Yiddish Names for Boys

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Derived from the Hebrew word for "universe, macrocosm, world", this modern choice may appeal to those who like Evren for its meaning.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Rarely, if ever, heard outside the Jewish community.

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

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

Moyshe is a masculine name representing the Yiddish form of Moses, a name of ancient Egyptian and Hebrew origins. In Jewish tradition, Moses (Moshe in Hebrew) was the prophet who led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and received the Torah at Mount Sinai. The Yiddish pronunciation and spelling reflects the language developed by Ashkenazi Jewish communities in Central and Eastern Europe. Moyshe carries deep cultural and religious significance in Jewish communities, particularly those with connections to Yiddish-speaking regions. While less common today than in previous generations, the name continues to be used in traditional Jewish families honoring linguistic heritage. The name conveys wisdom, leadership, and commitment to faith and community values.

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