy is also a rare pet form of Elizabeth. And yes, actress Busy Philipps was christened Elizabeth--she was given the nickname because she was such an active child. She must have been happy with the name, because she also gave her daughters adorable <a href="https://nameberry.com/unique-names">unique baby names</a>, Birdie and Cricket.

Busy

Bethenny is the spelling introduced to the world by and closely associated with Real Housewife of New York Bethenny Frankel.  While the name has a bit of charm, we recommend sticking with the original Bethany spelling.

Bethenny

Zibby is the adorable, zippy nickname for Elizabeth used for the lead female character in the film "Liberal Arts."  Zibby can make a Libby for the 21st century.

Zibby

Bizzy has a 1930s wisecracking waitress -- think Mitzi, Flossie, Fanny -- feel to it, yet at the same time feels like a fresh, modern nickname for Elizabeth.  Given that any Bizzy better be, this name could be a way to make your Elizabeth stand out.

Bizzy

The archetypal diminutive, in every sense of the word. Bitsy enjoyed some use as a nickname in the era when children were named after family members and then called by a cute pet name: Chip, Skip, Babe, Bitsy. As a full name, it has made the US list only three times: in 1943, 1958 and 1962.

Bitsy

Niria is the female equivalent of Nir and may also be found as Nira.  This simple, pleasant name has an earthy meaning.

Niria

Also spelled Bethia and Bithiah, this Old Testament name could wear well today.  Bethea might make an original way to honor an ancestral Elizabeth or get to the nickname Beth.

Bethea

One of the rarer names to come from the Bible, Cherith has a fresh and modern sound despite its ancient roots. Cherith was the name of the stream that kept Elijah alive during the three years' drought which he announced to King Ahab. 
 
In English, Cherith pleasingly reminds one of the word cherish which is another plus to this underused girls' name, while also having similar sounds to choices like Edith and Delyth.

Cherith

Shalailah is a soft name made most familiar by journalist Shalailah Medhora. Given the popularity of Layla and all her variants, Shalailah has potential for parents looking for something off the beaten track.

Shalailah

In Genesis, this is the name of a son of Abraham and Keturah, and it's also a place name. Negative meaning aside, Midian is an attractive name with deep roots that's exceedingly rare. They call that a Trifecta.

Midian

Abital is popular for boys as well as girls in Israel, but we rarely hear it here. In the Old Testament, Abital was one of King David's wives and the mother of his fifth son.

Abital

Associated with the Jewish prophet and author of the Book of Amos in the Old Testament, Aamos is the Finnish and Estonian variation, ultimately deriving from the Hebrew amas meaning "load, burden", or more figuratively, "carried by God". 
 
It may be one to watch out for in Finland in coming years, following a 2026 poll <a href="https://kaksplus.fi/vauva/tama-on-kaunein-pojan-nimi-2026-kolmannella-sijalla-komeilee-yllattaja/">from a Finnish magazine</a> which asked parents what they thought the most beautiful baby names were. The poll (which allowed parents to vote 1-3 options from a list of 100 or write in their own choice) saw Aamos ranking in 3rd place for boys, despite being absent from the previous Top 100 in Finland. 
 
The magazine suggested the interest in Aamos may result from a more general interest in international names that are popular outside of Finland (such as Atlas, Isla, and Noel) and because it fits into the trend for soft, smooth names, like Onni, Elias, Aapo, Emil, and Aatos.

Aamos

A rare Biblical name that may appeal as an alternative to Abraham, Abel, Abner, Ebenezer, and similar, Abiezer appears several times in the Old Testament. Borne by one of King David's warriors, it means "father of help" combining the elements that also make up Ezra and Abram. 
 
The name was borne by a 17th century prophetic writer, Abiezer Coppe, but it has been used very sparingly in the US, only appearing in the stats twice since 1880. Still, with names like Hezekiah, Jaziel, Abbott, and Ezekiel catching attention, Abiezer could make a totally unexpected choice with a familiar Biblical vibe about it.
 
While nickname Abi might put some parents off, Ezri, Abe, Ezra, Aza, Ezer, and Bez could be other options.

Abiezer

A rare Biblical name, appearing several times in the Old Testament, Abimlech was given (generically) to Philistine kings during the time of Abraham and David. Most notably, it is borne by Abimelech of Gerar  and Abimelech, son of Jerubbaal, neither of whom have the most positive associations, the former having taken Abraham's wife, Sarah, and the latter having killed all but one of his seventy brothers. 


Abimelech

Abisha is a feminine name with biblical and Hebrew origins, derived from the name Abishai, meaning 'father of a gift' or 'my father is a gift.' The original masculine form appears in the Old Testament as one of King David's mighty warriors and the nephew of David. The feminine adaptation Abisha maintains the meaningful connection to 'gift' while offering a softer sound. This uncommon name has been occasionally used in Christian communities, particularly among those who appreciate its biblical heritage. Abisha has a melodic quality with its three syllables and gentle ending. While never reaching widespread popularity in Western countries, the name has an exotic yet accessible quality that appeals to parents seeking a distinctive name with historical depth and spiritual significance.

Abisha

A zippy nickname-style choice, which may also feel a bit like a surname, Abry could be considered a variation of popular Aubrey, a feminine form of Biblical Abraham, or a spin on the Spanish month name, Abril. Additionally, there's Abrielle, which could mean "God is my father". 

Abry

Also appearing as Amoz, and not to be confused with Amos, Amotz is a Hebrew name, borne by the father of the Prophet Isaiah, who is also theorized to be the brother of Amaziah, King of Judah. Notable bearers include biologist Amotz Zahavi and composer Amotz Plessner. 

Amotz

Not to be confused with the name Amos, Amoz is a separate Hebrew name, borne by the father of the Prophet Isaiah, and also theorized to be the brother of Amaziah, King of Judah. It can also be written as Amotz. 

Amoz

Do you love the likes of Raphael, Amadeus, and Azrael but want something rarer? This Hebrew Biblical option, borne by a king of Shinar (also known as Sumar) who appears in the Book of Genesis, has an intriguingly dark meaning, likely coming from amar meaning "talk, command" and aphel meaning "dark, obscure". Other sources link the second element to apilah giving it the alternative meaning of "to cast and command down".

Amraphel

Amos and Asa meet Nathan and Nathaniel in this succinct Biblical name, appearing in the Old Testament as the father of Shamgar. Pronounced as AY-nath in in English, in Hebrew, it would be ah-naht. 
 
Rarely used for boys, Anath is now used predominantly for girls, after the Semitic goddess of fertility and hunting.

Anath

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 49)