Hebrew Names for Girls

This streamlined spelling of the fragrant Biblical name Keturah is the French, German, Polish, Finnish and Dutch form. Borne by Abraham's wife, after Sarah dies, this variation is notably used in Nigeria, Uganda, Indonesia, and Zimbabwe. 

Ketura

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

Nissa

From Hebrew, Oria is a variation of Oriya, created by combining Ori meaning "light" with yah indicating God. From Italian, it is a variation of the Latin Aurea, a golden Saint name, once popular in Spain.

Oria

Selima might be confused with Selina, but it's an appealing spin on that classic with a lovely meaning.

Selima

An upbeat, unisex Hebrew name with a meaning to match. As a word, it is associated with Jewish celebrations, such as an engagement or a Bar Mitzvah. 

Simcha

Appreciated by religious Jews for its connection to "Hatikva," the Israeli national anthem. 

Tikvah

Yehudit

Similar in sound to Samara and Amora, Zemora is an intriguing choice, possibly related to the Hebrew Zemira, meaning "music, song" or to the Spanish place name, Zamora, meaning "olive tree". 

Zemora

A rarely heard Hebrew name whose zippy first initial Z transforms it from dated Yetta-like image to more lively Catherine Zeta Jones-like appeal.

Zetta

This is a streamlined spelling of the biblical Hephzibah. Hephzibah is an Old Testament name that came into use in the 17th century, but is not often used today. It does have less formal nicknames Eppie and Hepsie, which seem revivable. Hephzibah "Eppie" Cass/Marner is the heroine of George Eliot's novel Silas Marner and Hepzibah Smith is a witch in the Harry Potter series.

Hepzibah

The archetypal diminutive, in every sense of the word. Bitsy enjoyed some use as a nickname in the era when children were named after family members and then called by a cute pet name: Chip, Skip, Babe, Bitsy. As a full name, it has made the US list only three times: in 1943, 1958 and 1962.

Bitsy

Niria is the female equivalent of Nir and may also be found as Nira.  This simple, pleasant name has an earthy meaning.

Niria

Also spelled Bethia and Bithiah, this Old Testament name could wear well today.  Bethea might make an original way to honor an ancestral Elizabeth or get to the nickname Beth.

Bethea

One of the rarer names to come from the Bible, Cherith has a fresh and modern sound despite its ancient roots. Cherith was the name of the stream that kept Elijah alive during the three years' drought which he announced to King Ahab. 
 
In English, Cherith pleasingly reminds one of the word cherish which is another plus to this underused girls' name, while also having similar sounds to choices like Edith and Delyth.

Cherith

Shalailah is a soft name made most familiar by journalist Shalailah Medhora. Given the popularity of Layla and all her variants, Shalailah has potential for parents looking for something off the beaten track.

Shalailah

An alternative to the more familiar Aviva. 

Haviva

Related to the Arabic Warda, Vered is a strong sounding nature name with a sweet floral meaing.

Vered

Abisha is a feminine name with biblical and Hebrew origins, derived from the name Abishai, meaning 'father of a gift' or 'my father is a gift.' The original masculine form appears in the Old Testament as one of King David's mighty warriors and the nephew of David. The feminine adaptation Abisha maintains the meaningful connection to 'gift' while offering a softer sound. This uncommon name has been occasionally used in Christian communities, particularly among those who appreciate its biblical heritage. Abisha has a melodic quality with its three syllables and gentle ending. While never reaching widespread popularity in Western countries, the name has an exotic yet accessible quality that appeals to parents seeking a distinctive name with historical depth and spiritual significance.

Abisha

Gay, nearly giddy, gee-whiz feel; also too reminscent of a gila monster. 

Geela

Interesting alternative to Dalila, relates to the Biblical Galilee. 

Galila

Hebrew girl names include some of the most popular female names of all time in the US, such as Hannah, Elizabeth and Rachel. Hebrew girls’ names, indeed, are so familiar and deeply rooted in English-speaking cultures that they're among the classic girl names that have been most widely used over time.

 in the US top 100 include Abigail, Anna, Eliana, Eva, Leah, Maya, Naomi, and Sarah. 

 include Tamar — especially among Jewish Israelis — Noa, Shira, and Talia.

 that are more unusual yet worthy of consideration include Biblical names Dinah, Kelilah, and Susannah. And then there are 

 such as the unisex place-name Zion and the literary nickname-name Zadie, derived from Sarah.

Browse our full list of Hebrew baby girl names here, ordered according to their current popularity on Nameberry. 

Hebrew names for girls with meanings and popularity, including classic names such as Sarah and Elizabeth, Old Testament girl names, and top names in Israel.. (Page 19)

Hebrew Girl Names