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Israeli Names

Nameberry
By Nameberry
Updated Thu Nov 30 2023
Modern Israeli baby names tend to be short and unisex. While most parents in Israel use Hebrew names, conventional Biblical names are out of fashion while names relating to weather and nature are in style. Popular Israeli names are often those that translate easily to English or other cultures. Unusual names are preferred, but unique or invented ones are not.

Here is Nameberry's collection of Israeli baby names. For more information, see our blog on Israeli baby names. The top names below rank among the current US Top 1000 Baby Names and are ordered by popularity. Unique names rank below the Top 1000 and are listed alphabetically.
  1. Lior

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "I have a light"

    • Description:

      Lior is a unisex name frequently heard in Israel, capturing the popular light theme through its meaning. For English speakers, the one down side is possible pronunciation confusion with "liar," though it's really lee-OR, with a long e sound and emphasis on the second syllable.
  2. Micaela

    • Origin:

      Italian, Spanish, and Israeli variation of Michaela

    • Meaning:

      "who is like God"

    • Description:

      The original versions of Micaela have morphed into all manner of "inventive" spellings -- Makayla, McKalla et al -- but we prefer the genuine international versions, like this one.
  3. Armin

    • Origin:

      Form of Herman or Armen

    • Meaning:

      "soldier or wish, hope"

    • Description:

      Possibly related to the Ermin- names (which gave us Emma and her variants) or to Herman OR to the Persian/Kazakh/Armenian names Arman or Armen, this is an unusual choice which fits current trends.
  4. Lior

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "I have a light"

    • Description:

      Lior connects with several factors stylish for Israeli names: It's short, it's unisex, and it has an uplifting nature theme. Lior might make a more modern spin on Leah.
  5. Yehoshua

    • Description:

      Yehoshua is a masculine name of Hebrew origin and is the original form of the names Joshua and Jesus. It combines the elements 'Yeho,' referring to God, and 'shua,' meaning 'salvation' or 'deliverance,' thus translating to 'God is salvation.' This powerful name carries profound religious significance in Jewish and Christian traditions. While the anglicized form Joshua is quite common, Yehoshua remains closer to its ancient Hebrew roots, making it popular among those maintaining traditional Hebrew naming practices. The name appears throughout the Hebrew Bible, most notably as Moses' successor who led the Israelites into the Promised Land. Yehoshua continues to be used in Jewish communities worldwide.
  6. Avner

    • Description:

      Avner is a masculine name of Hebrew origin meaning 'father of light' or 'my father is a lamp,' composed of 'av' (father) and 'ner' (light or lamp). It appears in the Bible as the name of King Saul's commander, Abner, with Avner being the modern Hebrew pronunciation. The name has been consistently used in Jewish communities, particularly in Israel, but remains relatively uncommon in the broader Western world. Avner carries significant cultural and religious meaning while offering a distinctive sound that works well cross-culturally. Its biblical roots provide historical depth, while its concise two-syllable structure feels contemporary. The name suggests qualities of wisdom and guidance through its literal meaning of bringing or being light. Avner has seen modest increased usage as parents seek names with both cultural significance and uniqueness.
  7. Dani

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Daniel

    • Description:

      Seen as feminine in English-speaking countries, Dani is a Top 100 boy name in the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Bosnia & Herzegovina.
  8. Astera

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "Aster"

    • Description:

      Pronounced as-TAIR-ah, this is one of many frequently heard Israeli flower names. Other floral choices popular in Israel include Dafna, which means laurel; Dailia; Irit, which means daffodil; and Vered, which means rose.
  9. Davi

    • Origin:

      Portuguese variation of David, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "beloved"

    • Description:

      Davi is a Portuguese variant of David, meaning 'beloved'. It is especially popular in Brazil, where it ranks in the Top 10 names for boys. A rising star in the UK in 2023, Davi was also given to around 140 boys in the US in the same year. While some parents outside of Portuguese speaking communities might be using the name as a streamlined and modern twist on David, the original Portuguese pronunciation is slightly different to the English DAY-vee, and is said da-VEE.
  10. Daniyel

    • Description:

      Daniyel is a multicultural variation of Daniel, a name with Hebrew origins meaning 'God is my judge.' This distinctive spelling reflects influences from various cultures, including Yiddish, Turkish, and Middle Eastern naming traditions. While the traditional Daniel has been consistently popular throughout history, Daniyel offers a more unique alternative with the same Biblical heritage. The name carries the story of the biblical prophet Daniel, known for his wisdom and ability to interpret dreams. Daniyel provides parents with a way to honor this traditional name while adding a distinctive, international flair. Though less common than the standard spelling, Daniyel has gradually gained recognition in multicultural communities and among parents seeking familiar names with unique spellings.
  11. Micha

    • Description:

      Micha is a feminine name with ancient Hebrew origins, though it's used across multiple cultures and genders. It's most commonly recognized as a shortened form of Michael (meaning "who is like God?") or Michaela. In German and Dutch-speaking regions, Micha is an established name in its own right, while in Hebrew contexts it relates to the biblical prophet Micah. The name has a soft, melodic quality while maintaining a sense of strength. Micha offers cultural versatility, fitting comfortably in diverse linguistic environments. Its brevity gives it a modern feel despite its ancient roots. While never reaching tremendous popularity in English-speaking countries, Micha has maintained steady usage, particularly appealing to parents seeking a name with spiritual connections that remains straightforward and approachable. The name balances uniqueness with recognizability, cultural depth with contemporary style.

  12. Armon

    • Description:

      Armon is a masculine name with diverse cultural connections. It likely derives from Hebrew origins, possibly related to the name Harmon or Hermon (a mountain mentioned in biblical texts), suggesting 'elevated' or 'sacred mountain.' Alternative origins include Armenian heritage or a variation of Armand, which has Germanic roots meaning 'army man' or 'soldier.' The name has a strong, modern sound while maintaining cross-cultural appeal. Armon remains relatively uncommon in popularity rankings, giving it distinction without being difficult to pronounce or spell. Its two-syllable structure with emphasis on the first syllable follows a classic pattern for masculine names, offering a balance between uniqueness and accessibility that appeals to contemporary parents seeking something subtly distinctive.
  13. Sarita

    • Origin:

      Italian and Spanish diminutive of Sara, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "princess"

    • Description:

      Sarita is a delicately pretty name all but unknown in the US, where it can make an original honor name for an ancestral Sara....or Rita. Rita is a midcentury favorite tiptoeing back into style among adventurous parents.
  14. Revka

    • Description:

      Revka is a feminine name of Eastern European and Jewish origin, functioning as a diminutive form of the Hebrew name 'Rivka' (Rebecca). The name means 'to bind' or 'to connect,' reflecting themes of unity and relationship. With its distinctive yet accessible sound, Revka carries a blend of traditional resonance and unique character. While never achieving widespread popularity in Western countries, it has maintained consistent usage within Jewish communities, particularly those with Eastern European heritage. The name's concise structure and soft ending vowel give it a gentle quality while still sounding distinctive. Revka offers a somewhat uncommon alternative to the more familiar Rebecca while preserving its rich cultural and biblical connections.
  15. Davita

    • Description:

      Davita is a feminine name with Hebrew origins, functioning as a feminine form of David, which means "beloved." The name carries the same meaningful connotation of being cherished or adored. With its soft sounds and flowing quality, Davita offers a distinctive yet accessible option for parents seeking a name with biblical connections. While not among the most common names in the United States, Davita has maintained steady but limited usage throughout the years. The name received some recognition through author Chaim Potok's novel "In the Beginning," which featured a character named Davita. The name appeals to those seeking a name with Hebrew roots that feels both traditional and somewhat unique.
  16. Michla

    • Description:

      Michla is a feminine name with Yiddish origins, primarily found in Jewish communities with Eastern European heritage. It's a diminutive form of Michal or Michaela, ultimately deriving from the Hebrew name Michael, meaning 'Who is like God?' This question is understood as rhetorical, implying no one compares to God. Michla carries the warmth of traditional Yiddish naming customs while connecting to the ancient biblical tradition. Though uncommon outside Jewish communities, the name represents cultural continuity and heritage for those who choose it. Its soft sound combined with its powerful meaning creates a name that balances gentleness and strength. Michla remains relatively rare in mainstream usage but holds special significance for families honoring Jewish naming traditions.
  17. Arman

    • Origin:

      Form of Herman or Armen, French, Armenian, Persian, Kazakh, Turkish

    • Meaning:

      "soldier; land of Armenia; wish, hope, purpose"

    • Description:

      One of those truly international names, with a similar feel to Roman, Arthur, and Artem, without the popularity, in the US at least. The name is in fact in the Top 50 in Armenia and Bosnia, while it also features in the UK Top 800.
  18. Sarit

    • Description:

      Sarit is a feminine name with multicultural origins, most prominently found in Hebrew and Indian traditions. In Hebrew, Sarit means 'princess' or can be considered a diminutive form of Sarah, meaning 'lady' or 'princess.' In Indian contexts, particularly in Sanskrit, Sarit can mean 'river' or 'flowing water,' symbolizing life and continuous movement. The name has been consistently used in Israel and among Jewish communities worldwide, while also having separate usage in Indian communities. Sarit's brevity and soft consonants give it a gentle, flowing quality that works well across language boundaries. Though never extremely common in Western countries, the name's simplicity and cross-cultural nature have given it modest but steady usage. Its concise, two-syllable structure makes it easily pronounceable in multiple languages.
  19. Rive

    • Description:

      Rive is an uncommon feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may derive from French, where 'rive' means 'shore' or 'riverbank,' suggesting a connection to nature and water. Alternatively, it could be related to the English word 'riveting,' conveying captivating qualities. Some consider it a short form of names like Rivera or a variant of Riva (which has Hebrew roots meaning 'to bind'). As a modern name choice, Rive appeals to parents seeking a brief, distinctive name with a contemporary feel. The name's simplicity, combined with rich potential meanings, offers versatility while remaining uncommon in most naming statistics. Its brevity gives it a crisp, modern sound that works well internationally.

  20. Ab

    • Description:

      Ab is a short masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Hebrew, it derives from 'אָב' (av) meaning 'father,' reflecting paternal significance in ancient societies. It appears in the Bible as a component of compound names and as the name of the fifth month in the Jewish calendar. In Arabic contexts, Ab can be a variant of Abd, meaning 'servant of.' The name also exists as a diminutive form of Albert or Abraham in some Western traditions. While historically present across several cultures, Ab remains quite rare as a standalone given name in modern usage, offering a distinctively brief, masculine sound with deep historical roots.