Hebrew/Israeli Names
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The names
Mariam
Arabic variation of Mary
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"
Popular among parents with Arab roots. Also found as Maryam. Mary was ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Mariam. The original meaning of Mariam is uncertain, but theories include "drop of the…
Jayla
Modern spelling of Jaalah, Hebrew
"to ascend"
Not quite as unusual as it might seem, it first entered the popularity list in 1995, as a possible alternative to the very popular Kayla. In the Bible, an alternate spelling is Jaala.
Hadassah
Hebrew
"myrtle tree"
This Hebrew name of Queen Esther is well used in Israel (especially for girls born around the holiday of Purim), and in the US is the name of a Zionist women's philanthropic organization. Formerly…
Zariyah
Arabic, Hebrew, Russian
"scattering wind; God has helped; sunrise, dawn"
Zariyah has several possible origins: the Arabic Zahrah which means "flower" or Zariya "scattering wind"; the Hebrew name Azariah, meaning "God has helped"; or the Russian word Zaria which means…
Galilea
Feminine variation of Galileo, after "Galilee"
"Galilee"
Like the masculine form Galileo, Galilea is a variant of Galilee, a region in Northern Israel of great Biblical significance. Given the current popularity of soft Italian girls’ names , this name’s…
Amit
Hebrew; Sanskrit
"friend; infinite"
Simple and worldly, popular and carrying two positive meanings in two diverse cultures. A winner prime for wider use.
Arely
Spanish feminization of Areli, Hebrew, or contraction of Araceli
"lion of God; sky altar"
Appearing in the US Top 1000 and popular among Spanish speaking families, Arely may be one of two things: a twist on the Hebrew masculine name, Areli, or a shortened form of the Spanish Araceli. If…
Zohar
Hebrew
"light, brilliance"
Though this name is used for both boys and girls in Israel, in the U.S. it sounds decidedly masculine, with Zohara the feminine form. Has a futuristic macho feel.
Hila
Hebrew or Pashto
"halo; hope"
Hila is a name that has grown in popularity in recent years, placing it firmly within Israel's Top 20 for girls. It is sometimes written as Hilla or Hilah. In Pashto, it means "hope" and is also…
Hodaya
Hebrew
"splendor of Yahweh"
Hodaya is within the Top 20 in Israel.
Leviathan
Hebrew
"twisted, coiled; in modern Hebrew - whale"
Leviathan was a name given to 76 boys in the USA in 2021. It makes a rather unusual Biblical choice, being the name not of a man or angel, but of a sea monster. In literature and popular culture, the…
Miri
Miri is a charming feminine name with diverse cultural roots. In Hebrew, it means 'bitter' or 'rebellion,' though it's often associated with Miriam. In Swahili, Miri suggests 'mystery,' while in…
Mirit
Mirit is a feminine name with Hebrew origins, derived from "Miriam" which has contested meanings including "bitter," "rebellion," or "wished-for child." In modern Israeli usage, Mirit functions as a…
Zimri
Hebrew
"my music, my praise"
This unusual and spunky biblical name was one of the Kings of Israel as well as one of Judah's grandsons and has a wonderful meaning. We'd like to see Zimri being used more, and we think it has…
