Yiddish Names that Start With R

  1. Rada
    • Origin:

      Yiddish; Slavic
    • Meaning:

      "rose; happy, willing"
    • Description:

      This sweet and simple name has origins in both Yiddish and Slavic, each with an equally appealing meaning.
  2. Raizel
    • Origin:

      Yiddish
    • Meaning:

      "rose"
    • Description:

      The most popular flower name in Israel, though that popularity does not extend to the US.
  3. Rifka
    • Origin:

      Yiddish variation of Rivka, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "to tie, bind"
    • Description:

      The Yiddish form of Rivka hums along at the bottom of the baby name charts. It's been given to anywhere between 5 and 20 baby girls since the late '60s. Rivka is currently more than 30 times as popular, but for Jewish families, the softer (but still saucy) Rifka may be due for a comeback.
  4. Roza
    • Origin:

      Russian and Polish variation of Rosa
    • Description:

      Adds some zest to Rosa.
  5. Ruchel
    • Description:

      Ruchel is a feminine name of Yiddish origin, representing the Yiddish variant of Rachel. Rachel comes from Hebrew and means 'ewe' or 'female sheep,' symbolizing gentleness and nurturing qualities. In Jewish tradition, Rachel was one of the matriarchs of Israel, the beloved wife of Jacob in the Bible. The Yiddish pronunciation and spelling reflects the cultural and linguistic traditions of Eastern European Jewish communities. Ruchel maintains the spiritual significance of Rachel while connecting to Ashkenazi Jewish heritage specifically. This name was more common among Jewish families before World War II, particularly in Eastern Europe. Though less frequently used today, it represents an important connection to Yiddish-speaking ancestors and Jewish cultural heritage for families who choose it.

  6. Raysel
    • Origin:

      Yiddish
    • Meaning:

      "rose"
    • Description:

      See RAIZEL.