​
​
Advanced Search

Yiddish Names that Start With S

Nameberry
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Oct 01 2024
  1. 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).
  2. Shlomo

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "his peace"

    • Description:

      Rarely, if ever, heard outside the Jewish community.
  3. Sisel

    • Description:

      Sisel is a feminine name with Yiddish origins, primarily used in Jewish Ashkenazi communities. It is believed to be a diminutive form of the Hebrew name Susanna, meaning 'lily' or 'rose.' In some traditions, it's also connected to the word for 'sweet' or 'sweetness.' Sisel was particularly popular among Eastern European Jewish communities in the 19th and early 20th centuries, though its usage declined following World War II and the Holocaust. The name carries a vintage charm and cultural significance, often honoring ancestors from pre-war Europe. While uncommon in mainstream naming trends, Sisel has seen some renewed interest among families seeking to revive traditional Jewish names with historical roots. Its soft sounds and gentle meaning give it a delicate, feminine quality that connects to a rich cultural heritage.
  4. Shosha

    • Description:

      Shosha is a feminine name with Hebrew and Yiddish origins. In Hebrew, it derives from 'shoshana' meaning 'lily' or 'rose,' symbolizing beauty and purity. In Yiddish communities, it developed as a nickname for Shoshana. The name carries a gentle, flowing quality with its soft consonants and balanced syllables. Uncommon in mainstream Western naming practices, Shosha maintains cultural significance in Jewish communities worldwide. It offers a concise alternative to the longer Shoshana while preserving its floral associations and cultural heritage. The name's simplicity, paired with its melodic sound and meaningful etymology, gives it a quiet elegance that resonates with those seeking names with cultural depth.
  5. Shelomoh

    • Description:

      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 wise king of Israel described in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament. King Shelomoh (Solomon) was renowned for his wisdom, wealth, and the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. While the Anglicized 'Solomon' is more commonly used in English-speaking countries, Shelomoh remains popular among traditional Jewish families who prefer the authentic Hebrew pronunciation. The name carries connotations of wisdom, judicial fairness, and peaceful prosperity, reflecting the legacy of the biblical king who was granted divine wisdom.
  6. Shmiel

    • Description:

      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 heard.' Shmiel was particularly common among Eastern European Jews before World War II. The name carries cultural and historical significance, often evoking connections to pre-Holocaust Jewish life in Eastern Europe. Though less frequently given today as a legal first name, it continues to be used as a nickname for Samuel in some traditional Jewish communities. The name reflects Yiddish linguistic traditions with its characteristic diminutive suffix and carries deep cultural resonance for many Jewish families.
  7. 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.
  8. Sroel

    • Description:

      Sroel is a rare masculine name that serves as a Yiddish variant of Israel. The name Israel has deep biblical roots, originating from Hebrew meaning 'one who struggles with God' or 'God contends.' Sroel emerged primarily in Eastern European Jewish communities as a vernacular form used in everyday life. While Israel remained the formal name for religious and official purposes, Sroel was often used conversationally. This name carries significant cultural and religious heritage within Jewish communities but remains quite uncommon in mainstream usage. As with many traditional Yiddish names, its usage declined following World War II and subsequent assimilation, though some families continue to use it to honor ancestral traditions.
  9. Shmelke

    • Description:

      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.
  10. Shemuel

    • Description:

      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 translating to 'name of God' or 'God has heard.' While less common than its modernized version, Shemuel has historical significance in Jewish tradition and appears in ancient Hebrew texts. The name carries spiritual weight, suggesting divine attention and response to prayer. Though rare in mainstream Western usage, it appeals to parents seeking a name with authentic biblical roots and distinctive character. Some families choose it to honor Jewish heritage or to use the nickname Shem.

  11. 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.