Jewish Names

Tilla is a feminine name with multiple potential origins. In Germanic languages, it can be a diminutive of names containing the element 'tild' meaning 'battle' or 'strength,' such as Matilda. In Hindi, Tilla relates to gold or golden, carrying connotations of brightness and value. The name also appears in Swedish and Finnish contexts. With its soft sound and simple two-syllable structure, Tilla has a gentle, melodic quality that feels both vintage and fresh. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, it enjoys some usage in Scandinavian and Germanic regions. The name's cross-cultural presence and pleasant sound make it appealing for parents seeking a simple yet distinctive name with international resonance.

Too close to yenta.

This once-cool nickname-y name now belongs to the grandma generation.

Basia functions as a diminutive or nickname for Barbara, though many people now use it as a standalone name. The name derives from the Greek word 'barbaros,' originally referring to non-Greek speakers, but later evolving to mean 'foreign' or 'stranger.'

Heskel is a masculine name with Hebrew origins, representing a variant of Ezekiel or Yechezkel, meaning 'God strengthens' or 'God will strengthen.' Common in Jewish communities, particularly among Sephardic Jews, Heskel carries biblical significance through its connection to the prophet Ezekiel. The name has a dignified, scholarly quality while remaining accessible and straightforward to pronounce. Though uncommon in mainstream Western usage, Heskel offers cultural richness and historical depth. The name's distinctive beginning with 'H' differentiates it from more common variants while maintaining its authentic roots. Heskel combines religious significance with a strong, masculine sound, making it appealing to parents seeking a name with cultural depth and meaningful etymology.

Nesanel is a masculine Hebrew name derived from the biblical name Nathaniel (נְתַנְאֵל - Netanel), which means 'gift of God' or 'God has given.' This name appears in the Torah as one of the tribal leaders of Israel. Nesanel represents a traditional Ashkenazi Jewish pronunciation and spelling variant that has been preserved in Orthodox Jewish communities. While less common in secular society, it remains popular in religious Jewish families who value its biblical heritage and spiritual significance. The name carries deep religious meaning, connecting its bearer to ancient tradition while expressing gratitude for divine blessing. Nesanel has experienced modest growth in usage in recent years, particularly within observant Jewish communities.

Variation of Channah and Hannah making multiple appearances in the US popularity charts during the latter portion of the twentieth century, Chana has now remained in the Top 1000 since 2008.

Derived from the Hebrew words shai, meaning "gift," and li, "mine." The Shaily variation is more common in Israel and the US.

Netta ranked in the US Top 1000 in the 1880s, when it was often used as a short form of names such as Jeanette, Annette, and Antoinette. In Jewish families, Netta was typically seen as a variation of the Hebrew name Neta.

The plural, ivrim, is the Hebrew word for the Hebrew people.

Pronounced ROOT in its native land, but in a rut here.

Eber is far more approachable than its full forbidding form.

A handsome and rare Hebrew name related to Adam — it was given to fewer than five American babies in the United States in 2021.

Irit means "asphodel," which refers to a genus of perennial flower native to the Mediterranean and Middle East.

It looks like a creative respelling of battle, but this name is anything but. Instead, Batel is a Hebrew name with a lovely meaning.

This is a rarely heard multi-cultural name, related to a 14th century Jewish scholar named Kalonymous ben Kalonymous, who translated important texts from Arabic to Hebrew. It is also a Hungarian derivative of Colman, via the Latin Columba, meaning dove, and was the name of a 12th century king of Hungary. Its modern sound make it an interesting option.

Chirpy, upbeat Jewish nickname. Gitty was traditionally short for the Yiddish name Gittel, but now is more common as an independent name.

This botanical Hebrew name is predominantly used on girls, however it is traditionally a unisex name that is used on boys too.