Yiddish Names

Yiddish baby names came close to being extinct at one point, but now are undergoing a revival along with the Yiddish language and a fashion for vintage names with personal meanings. Jewish parents may want to honor an ancestor with a Yiddish name or simply find names for a son or daughter that honor the Yiddish language as a component of their Jewish heritage.

Browse all of Nameberry's Yiddish names, originally brought to the US a century or more ago by Ashkenazic Jews immigrating from Germany and Eastern Europe, on the complete roster here. 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. Goldie
    • Origin:

      Anglicized form of Yiddish Golde or Golda
    • Meaning:

      "gold"
    • Description:

      Goldie is a shimmering new addition to the nickname name lineup, and became one of the fastest rising girl names in 2023. After peaking at Number 114 in 1904-1905, Goldie slid off the list completely in 1958. She re-entered the US Top 1000 again in 2021.
  2. Tevel
    • Origin:

      Hebrew, Yiddish
    • Meaning:

      "world, universe"
    • Description:

      Derived from the Hebrew word for "universe, macrocosm, world", this modern choice may appeal to those who like Evren for its meaning.
  3. Brick
    • Origin:

      Word name, various origins
    • Description:

      This is an Anglicized form of various names; the Irish Gaelic O Bruic; German, Bruck or Breck, meaning "swamp" or "wood"; Yiddish, Brik, "bridge"; and Slovenian, Bric, "dweller from a hilly place." Gosh, and we thought it was just a macho word name invented by Tennessee Williams for the hero of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.
  4. Liev
    • Origin:

      Yiddish variation of Lev
    • Meaning:

      "heart"
    • Description:

      Liev Schreiber's birth name is Isaac Liev, Liev after his mother's favorite Russia author, Leo Tolstoy. Though Liev is increasing in popularity in the secular world thanks to the actor, it originated as a Yiddish diminutive.
  5. Chaya
    • Origin:

      Feminization of Chayyim or Chaim, Hebrew, Hindi, "life; shadow, shade"
    • Meaning:

      "life; shadow, shade"
    • Description:

      A life-affirming name of Hebrew origin, currently popular in Israel, Chaya has also risen up the charts in both the US and the UK in recent years. Used as a common name for leafy shrub in Mexico, it shares the same root as Chava, Eve, and Eva.
  6. Evron
    • Description:

      Evron is a masculine name with Hebrew origins, possibly derived from 'evron' meaning 'crossing' or as a variation of Ephron, a biblical name meaning 'dust' or 'fawn-like'. This uncommon name has a modern, distinctive sound while maintaining ancient roots. Evron may also relate to geographical locations, including a region in Israel. The name has never been widely popular in English-speaking countries, remaining a rare choice that offers uniqueness without being completely unfamiliar in structure. Its balanced combination of consonants and vowels gives it a pleasant rhythm. Parents might choose Evron seeking a name with biblical connections but a contemporary feel and relative uniqueness.
  7. Ita
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "thirst"
    • Description:

      The name of one of the most famous medieval Irish saints, who was known as "the foster-mother of the saints," and founded a nunnery in the county of Limerick. Might be of interest to someone looking for an unusual 3-letter name.
  8. Adi
    • Description:

      Adi is a multicultural masculine name with diverse origins and meanings across several traditions. In Hebrew, it means 'jewel' or 'ornament,' while in Sanskrit it can mean 'first' or 'beginning.' The name also has Germanic roots where it serves as a short form of names containing the element 'adal' meaning 'noble.' This concise, two-syllable name has gained popularity in Israel, India, and increasingly in Western countries drawn to its simplicity and international appeal. Adi travels well across cultures and is appreciated for its modern feel despite ancient origins. Its brevity makes it both memorable and easy to pronounce in multiple languages, contributing to its growing global usage.
  9. Shem
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "name"
    • Description:

      This down-to-earth Bible name is surprisingly little-used, considering the popularity of other Old Testament names. Shem was Noah's eldest son, and is the origin of the term Semitic (as in the language family).
  10. Roza
    • Origin:

      Russian and Polish variation of Rosa
    • Description:

      Adds some zest to Rosa.
  11. Zelig
    • Origin:

      Yiddish variation of Selig
    • Meaning:

      "blessed, happy"
    • Description:

      A super quirky and upbeat choice, if it can ever shake off its ubiquitous-guy Woody Allen identity.
  12. Shmulke
    • Description:

      Shmulke is a masculine name with Yiddish origins, functioning as a diminutive form of Shmuel (the Hebrew equivalent of Samuel). The suffix '-ke' adds an affectionate or endearing quality, similar to adding '-y' or '-ie' in English. Common in Eastern European Jewish communities during the 19th and early 20th centuries, Shmulke conveys warmth and familiarity within traditional Ashkenazi culture. The name declined in usage following World War II and subsequent assimilation of Jewish communities into mainstream society. Today, Shmulke is rarely given as a formal name but might be used as a nickname in Yiddish-speaking families or communities preserving traditional naming patterns.

  13. Issur
    • Description:

      Issur is a masculine name with Hebrew and Yiddish origins. It may have developed as a variation of the Hebrew name Isser or Issar, which is believed to be related to the Hebrew word 'asur' meaning 'bound' or 'forbidden.' The name gained some recognition as the birth name of actor Kirk Douglas, who was born Issur Danielovitch before adopting his stage name. In Jewish communities, particularly among Ashkenazi Jews, the name has historical usage though it remains relatively uncommon in mainstream society. Issur has a strong, distinctive sound with its double 's' and concise ending. The name carries a sense of heritage and cultural connection for those with Jewish ancestry, while offering a rare and distinctive option for parents seeking a name with historical depth.
  14. Chava
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "life"
    • Description:

      The Hebrew, Biblical form of Eve. While English speakers will likely find the forms Ava or Eve easier in everyday life, Chava is a lovely variation for a family that speaks Hebrew or Yiddish - plus, English speakers could always learn.
  15. Yankel
    • Description:

      Yankel is a masculine name with Yiddish origins, traditionally used as an affectionate form of Jacob (Yaakov in Hebrew). Popular among Ashkenazi Jewish communities in Eastern Europe, Yankel carries warm, familial associations within Jewish cultural contexts. The name traveled with Jewish immigrants to America and other countries, though it has typically been replaced by more mainstream versions like Jacob or Jack in subsequent generations. Yankel evokes a sense of old-world charm and connection to Jewish heritage. While less common today as a formal given name, it continues to appear in Jewish literature, folklore, and as a nickname. The name resonates with cultural significance, often representing traditional Jewish values and community ties.
  16. Yeshua
    • Origin:

      Variation of Joshua, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "the Lord is my salvation"
    • Description:

      Yeshua is often considered the "real" name of Jesus, via the Hebrew to Greek to Latin to English evolution of Yeshua to Iesous to Iesus to Jesus. It is also used as a common alternative of Yehoshua in the later parts of the Hebrew Bible, making it a variation of Joshuah.
  17. Hava
    • Origin:

      Modern variation of Eve
    • Description:

      Hava is an anglicization of the Hebrew name Chava, which, like its English form Eve, means "life". In some accents, it may sound like "have a", so it's worth considering if this will be an issue combined with a last name. But overall, it's an elegantly simple name with a great meaning.
  18. Zalman
    • Origin:

      Variation of Solomon
    • Meaning:

      "peace"
    • Description:

      More familiar now via its Salman form, thanks to author Rushdie; this is an unusual biblical alternative.
  19. Lazer
    • Origin:

      Yiddish variation of Eliezer or Lazarus
    • Meaning:

      "God helps"
    • Description:

      Lazer has some biblical cred as a form of Eliezer, Eleazar, or Lazarus, all relatives, and it's also a modern bad boy name a la Ranger and Breaker. Our recommendation would be to use one of the biblical forms as the proper name and Lazer as a nickname.
  20. Rifka
    • Origin:

      Yiddish variation of Rivka, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "to tie, bind"
    • Description:

      The Yiddish form of Rivka hums along at the bottom of the baby name charts. It's been given to anywhere between 5 and 20 baby girls since the late '60s. Rivka is currently more than 30 times as popular, but for Jewish families, the softer (but still saucy) Rifka may be due for a comeback.

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