Yiddish Names for Boys

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.

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

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.

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).

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Rarely used cerebral-sounding name that is actually the Yiddish form of Ezekiel.

Rarely, if ever, heard outside the Jewish community.

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.

Heskel is a masculine name with Hebrew origins, representing a variant of Ezekiel or Yechezkel, meaning 'God strengthens' or 'God will strengthen.' Common in Jewish communities, particularly among Sephardic Jews, Heskel carries biblical significance through its connection to the prophet Ezekiel. The name has a dignified, scholarly quality while remaining accessible and straightforward to pronounce. Though uncommon in mainstream Western usage, Heskel offers cultural richness and historical depth. The name's distinctive beginning with 'H' differentiates it from more common variants while maintaining its authentic roots. Heskel combines religious significance with a strong, masculine sound, making it appealing to parents seeking a name with cultural depth and meaningful etymology.

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.

Beinish is a masculine name with Yiddish origins, derived from 'ben' meaning 'son' in Hebrew. The name may also have connections to Eastern European Jewish communities. Though relatively uncommon in mainstream usage, Beinish has historical significance in Jewish communities and may be used to honor family traditions. The name carries a distinctive sound that sets it apart from more common names. Some families choose this name to maintain cultural heritage while providing their child with a unique identity. Beinish remains relatively rare in contemporary naming trends, appealing to parents seeking names with cultural depth and historical connections.

Yankel is a masculine name with Yiddish origins, traditionally used as an affectionate form of Jacob (Yaakov in Hebrew). Popular among Ashkenazi Jewish communities in Eastern Europe, Yankel carries warm, familial associations within Jewish cultural contexts. The name traveled with Jewish immigrants to America and other countries, though it has typically been replaced by more mainstream versions like Jacob or Jack in subsequent generations. Yankel evokes a sense of old-world charm and connection to Jewish heritage. While less common today as a formal given name, it continues to appear in Jewish literature, folklore, and as a nickname. The name resonates with cultural significance, often representing traditional Jewish values and community ties.

Issur is a masculine name with Hebrew and Yiddish origins. It may have developed as a variation of the Hebrew name Isser or Issar, which is believed to be related to the Hebrew word 'asur' meaning 'bound' or 'forbidden.' The name gained some recognition as the birth name of actor Kirk Douglas, who was born Issur Danielovitch before adopting his stage name. In Jewish communities, particularly among Ashkenazi Jews, the name has historical usage though it remains relatively uncommon in mainstream society. Issur has a strong, distinctive sound with its double 's' and concise ending. The name carries a sense of heritage and cultural connection for those with Jewish ancestry, while offering a rare and distinctive option for parents seeking a name with historical depth.

Yossel is a masculine name of Yiddish origin, serving as a diminutive form of Yosef (Joseph). The name Joseph comes from Hebrew, meaning 'God will add' or 'God will increase.' Yossel was particularly common among Ashkenazi Jewish communities in Eastern Europe before the mid-20th century. The diminutive suffix '-el' adds an affectionate quality to the traditional name. Following the Holocaust and subsequent migration of Jewish populations, traditional Yiddish names became less common, though they remain important cultural identifiers. Today, Yossel is relatively rare, primarily used in traditional Jewish communities preserving Yiddish naming customs. The name carries deep cultural significance, connecting bearers to Jewish heritage and history. For many families, using names like Yossel represents an intentional preservation of cultural traditions that might otherwise be lost.

Shmelke is a masculine name of Yiddish origin, typically used as a diminutive form of Shmuel (Samuel). Within Hasidic Jewish communities, it gained recognition through Rabbi Shmelke of Nikolsburg (Shmuel Horowitz), an 18th-century Hasidic master and Torah scholar. The name carries warm, affectionate connotations through its diminutive suffix. While uncommon in mainstream society, Shmelke maintains cultural significance within traditional Jewish communities, particularly among those with Eastern European heritage. The name reflects the rich tradition of Yiddish diminutives that add a layer of warmth and familiarity to biblical names.

More familiar now via its Salman form, thanks to author Rushdie; this is an unusual biblical alternative.