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Yiddish Names for Girls

Nameberry
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Jun 09 2020
Yiddish names for girls originate in the language spoken by German and Eastern European Jewish people, brought to the US a century or more ago but undergoing a revival now. Jewish parents are using Yiddish female names drawn from beloved family members or their cultural heritage.

Browse our full list of Yiddish names for girls here. The top names below rank among the current US Top 1000 Baby Names and are ordered by popularity. Unique names rank below the Top 1000 and are listed alphabetically.
  1. Goldie

    • Origin:

      Anglicized form of Yiddish Golde or Golda

    • Meaning:

      "gold"

    • Description:

      Goldie is a shimmering new addition to the nickname name lineup, and became one of the fastest rising girl names in 2023. After peaking at Number 114 in 1904-1905, Goldie slid off the list completely in 1958. She re-entered the US Top 1000 again in 2021.
  2. Chaya

    • Origin:

      Feminization of Chayyim or Chaim, Hebrew, Hindi, "life; shadow, shade"

    • Meaning:

      "life; shadow, shade"

    • Description:

      A life-affirming name of Hebrew origin, currently popular in Israel, Chaya has also risen up the charts in both the US and the UK in recent years. Used as a common name for leafy shrub in Mexico, it shares the same root as Chava, Eve, and Eva.
  3. Chava

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "life"

    • Description:

      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.
  4. Rifka

    • Origin:

      Yiddish variation of Rivka, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "to tie, bind"

    • Description:

      The Yiddish form of Rivka hums along at the bottom of the baby name charts. It's been given to anywhere between 5 and 20 baby girls since the late '60s. Rivka is currently more than 30 times as popular, but for Jewish families, the softer (but still saucy) Rifka may be due for a comeback.
  5. Ita

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "thirst"

    • Description:

      The name of one of the most famous medieval Irish saints, who was known as "the foster-mother of the saints," and founded a nunnery in the county of Limerick. Might be of interest to someone looking for an unusual 3-letter name.
  6. Rada

    • Origin:

      Yiddish; Slavic

    • Meaning:

      "rose; happy, willing"

    • Description:

      This sweet and simple name has origins in both Yiddish and Slavic, each with an equally appealing meaning.
  7. Zelig

    • Origin:

      Yiddish, variation of Selig

    • Meaning:

      "blessed, happy"

    • Description:

      Woody Allen introduced us to the name Zelig as the ever-morphing title character of his 1983 film. Zelig does have an upbeat meaning, and nickname Zelie makes it accessible for a girl, though it's an undeniably quirky choice for either gender.
  8. Raizel

    • Origin:

      Yiddish

    • Meaning:

      "rose"

    • Description:

      The most popular flower name in Israel, though that popularity does not extend to the US.
  9. Gittel

    • Origin:

      Yiddish

    • Meaning:

      "good"

    • Description:

      Still heard in some religious Jewish communities, however diminutive Gitty is more common as a given name.
  10. Roza

    • Origin:

      Russian and Polish variation of Rosa

    • Description:

      Adds some zest to Rosa.
  11. Zisel

    • Description:

      Zisel is a feminine Yiddish name with roots in Eastern European Jewish communities. The name derives from the Yiddish word for 'sweet' or 'sweetness,' reflecting the tradition of giving names with positive attributes. Historically used among Ashkenazi Jewish families, Zisel was often given as a name that expressed parents' hopes for their daughter's personality. Like many traditional Yiddish names, its usage declined after World War II and subsequent assimilation of Jewish communities into broader society. Today, Zisel remains rare but continues to be used by some families honoring their Jewish heritage. The name carries cultural significance while offering a distinctive sound not commonly heard in mainstream Western naming practices.

  12. Charna

    • Origin:

      Yiddish

    • Meaning:

      "dark, black"

    • Description:

      Popular name in Israel, worth considering for a dark-haired daughter with a bit of a bohemian cast.
  13. Sisel

    • Description:

      Sisel is a feminine name with Yiddish origins, primarily used in Jewish Ashkenazi communities. It is believed to be a diminutive form of the Hebrew name Susanna, meaning 'lily' or 'rose.' In some traditions, it's also connected to the word for 'sweet' or 'sweetness.' Sisel was particularly popular among Eastern European Jewish communities in the 19th and early 20th centuries, though its usage declined following World War II and the Holocaust. The name carries a vintage charm and cultural significance, often honoring ancestors from pre-war Europe. While uncommon in mainstream naming trends, Sisel has seen some renewed interest among families seeking to revive traditional Jewish names with historical roots. Its soft sounds and gentle meaning give it a delicate, feminine quality that connects to a rich cultural heritage.
  14. Raysel

    • Origin:

      Yiddish

    • Meaning:

      "rose"

    • Description:

      See RAIZEL.
  15. Hava

    • Origin:

      Modern variation of Eve

    • Description:

      Hava is an anglicization of the Hebrew name Chava, which, like its English form Eve, means "life". In some accents, it may sound like "have a", so it's worth considering if this will be an issue combined with a last name. But overall, it's an elegantly simple name with a great meaning.
  16. Yutke

    • Description:

      Yutke is an unusual feminine name with obscure origins. It may have roots in indigenous American cultures or possibly stem from Eastern European or Asian naming traditions, though specific etymology is difficult to trace. The name has an exotic quality with its distinctive consonant combination and compact two-syllable structure. Yutke remains extremely rare in most countries, making it a highly distinctive choice for parents seeking an uncommon name. The unusual combination of sounds gives it a strong, memorable quality despite its brevity. With minimal historical usage in mainstream Western culture, Yutke carries few preconceptions or associations, allowing the bearer to define the name's character. The scarcity of information about this name suggests it might be a very localized traditional name, a modern invention, or possibly derived from a surname or word from a minority language.
  17. Pessa

    • Origin:

      Yiddish

    • Meaning:

      "pearl"

    • Description:

      Old-fashioned enough to the American ear that literally no baby girls received the name in the US in the most recent year counted. Though might Pessa provide a more unique spin on Tessa? It certainly has a lovely meaning, one shared with Margaret.
  18. Ruchel

    • Description:

      Ruchel is a feminine name of Yiddish origin, representing the Yiddish variant of Rachel. Rachel comes from Hebrew and means 'ewe' or 'female sheep,' symbolizing gentleness and nurturing qualities. In Jewish tradition, Rachel was one of the matriarchs of Israel, the beloved wife of Jacob in the Bible. The Yiddish pronunciation and spelling reflects the cultural and linguistic traditions of Eastern European Jewish communities. Ruchel maintains the spiritual significance of Rachel while connecting to Ashkenazi Jewish heritage specifically. This name was more common among Jewish families before World War II, particularly in Eastern Europe. Though less frequently used today, it represents an important connection to Yiddish-speaking ancestors and Jewish cultural heritage for families who choose it.

  19. Freyde

    • Description:

      Freyde is a feminine name with Yiddish origins, traditionally used in Jewish communities. It derives from the Yiddish word for 'joy' or 'happiness' (פרײדע), making it a name with inherently positive connotations. The name was relatively common among Ashkenazi Jewish women in Eastern Europe before the mid-20th century but became less frequent following population displacements during World War II. While uncommon in mainstream usage today, Freyde has seen some renewed interest among families seeking to honor their Jewish heritage. The name carries cultural and historical significance while conveying a beautiful sentiment. Alternative spellings include Freide, Frayda, and Fraida. Its distinctive sound and meaningful origins make it a thoughtful choice for parents drawn to names with clear positive meanings and cultural depth.
  20. Yidel

    • Description:

      Yidel is a feminine name with Yiddish origins, derived from the name 'Yehudah' (Judah), meaning 'praised' or 'thanksgiving'. It developed as a diminutive form used in Jewish communities of Eastern Europe. While relatively uncommon in mainstream usage, Yidel carries cultural significance within traditional Jewish families, particularly those with Ashkenazi heritage. The name maintains connections to Jewish history and traditions, though it has remained relatively rare outside these communities. Yidel offers a distinctive option for parents seeking a name with deep cultural roots and a gentle, melodic quality.