Jewish Names

Mattel is experiencing a revival in the Orthodox Jewish community, where it's becoming increasingly common as a first and middle name. It's the feminine version of Mottel, itself the Yiddish form of Mordecai. Mattel was commonly Anglicized as Matilda during emigration in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Yitzchak is the traditional Hebrew form of Isaac, a biblical name meaning 'he will laugh' or 'he will rejoice.' In the Old Testament, Yitzchak was the son of Abraham and Sarah, born to them in their old age. The name carries deep significance in Jewish tradition and has been used continuously in Jewish communities worldwide for thousands of years. While the Anglicized form Isaac is more common in English-speaking countries, Yitzchak remains popular among more traditional Jewish families. The name's pronunciation varies slightly across different Jewish communities, with Ashkenazi Jews typically pronouncing it 'YITZ-khahk' and Sephardic Jews often saying 'yitz-KHAK.' Common nicknames include Itzik, Itzy, and Zack.

Too close to yenta.

Ranking in the Polish Top 200, Estera is a variation on the classic Esther. Possibly deriving from Ishtar, the Near Eastern Goddess of fertility, love, and war, or from Persian, to mean "star", Estera is also associated with the myrtle trees, via Hadassah, the Biblical Esther's original Hebrew name.

Edgy German capital with definite possibilities as a baby name.

Gila and its variants have joyous meanings in Hebrew, but other kids might connect them to the monster.

Feminine form of Tzvi/Zvi

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.

In the US, best known as the name of Rahm Emanuel, former mayor of Chicago and White House Chief of Staff under President Obama.

Eber is far more approachable than its full forbidding form.

Place name and feminine given name in the Old Testament.

Spelling variation of Mattan.

A more scriptural way to spell Abraham.

With Lazarus heating up, this slimmer Eastern European form will likely see an uptick in use.

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

In the Old Testament, Itamar (or Ithamar) was the youngest son of Aaron.

Jonathan variation that is common among Jewish baby boys in Israel.

Appreciated by religious Jews for its connection to "Hatikva," the Israeli national anthem.