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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. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Sarita

    • Origin:

      Italian and Spanish, diminutive of Sara

    • Description:

      Delicately pretty name all but unknown here.
  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. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. Rimona

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "pomegranate"

    • Description:

      Well used in Israel, likely to be confused with Ramona here.
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. 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.

  17. 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.
  18. Armoni

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "chestnut; palace"

    • Description:

      Armoni may for some be an alternate spelling of the popular designer name Armani, but in Hebrew the word pronounced ar-moan means chestnut, so this can make an original gender neutral nature name, with a melodic feel.
  19. Binyamin

    • Description:

      Binyamin is the traditional Hebrew form of Benjamin, a masculine name with deep biblical roots. In the Hebrew Bible, Binyamin was the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, and the founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The name carries rich meaning, traditionally interpreted as "son of the right hand" or "son of the south," symbolizing strength and favor. Widely used in Jewish communities worldwide, Binyamin represents cultural heritage and religious tradition. While Benjamin is more common in Western countries, Binyamin remains the preferred form in Israel and among traditional Jewish families. The name combines historical significance with a timeless quality that has maintained its relevance across centuries.

  20. Revkah

    • Description:

      Revkah is a variant spelling of Rebecca (Rivkah in Hebrew), a name with biblical origins meaning "to bind" or "to tie." In the Hebrew Bible, Rebecca was the wife of Isaac and mother of Jacob and Esau. This particular spelling preserves the Hebrew pronunciation more closely than the common English Rebecca, while adding a distinctive visual element. The 'v' instead of 'b' reflects the traditional Hebrew pronunciation, making it appealing to those seeking a more authentic connection to the name's Jewish roots. While less common than standard spellings, Revkah offers a unique option that maintains the name's rich heritage and meaning. The name projects qualities of beauty, wisdom and strength associated with the biblical matriarch.