Yiddish Names for Boys

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. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Tevel
    • Origin:

      Hebrew, Yiddish
    • Meaning:

      "world, universe"
    • Description:

      Derived from the Hebrew word for "universe, macrocosm, world", this modern choice may appeal to those who like Evren for its 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. 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.
  7. Zelig
    • Origin:

      Yiddish variation of Selig
    • Meaning:

      "blessed, happy"
    • Description:

      A super quirky and upbeat choice, if it can ever shake off its ubiquitous-guy Woody Allen identity.
  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. Anshel
    • Description:

      Anshel is a masculine name of Yiddish origin, primarily used in Jewish communities. It's believed to be derived from the Hebrew name Asher, meaning 'happy' or 'blessed,' or possibly from the German name Anselm, which combines elements meaning 'god' and 'helmet' or 'protection.' Anshel was common among Eastern European Jewish communities before World War II but became less frequent afterward. The name carries deep cultural significance in Jewish heritage and history. While relatively uncommon globally, Anshel has seen some renewed interest among families seeking to honor Jewish ancestry and traditions. It offers a distinctive choice with meaningful cultural connections and historical depth.
  10. 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.
  11. 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).
  12. Shlomo
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "his peace"
    • Description:

      Rarely, if ever, heard outside the Jewish community.
  13. Haskel
    • Origin:

      Yiddish variation of Ezekiel
    • Description:

      Rarely used cerebral-sounding name that is actually the Yiddish form of Ezekiel.
  14. Mosheh
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "son or deliver"
    • Description:

      The original Hebrew form of Moses, also spelled Mosheh. In the past it was translated to names like Morris, Moe and Maurice.
  15. 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.
  16. Leib
    • Origin:

      Yiddish
    • Meaning:

      "roaring lion"
    • Description:

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

  19. Schmuel
    • Description:

      Schmuel is the Yiddish variant of the Hebrew name Samuel (שְׁמוּאֵל/Shmuel). It carries the same meaning as its Hebrew counterpart: 'name of God' or 'God has heard.' This name has deep significance in Jewish communities, particularly among Ashkenazi Jews of Eastern European descent. Pronounced 'shMOO-el,' it reflects the distinctive phonetics of Yiddish language adaptations of biblical names. Schmuel appears in numerous Yiddish literary works and has been carried by notable Jewish scholars and rabbis throughout history. While less common than Samuel in contemporary usage, it remains a meaningful choice for families honoring their Jewish heritage or Yiddish-speaking ancestors.
  20. Mendel
    • Origin:

      Yiddish variation of Menachem
    • Description:

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

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