Hebrew Girl Names

Pella

Scandinavian, diminutive of Petronella, or Hebrew

"stone or marvel of God"

This rare name crosses cultures. With the popularity of Ella and Bella, perhaps we'll hear more of Pella one day soon?

Peniel

Biblical place name, Hebrew

"face of God"

This rare Biblical place name refers to a river bank in Jordan where Jacob wrestled with an angel and changed his name to Israel.

Penina

Hebrew

"pearl"

A jewel-encrusted choice, far more unusual than Pearl.

Peri

Greek; Hebrew; Persian

"mountain dweller; fruit; fairy"

This name used for both sexes in several cultures is quite well used in Israel.

Raanana

Hebrew

"beautiful, fresh"

Lovely Hebrew name with distinctive double a's, but beware of possible "banana" teasing.

Rahel

Hebrew

"ewe, female sheep"

Rahel is an alternative spelling of Rachel, used mostly used in Germany, Estonia, and Switzerland, though it might also be considered an Assyrian and Turkish form and a Hindi form (also written as…

Rae

English, diminutive of Rachel, Hebrew

"ewe"

All the old ae/ay middle names for girls are back — Kay, Fay, Mae/May — and Rae is one of the coolest, used as such by celebrities as Mark Wahlberg and Daniel Baldwin. Even more popular in the…

Rachael

Variation of Rachel, Hebrew

"ewe"

This form of the Biblical Rachel is well-used despite its somewhat counter-intuitive spelling which can make English speakers think the name should be pronounced with a k sound, as in Raquel. The…

Rafaela

Spanish and Portuguese version of Hebrew Raphaela

"God has healed"

This euphonious and lovely name is an internationally appealing choice, that, like Gabriela and Isabela before it, is beginning to be drawn into the American mainstream. Also spelled Raffaella…

Rimona

Hebrew

"pomegranate"

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

Ranita

Hebrew

"song"

Delicate embellishment of Rani.

Raphaela

Hebrew, feminine variation of Raphael

"God has healed"

A euphonious and lovely name with a dark-eyed, long-flowing-haired image, Raphaela is, like Gabriella and Isabella, beginning to be drawn into the American mainstream.

Rafya

Rafya is a feminine name with multicultural origins. It likely derives from Arabic roots, possibly related to 'Rafia' which means 'high status' or 'exalted.' In some cultures, it may be connected to…

Rafia

Rafia is a feminine name with multicultural origins, finding roots in Arabic, Persian, and Urdu traditions. In Arabic, the name means 'high' or 'exalted,' suggesting elevation and nobility of…

Raffaela

German variation of Hebrew Raphaela

"God heals"

Whether spelled Raffaela, Rafaela, Raffaella, or Raphaela, a euphonius name with a dark-eyed, long-flowing-haired image. Like Gabriella and Isabella, is beginning to be drawn into the American…

Raphia

Raphia is a feminine name with botanical origins, referring to a genus of palm trees native to tropical regions of Africa and Asia. The name has a melodic quality with its flowing sounds. While…

Raia

Spelling variation of Raya

The popularity of Maya clarifies the pronunciation of Raya, which makes that the better spelling of this name.

Reba

Hebrew

"fourth born"

Tied to country singer/sitcom star Reba McEntire.

Rebekka

Variation of Rebecca, Hebrew

"servant of God"

Rebekka is a more creative spelling -- at least in some people's opinion -- of the biblical favorite Rebecca. Rebekka is also the usual German version. The Rebekkah spelling was commonly used in…

Riva

Hebrew

"maiden"

A modernization of the Hebrew Rivka, which doesn't sound so modern anymore.