Israeli Names for Girls
- Sarita
Origin:
Italian and Spanish diminutive of Sara, HebrewMeaning:
"princess"Description:
Sarita is a delicately pretty name all but unknown in the US, where it can make an original honor name for an ancestral Sara....or Rita. Rita is a midcentury favorite tiptoeing back into style among adventurous parents.
- Micaela
Origin:
Italian, Spanish, and Israeli variation of MichaelaMeaning:
"who is like God"Description:
The original versions of Micaela have morphed into all manner of "inventive" spellings -- Makayla, McKalla et al -- but we prefer the genuine international versions, like this one.
- Lior
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"I have a light"Description:
Lior connects with several factors stylish for Israeli names: It's short, it's unisex, and it has an uplifting nature theme. Lior might make a more modern spin on Leah.
- Astera
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"Aster"Description:
Pronounced as-TAIR-ah, this is one of many frequently heard Israeli flower names. Other floral choices popular in Israel include Dafna, which means laurel; Dailia; Irit, which means daffodil; and Vered, which means rose.
- Rimona
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"pomegranate"Description:
Well used in Israel, likely to be confused with Ramona here.
- Davita
Description:
Davita is a feminine name with Hebrew origins, functioning as a feminine form of David, which means "beloved." The name carries the same meaningful connotation of being cherished or adored. With its soft sounds and flowing quality, Davita offers a distinctive yet accessible option for parents seeking a name with biblical connections. While not among the most common names in the United States, Davita has maintained steady but limited usage throughout the years. The name received some recognition through author Chaim Potok's novel "In the Beginning," which featured a character named Davita. The name appeals to those seeking a name with Hebrew roots that feels both traditional and somewhat unique.
- Rive
Description:
Rive is an uncommon feminine name with multiple potential origins. It may derive from French, where 'rive' means 'shore' or 'riverbank,' suggesting a connection to nature and water. Alternatively, it could be related to the English word 'riveting,' conveying captivating qualities. Some consider it a short form of names like Rivera or a variant of Riva (which has Hebrew roots meaning 'to bind'). As a modern name choice, Rive appeals to parents seeking a brief, distinctive name with a contemporary feel. The name's simplicity, combined with rich potential meanings, offers versatility while remaining uncommon in most naming statistics. Its brevity gives it a crisp, modern sound that works well internationally.
- Michla
Description:
Michla is a feminine name with Yiddish origins, primarily found in Jewish communities with Eastern European heritage. It's a diminutive form of Michal or Michaela, ultimately deriving from the Hebrew name Michael, meaning 'Who is like God?' This question is understood as rhetorical, implying no one compares to God. Michla carries the warmth of traditional Yiddish naming customs while connecting to the ancient biblical tradition. Though uncommon outside Jewish communities, the name represents cultural continuity and heritage for those who choose it. Its soft sound combined with its powerful meaning creates a name that balances gentleness and strength. Michla remains relatively rare in mainstream usage but holds special significance for families honoring Jewish naming traditions.
- Revkah
Description:
Revkah is a variant spelling of Rebecca (Rivkah in Hebrew), a name with biblical origins meaning "to bind" or "to tie." In the Hebrew Bible, Rebecca was the wife of Isaac and mother of Jacob and Esau. This particular spelling preserves the Hebrew pronunciation more closely than the common English Rebecca, while adding a distinctive visual element. The 'v' instead of 'b' reflects the traditional Hebrew pronunciation, making it appealing to those seeking a more authentic connection to the name's Jewish roots. While less common than standard spellings, Revkah offers a unique option that maintains the name's rich heritage and meaning. The name projects qualities of beauty, wisdom and strength associated with the biblical matriarch.
- Rechell
Description:
Rechell is a feminine name that appears to be a creative spelling variant of Rachel, which has Hebrew origins meaning 'ewe' or 'female sheep.' This alternative spelling gives the biblical classic a modern twist while maintaining its original pronunciation. Rechell remains relatively uncommon compared to the traditional Rachel spelling. The name gained some usage in the late 20th century when alternative spellings became more popular. With its combination of the familiar 'ch' sound and distinctive double 'l' ending, Rechell offers parents a way to honor the timeless Rachel while giving their daughter a more unique written identity. The name retains the gentle strength and biblical significance of its original form.
- Inbar
Origin:
IsraeliMeaning:
"amber"Description:
Fashionable choice in modern Israel, also a place-name there, not likely to succeed here.
- Micha
Description:
Micha is a feminine name with ancient Hebrew origins, though it's used across multiple cultures and genders. It's most commonly recognized as a shortened form of Michael (meaning "who is like God?") or Michaela. In German and Dutch-speaking regions, Micha is an established name in its own right, while in Hebrew contexts it relates to the biblical prophet Micah. The name has a soft, melodic quality while maintaining a sense of strength. Micha offers cultural versatility, fitting comfortably in diverse linguistic environments. Its brevity gives it a modern feel despite its ancient roots. While never reaching tremendous popularity in English-speaking countries, Micha has maintained steady usage, particularly appealing to parents seeking a name with spiritual connections that remains straightforward and approachable. The name balances uniqueness with recognizability, cultural depth with contemporary style.
- Sarit
Description:
Sarit is a feminine name with multicultural origins, most prominently found in Hebrew and Indian traditions. In Hebrew, Sarit means 'princess' or can be considered a diminutive form of Sarah, meaning 'lady' or 'princess.' In Indian contexts, particularly in Sanskrit, Sarit can mean 'river' or 'flowing water,' symbolizing life and continuous movement. The name has been consistently used in Israel and among Jewish communities worldwide, while also having separate usage in Indian communities. Sarit's brevity and soft consonants give it a gentle, flowing quality that works well across language boundaries. Though never extremely common in Western countries, the name's simplicity and cross-cultural nature have given it modest but steady usage. Its concise, two-syllable structure makes it easily pronounceable in multiple languages.
- Revka
Description:
Revka is a feminine name of Eastern European and Jewish origin, functioning as a diminutive form of the Hebrew name 'Rivka' (Rebecca). The name means 'to bind' or 'to connect,' reflecting themes of unity and relationship. With its distinctive yet accessible sound, Revka carries a blend of traditional resonance and unique character. While never achieving widespread popularity in Western countries, it has maintained consistent usage within Jewish communities, particularly those with Eastern European heritage. The name's concise structure and soft ending vowel give it a gentle quality while still sounding distinctive. Revka offers a somewhat uncommon alternative to the more familiar Rebecca while preserving its rich cultural and biblical connections.
- Rashka
Description:
Rashka is an uncommon feminine name with possible Eastern European or Slavic origins. The name may be a variant of Rashka, a historical region in Serbia, or could be derived from similar Slavic names. It has a distinctive and melodious quality with its 'sh' sound followed by a crisp 'ka' ending. While not widely used in Western countries, Rashka carries an exotic appeal and might be chosen by parents seeking a unique name with cultural significance. The name has remained relatively rare in popularity charts, maintaining its distinctive character and uniqueness for those who bear it.
- Tzidoni
Description:
Tzidoni is a rare feminine name with Hebrew origins. The name derives from Biblical Hebrew, where it relates to 'Tzidon' (Sidon), an ancient Phoenician city mentioned in the Bible. In this context, Tzidoni can be understood as 'woman from Sidon' or 'Sidonian woman.' The name carries historical and cultural significance within Jewish tradition. Extremely uncommon even in Israel, Tzidoni offers a unique option for families seeking a distinctive name with Biblical connections. Its unusual consonant combination creates a memorable sound pattern. The name might appeal particularly to those with strong ties to Jewish heritage seeking a name that reflects ancient Middle Eastern history. Its rarity ensures individuality while still maintaining authentic cultural roots.
- Rashke
Description:
Rashke is an uncommon feminine name with possible Eastern European or Slavic origins. It may be a variant of names like Rasha or Rashka, potentially derived from Slavic roots. The name could be a diminutive form used in certain regions, particularly in countries like Russia, Poland, or neighboring nations. Rashke has a distinctive, strong sound with its combination of consonants. As a personal name, it remains quite rare in Western countries, making it an unusual choice that would stand out. The name carries a certain exotic quality and uniqueness that might appeal to parents seeking something truly distinctive. Due to its rarity, Rashke doesn't have widespread usage statistics or popular cultural references in most Western countries.
- Daniyelle
Description:
Daniyelle is a feminine variant of the name Daniel, which has Hebrew origins meaning "God is my judge." This unique spelling adds a distinctly feminine flair to the traditional name while maintaining its biblical connections. The addition of the feminine ending "-elle" creates a melodic, flowing quality. While less common than variations like Danielle or Daniela, Daniyelle offers parents a more distinctive option that still carries the respected history and meaning of its root name. The name has seen limited but steady usage in the United States, particularly from the 1980s onward, appealing to parents seeking names with both substance and stylistic uniqueness.