Hebrew Names for Boys

You might want to abbreviate this from one of the Biblical originals or use it as a name all on its own, an update of Sam or Finn.  Sim is a Scottish Gaelic form of Simon.

Simm

Also written as Michaiah, this name is used for several Biblical characters both male and female.  Makes a fresh and distinctive twist on Michael, Michelle, or Micaela.  Antiquated yet modern-sounding nickname: Cager.

Micajah

Jothan or Jotham was both a son of Gideon and a king of Judah in the Bible.  One of the biblical boys' names that's still obscure -- though like so many others in this class, it could be rediscovered.

Jothan

Benajah, the name of several minor Old Testament figures, is also written as Benaiah.  Benajah might make a great Benjamin update or name for the son of a builder or architect.

Benajah

The name of several minor Biblical characters, Amzi seems streamlined and modern and has the potential to catch on. Meaning "strong", it may appeal to parents who enjoy Azariah, Aziel, and Amias. "AM-tsee" is the traditional pronunciation, though "-zee" and "-zie" have also been used. 

Amzi

Lem is a corn-cob pipe-smoking, back porch-rocking nickname name.  But we predict as Sam and Gus become ho-hum, more parents will look to Lem.

Zakk is an ekstra-kinetic spelling of a short form that's more and more often standing on its own, also as Zac, Zak, Zach, and Zack. This version is largely associated with musician Zakk Wylde.

Zakk

A bit too elephantine for a modern child.

Eliphalet

A popular name in the Netherlands that's arguably more attractive than the original, Sem is a Dutch variant of the Biblical Shem who was one of the sons of Noah. Only ever given to a handful of boys in the US, it is currently in the Dutch Top 10 and a familiar option in Belgium and Italy. It might also be used as a short form of Semion or Semyon in Russia. 



The Ephram spelling, a phonetic spin on the original, may gain ground as it's the one used for the hero's name in the novel Ruby by Cynthia Bond, the new pick for Oprah's book club.

Ephram

Aitan is a masculine name with Hebrew origins. It's a variant of the name Eitan (or Ethan), which means 'strong,' 'firm,' or 'enduring' in Hebrew. This powerful name emphasizes qualities of resilience and steadfastness. While less common than Ethan internationally, Aitan has gained some popularity in Israel and among Jewish communities worldwide. Its simple yet meaningful character makes it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name with spiritual depth and positive connotations of strength. The name maintains its cultural roots while being relatively easy to pronounce in various languages.

Aitan

Gidon is a masculine name of Hebrew origin, being a variant of Gideon, which means 'feller' or 'hewer' (of trees), often interpreted as 'mighty warrior' or 'destroyer.' This biblical name belonged to a military leader and judge in the Old Testament who led Israelites to victory against the Midianites. Gidon is more commonly used in Israel and Jewish communities worldwide. The name carries powerful associations of leadership, courage, and divine selection. With its two-syllable structure and distinctive sound, Gidon offers a less common alternative to the more widely recognized Gideon while maintaining its historical and religious significance.

Gidon

Siomon appears to be a rare variant spelling of Simon, a masculine name with Hebrew origins meaning 'he has heard' or 'listener.' This uncommon spelling variation maintains the pronunciation of the traditional Simon while offering a distinctive written form. The traditional Simon has deep historical roots, appearing in various religious texts and carried by numerous significant figures throughout history, including Simon Peter, one of Jesus's apostles. While the Siomon spelling is exceedingly rare, it might appeal to parents seeking to differentiate their child's name while maintaining connections to the well-established Simon. The name carries connotations of wisdom, thoughtfulness, and attentiveness across cultures, reflecting its etymological connection to listening and hearing.

Siomon

Tubia is an uncommon masculine name with possible Latin or Arabic origins. In Latin, it may be related to 'tubus' meaning 'pipe' or 'tube', while in Arabic contexts, it could be a variant of Tuba, meaning 'blessedness' or 'goodness'. The name has remained rare throughout history with limited usage across cultures. Tubia doesn't appear in most popular name rankings and has maintained its distinctive character by not becoming mainstream. Those named Tubia may appreciate its uniqueness and the individuality it confers, as they rarely encounter others sharing their name.

Tubia

Tevye

The name of five men and one woman in the Bible, this name has so far escaped much notice but its similarity to popular choices such as Michael and Michaela/Mikayla, along with the long-running penchant for Old Testament names, may propel it to prominence.  Also spelled Micaiah.

Michaiah

Whether you're looking for an unexpected nickname for the imposing Abraham or a fresh spin on the Biblical classic, this highly unusual variation might appeal to namers with a sense of adventure.

Abush

The Biblical Abijah might be temporarily lost to time, but this antiquated short form could move with it into the modern era.

Bige

Drawn from old record books, Kiah is an antiquated nickname that feels perfectly appropriate for modern times -- maybe more so than father name Hezekiah.

Kiah

If you think there are too many Zachs around, you can use this historic nickname for Zachariah instead, though it does have a somewhat feminine feel.

Riah

Hebrew boy names have been in continual use for thousands of years, and with good reason: such 

 are all Hebrew boys’ names. In fact, many of the most widely-used boys’ names in English-speaking countries are Hebrew in origin, include recent Number one names Noah and Jacob. 

Along with Noah and Jacob, other 

 include Adam, Asher, Caleb, Elijah, Isaac, Levi, Nathan, and Samuel. 

origins include James, Joseph, and John.



 popular in Israel include Uri — especially among Jewish Israelis — Ariel, Noam, and Eitan.


But some Hebrew boy names are still far off the beaten track. 

Hebrew boy names including meaning and popularity, with Old Testament boy names such as Isaac and Moses and top Hebrew boy names such as Noah and Jacob. (Page 23)

Hebrew Boy Names