Yiddish Names

Chaya

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

"life; shadow, shade"

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…

Goldie

Anglicized form of Yiddish Golde or Golda

"gold"

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…

Zisel

Zisel is a feminine Yiddish name with roots in Eastern European Jewish communities. The name derives from the Yiddish word for 'sweet' or 'sweetness,' reflecting the tradition of giving names with…

Yetta

Yiddish

"light"

Too close to yenta.

Hava

Modern variation of Eve

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…

Chava

Hebrew

"life"

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,…

Ita

Irish

"thirst"

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…

Frayda

Yiddish

"joy"

An old favorite in traditional Jewish families.

Freyde

Freyde is a feminine name with Yiddish origins, traditionally used in Jewish communities. It derives from the Yiddish word for 'joy' or 'happiness' (פרײדע), making it a name with inherently positive…

Yidel

Yidel is a feminine name with Yiddish origins, derived from the name 'Yehudah' (Judah), meaning 'praised' or 'thanksgiving'. It developed as a diminutive form used in Jewish communities of Eastern…

Dine

Dine is an uncommon feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may function as a shortened form of names like Geraldine or Bernardine. In French, 'Dine' can be a diminutive suffix added to…

Yehudah

Variation of Judith, Hebrew

"woman from Judea"

Yehudah is the Old World variation of Judith, used mostly for boys.

Yehudit

Hebrew variation of Judith

Stuck in the Old Country.

Charna

Yiddish

"dark, black"

Popular name in Israel, worth considering for a dark-haired daughter with a bit of a bohemian cast.

Hudes

Hudes is an uncommon feminine name with several possible origins. It may derive from a surname of Spanish or Portuguese Jewish origin, possibly connected to the Hebrew name 'Yehuda' (Judah), meaning…

Yutke

Yutke is an unusual feminine name with obscure origins. It may have roots in indigenous American cultures or possibly stem from Eastern European or Asian naming traditions, though specific etymology…

Yudel

Yudel is a feminine name with Yiddish origins, traditionally functioning as a diminutive form of Yehuda (Judah). Despite its usual association as a male name in Yiddish-speaking communities, it…

Pessa

Yiddish

"pearl"

Old-fashioned enough to the American ear that literally no baby girls received the name in the US in the most recent year counted. Though might Pessa provide a more unique spin on Tessa? It certainly…

Sisel

Sisel is a feminine name with Yiddish origins, primarily used in Jewish Ashkenazi communities. It is believed to be a diminutive form of the Hebrew name Susanna, meaning 'lily' or 'rose.' In some…