Yiddish Names for Boys

Motl

Motl is a masculine name of Yiddish origin, typically used as a diminutive form of Mordecai (Hebrew for 'warrior'). The name gained literary recognition through the character Motl in Sholem…

Motke

Motke is a masculine name of Yiddish origin, primarily used in Jewish communities as a diminutive or nickname for Mordechai (Hebrew) or Mordecai. The name Mordechai itself has Persian roots and…

Mosheh

Hebrew

"son or deliver"

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

Moyshe

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…

Shem

Hebrew

"name"

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…

Shemuel

Shemuel is a masculine name of Hebrew origin, representing the original form of the more commonly known Samuel. It derives from the Hebrew elements 'shem' meaning 'name' and 'el' meaning 'God,' thus…

Schmuel

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…

Zelig

Yiddish variation of Selig

"blessed, happy"

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

Shlomo

Hebrew

"his peace"

Rarely, if ever, heard outside the Jewish community.

Shmelke

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…

Shmulke

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…

Shmiel

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…

Shelomoh

Shelomoh is the original Hebrew form of Solomon, a masculine name with profound historical and biblical significance. Derived from 'shalom' meaning 'peace,' Shelomoh was the name of the celebrated…

Zalman

Variation of Solomon

"peace"

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

Yankel

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…

Yossil

Yossil is a masculine name of Hebrew origin, likely a variation of Yosef (Joseph), which means 'God will add' or 'God will increase.' The suffix '-il' gives it a distinctive quality while maintaining…

Yosel

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,…

Yossel

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…

Liev

Yiddish variation of Lev

"heart"

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…

Evron

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…