Hebrew Girl Names

The Hebrew equivalent to the Yiddish Shayna, Yaffa is derived from the word yafe meaning "beautiful". Also written as Yafa, it is used as both a given name for girls and more generally as last name.

Old Testament name of the daughter-in-law of Naomi, now eclipsed by the originally misspelled Oprah. Oprah Winfrey may have made her name more famous than this original Biblical version, but no baby girls received either name in the US last year.

A possible alternative to the better-known Shoshona.

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.

Sultry name given added interest by that double 'a'.

Appealing crosscultural choice.

Hebrew name not often heard in this country, but would have no trouble fitting in.

Dania is a fun, offbeat name with international flair that would be a wonderful choice to honor a Danielle, Daniel, or a Dana. It is both an Italian diminutive of Daniela and a spelling variation of the Arabic Daniya.

Emmet is usually the boys' form of the names Emma, but it might work for a girl too if Emma and Emily are too overused for you.

Feels truncated, as though a first syllable was snapped off.

This feminine form of the Hebrew unisex name Erel, possibly a form of Ariel, is used in modern Israel. Also found as Erella and Erelah.

Lisa was one of the first names to spawn a range of variations, and this is one, sometimes pronounced lee-sha. The original is simpler and prettier.

One of the less attractive Hebrew choices.

Jobina may be the female version of Job, but it doesn't carry the same negative weight as that of the biblical martyr -- in fact, few would get the connection. Joby is its perky and unusual nickname.

Israeli-born singer Keren Ann introduced this traditional Hebrew name to the US, where it could well be mistaken for Karen. Nevertheless, 100 girls were given the name in a recent year.

Gavrielle is the feminine form of Gabriel, with French influence in its spelling. The name derives from the Hebrew name Gabriel, meaning "God is my strength" or "God's able-bodied one." Gabriel appears as an archangel in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. While Gabriel has been common for boys for centuries, the feminine versions like Gabrielle and Gavrielle emerged later and have been less widely used. The spelling with "v" rather than "b" reflects Hebrew and Russian transliteration influences, creating a unique variation that maintains the name's biblical roots while offering a distinctive quality. Gavrielle has never been common in English-speaking countries but appeals to parents seeking a name with spiritual significance, feminine elegance, and a slightly unconventional spelling that sets it apart from the more frequently used Gabrielle.

Talila is a pretty and novel name, somewhere between Talia and Tallulah.

Identified with a region famous for its gold, more commonly spelled Ophira.