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Yiddish Names for Boys

Nameberry
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Jun 09 2020
Yiddish names for boys originate in the language spoken by Ashkenazic Jews and brought to the US a century or more ago. Today, many Jewish parents are reviving beloved Yiddish baby names, along with the Yiddish language.

If you're looking for a Yiddish name for your son, browse our full list of Yiddish names for baby boys 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. Liev

    • Origin:

      Yiddish variation of Lev

    • Meaning:

      "heart"

    • Description:

      Liev Schreiber's birth name is Isaac Liev, Liev after his mother's favorite Russia author, Leo Tolstoy. Though Liev is increasing in popularity in the secular world thanks to the actor, it originated as a Yiddish diminutive.
  2. Adi

    • Description:

      Adi is a multicultural masculine name with diverse origins and meanings across several traditions. In Hebrew, it means 'jewel' or 'ornament,' while in Sanskrit it can mean 'first' or 'beginning.' The name also has Germanic roots where it serves as a short form of names containing the element 'adal' meaning 'noble.' This concise, two-syllable name has gained popularity in Israel, India, and increasingly in Western countries drawn to its simplicity and international appeal. Adi travels well across cultures and is appreciated for its modern feel despite ancient origins. Its brevity makes it both memorable and easy to pronounce in multiple languages, contributing to its growing global usage.
  3. Evron

    • Description:

      Evron is a masculine name with Hebrew origins, possibly derived from 'evron' meaning 'crossing' or as a variation of Ephron, a biblical name meaning 'dust' or 'fawn-like'. This uncommon name has a modern, distinctive sound while maintaining ancient roots. Evron may also relate to geographical locations, including a region in Israel. The name has never been widely popular in English-speaking countries, remaining a rare choice that offers uniqueness without being completely unfamiliar in structure. Its balanced combination of consonants and vowels gives it a pleasant rhythm. Parents might choose Evron seeking a name with biblical connections but a contemporary feel and relative uniqueness.
  4. Tevel

    • Description:

      Tevel is a masculine name of Hebrew origin, meaning 'universe' or 'world.' This profound name carries cosmic significance and connects the bearer to the vastness of existence. While relatively uncommon in Western countries, Tevel has maintained a steady presence in Jewish communities, particularly in Israel. The name's meaningful etymology makes it appealing to parents seeking a name with spiritual depth and universal connotations. Tevel offers the appealing nickname options of 'Tev' or 'Tevvy.' Its uniqueness ensures that a child named Tevel will likely stand out while carrying a name rich in cultural heritage and philosophical meaning.
  5. Brick

    • Origin:

      Word name, various origins

    • Description:

      This is an Anglicized form of various names; the Irish Gaelic O Bruic; German, Bruck or Breck, meaning "swamp" or "wood"; Yiddish, Brik, "bridge"; and Slovenian, Bric, "dweller from a hilly place." Gosh, and we thought it was just a macho word name invented by Tennessee Williams for the hero of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.
  6. Moshe

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "son or deliver"

    • Description:

      Moshe is the original Hebrew form of Moses, also spelled Mosheh. In the past it was changed to names like Morris, Moe and Maurice.
  7. Yeshua

    • Origin:

      Variation of Joshua, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "the Lord is my salvation"

    • Description:

      Yeshua is often considered the "real" name of Jesus, via the Hebrew to Greek to Latin to English evolution of Yeshua to Iesous to Iesus to Jesus. It is also used as a common alternative of Yehoshua in the later parts of the Hebrew Bible, making it a variation of Joshuah.
  8. Feivel

    • Origin:

      Yiddish

    • Meaning:

      "brilliant one"

    • Description:

      This comes from Faivish, the Yiddish form of Phoebus, the Greek sun god...and it's also the little mouse in "An American Tail."
  9. Moishe

    • Origin:

      Yiddish variation of Moses, Egyptian

    • Meaning:

      "delivered from the water"

    • Description:

      A name commonly heard on New York's Lower East Side at the turn of the last century.
  10. Lazer

    • Origin:

      Yiddish variation of Eliezer or Lazarus

    • Meaning:

      "God helps"

    • Description:

      Lazer has some biblical cred as a form of Eliezer, Eleazar, or Lazarus, all relatives, and it's also a modern bad boy name a la Ranger and Breaker. Our recommendation would be to use one of the biblical forms as the proper name and Lazer as a nickname.
  11. Mende

    • Description:

      Mende is a masculine name with multiple possible origins. In some West African cultures, particularly among the Mende people of Sierra Leone, it serves as both an ethnic identifier and personal name. Alternatively, it may derive from Germanic elements, possibly related to 'mund' meaning 'protection.' As a given name, Mende remains quite rare globally, making it a distinctive choice that carries cultural significance for those with African heritage or connections. The name's simplicity—just two syllables with a clear pronunciation—gives it an accessible quality despite its uncommon status. For parents seeking a name with cultural depth or international character, Mende offers a meaningful option that's brief yet substantial. Its rarity means most bearers of the name will define it through their own personality rather than existing associations.
  12. Iser

    • Description:

      Iser is a masculine name with diverse origins. In Jewish traditions, it may derive from the Yiddish name 'Isser' or 'Issar,' which is sometimes used as a variation of Israel or Isaac. It can also have Germanic roots or connections to Eastern European naming traditions. The name is notably uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality that sets it apart. Iser has a strong, concise sound with its two syllables (EE-ser or EYE-ser), making it both accessible and memorable. While not widely used in contemporary naming, it carries an air of heritage and uniqueness. The name might appeal to parents seeking a connection to Jewish ancestry or those looking for a rare name with historical depth.
  13. Shmiel

    • Description:

      Shmiel is a masculine Yiddish name primarily used in Ashkenazi Jewish communities. It originated as a diminutive form of Shmuel (Samuel), which derives from Hebrew and means 'name of God' or 'God has heard.' Shmiel was particularly common among Eastern European Jews before World War II. The name carries cultural and historical significance, often evoking connections to pre-Holocaust Jewish life in Eastern Europe. Though less frequently given today as a legal first name, it continues to be used as a nickname for Samuel in some traditional Jewish communities. The name reflects Yiddish linguistic traditions with its characteristic diminutive suffix and carries deep cultural resonance for many Jewish families.
  14. Mendel

    • Origin:

      Yiddish variation of Menachem

    • Description:

      Mendel is an Old World Jewish name that is also the surname of the founder of genetics.
  15. Shem

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "name"

    • Description:

      This down-to-earth Bible name is surprisingly little-used, considering the popularity of other Old Testament names. Shem was Noah's eldest son, and is the origin of the term Semitic (as in the language family).
  16. Teive

    • Description:

      Teive is an uncommon masculine name with obscure origins, possibly deriving from Portuguese or Sephardic Jewish heritage. It may be related to the surname Teive found in Portuguese-speaking regions or could be a variation of Steve or Stephen. The name has a distinctive brevity and modern sound despite potential historical roots. Teive combines uniqueness with straightforward pronunciation, making it accessible despite its rarity. With just two syllables and a balanced blend of consonants and vowels, Teive offers simplicity while remaining distinctive. The name carries a contemporary feel with potential ancient connections, appealing to parents seeking an uncommon name that still sounds familiar enough to be easily pronounced.
  17. Yosel

    • Description:

      Yosel is a masculine name with Judaic origins, being a variant of Joseph or Yosef. The name carries the beautiful meaning 'God will add' or 'God shall increase.' Primarily used in Jewish communities, particularly among Ashkenazi Jews, Yosel maintains strong cultural and religious connections. It's one of many variations of Joseph that developed across different Jewish communities and languages, including Yiddish. While less common in mainstream American society, the name remains meaningful within Jewish traditions. Yosel offers a distinctive alternative to the more widely used Joseph while maintaining its rich biblical heritage and significance. The name evokes feelings of tradition, faith, and cultural identity.

  18. Abush

    • Origin:

      Yiddish diminutive of Abraham

    • Meaning:

      "Father of multitudes"

    • Description:

      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.
  19. Shmulke

    • Description:

      Shmulke is a masculine name with Yiddish origins, functioning as a diminutive form of Shmuel (the Hebrew equivalent of Samuel). The suffix '-ke' adds an affectionate or endearing quality, similar to adding '-y' or '-ie' in English. Common in Eastern European Jewish communities during the 19th and early 20th centuries, Shmulke conveys warmth and familiarity within traditional Ashkenazi culture. The name declined in usage following World War II and subsequent assimilation of Jewish communities into mainstream society. Today, Shmulke is rarely given as a formal name but might be used as a nickname in Yiddish-speaking families or communities preserving traditional naming patterns.

  20. Leib

    • Origin:

      Yiddish

    • Meaning:

      "roaring lion"

    • Description:

      Appealing name because, in German and Yiddish, it also means "dear" or "heart".