Jewish Names

Little-known name from the Old Testament.

This animal-themed name is among the most popular for girls in contemporary Israel. Parents who want to move beyond the mega-popular Aliyah and sisters might want to consider Ayala. The male form is Ayal.

A widely used Hebrew form of Joseph, with a sophisticated and continental air.

Naviʾ is the Hebrew word for "prophet," while neviʾa is "prophetess." Both ultimately derive an Akkadian word meaning "to proclaim" or "to summon."

This Hebrew water name has two main popular associations: Mayim Bialik, who played the title role in the early 90s TV series "Blossom," and the popular Israeli folk dance, "Mayim, Mayim."

Unisex name in Israel, ideal for a Hanukkah baby.

A Near Eastern favorite, with an agreeable, evocative sound.

The exact etymology of Nevo is unknown, but it is the name of a mountain in Jordan — the one where Moses looked upon the promised land for the first time and the last place he saw before his death.

While Daniel is the usual male form of this usually male Biblical name, it's a Top 100 name for girls in Israel. In most cultures, Daniel is feminized to Denielle or Daniela when used as a girls' name. There were 11 baby girls named Daniel in the US last year, so it's use is not unheard of beyond Israel.

Paz is an appealing Spanish name meaning "peace", derived from the Latin "pax". It's usually feminine in Spanish, but could also make an interesting literary choice for a boy, honoring the writer Octavio Paz.

Spelling variation of Lior.

This masculine floral name literally means "burning bush", and is the Bulgarian word for the dittany plant. The name derives from the highly volatile oils produced by the plant, which can actually catch fire in hot weather. A notable bearer of the Bulgarian-form of the name is Rosen Plevneliev, a former President of Bulgaria.

Intriguing twist on Jacob, but may be too strongly associated with Michael Jackson.

Sounds a lot like the recently revived Adele.

Atalia or Athalia is a biblical name with a gory history. But it's an attractive name in step with the current fashion for A-starting and -ending names that are both distinctive and deeply rooted.

Popular name in Israel, worth considering for a dark-haired daughter with a bit of a bohemian cast.

Bright and bold traditionally masculine name used in Israel.

Short form of Yonatan heard throughout Israel.