Israeli Names
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.
- Lior
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"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.
- Armin
Origin:
Form of Herman or ArmenMeaning:
"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.
- Davi
Origin:
Portuguese variation of David, HebrewMeaning:
"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.
- 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.
- Arman
Origin:
Form of Herman or Armen, French, Armenian, Persian, Kazakh, TurkishMeaning:
"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.
- Micaela
Origin:
Italian, Spanish, and Israeli variation of MichaelaMeaning:
"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.
- Astera
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"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.
- Lior
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Dani
Origin:
Diminutive of DanielDescription:
Seen as feminine in English-speaking countries, Dani is a Top 100 boy name in the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Bosnia & Herzegovina.
- 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.
- 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.
- Rashka
Description:
Rashka is an uncommon feminine name with possible Eastern European or Slavic origins. The name may be a variant of Rashka, a historical region in Serbia, or could be derived from similar Slavic names. It has a distinctive and melodious quality with its 'sh' sound followed by a crisp 'ka' ending. While not widely used in Western countries, Rashka carries an exotic appeal and might be chosen by parents seeking a unique name with cultural significance. The name has remained relatively rare in popularity charts, maintaining its distinctive character and uniqueness for those who bear it.
- Sarita
Origin:
Italian and Spanish diminutive of Sara, HebrewMeaning:
"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.
- Rimona
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"pomegranate"Description:
Well used in Israel, likely to be confused with Ramona here.
- Inbar
Origin:
IsraeliMeaning:
"amber"Description:
Fashionable choice in modern Israel, also a place-name there, not likely to succeed here.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.