Yiddish Names for Girls
- Yehudit
Origin:
Hebrew variation of JudithDescription:
Stuck in the Old Country.
- Yudel
Description:
Yudel is a feminine name with Yiddish origins, traditionally functioning as a diminutive form of Yehuda (Judah). Despite its usual association as a male name in Yiddish-speaking communities, it appears this variant has found some use as a feminine name in certain contexts. The name carries historical significance within Jewish communities, connecting to the biblical Judah, one of Jacob's twelve sons and the ancestor of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The meaning relates to praise and thanksgiving. As a feminine name, Yudel remains quite rare, appealing to families seeking connections to Jewish heritage through distinctive naming choices. The name's brief, distinctive sound and cultural richness make it a meaningful though uncommon choice that bridges ancient traditions with modern uniqueness.
- Zelig
Origin:
Yiddish, variation of SeligMeaning:
"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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Pessa
Origin:
YiddishMeaning:
"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.
- 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.
- Hudes
Description:
Hudes is an uncommon feminine name with several possible origins. It may derive from a surname of Spanish or Portuguese Jewish origin, possibly connected to the Hebrew name 'Yehuda' (Judah), meaning 'praised' or 'thanksgiving.' Alternatively, it could relate to place names or represent a rare variant of other traditional names. The name gained some recognition through American playwright Quiara Alegría Hudes, known for writing the book for the musical 'In the Heights.' As a given name, Hudes has a distinctive, concise quality with a sophisticated sound. Its rarity makes it appealing to parents seeking truly unique options with cultural depth. The name's brevity and clear pronunciation give it a certain strength, while its potential Jewish or Hispanic connections add cultural richness and historical resonance.
- Yehudah
Origin:
Variation of Judith, HebrewMeaning:
"woman from Judea"Description:
Yehudah is the Old World variation of Judith, used mostly for boys.