User-created list
Hebrew/Jewish Names
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The names
Michael
Hebrew
"who is like God?"
Michael was the Number 1 American boys' name for almost half a century. While Michael has moved out of the Top 10 baby boy names , it's still widely used. How has Michael racked up this phenomenal…
David
Hebrew
"beloved"
David is an enduring worldwide classic, used from ancient times to the present day. David is derived from the Hebrew name Dawid, believed to come from the root dôwd , meaning "beloved". The first…
Sarah
Hebrew
"princess"
Sarah was derived from the Hebrew word sarah , meaning "princess." Sarah is an Old Testament name — she was the wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac. According to the Book of Genesis, Sarah was…
Esther
Persian
"star"
Esther was derived from the Old Persian word stāra , meaning "star." In the Old Testament, Esther, originally named Hadassah, was the captured Jewish wife of the King of Persia who risked her life to…
Miriam
Hebrew or Egyptian
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"
The oldest-known form of Mary, serious and solemn Miriam has been a particular favorite of observant Jewish parents. But we can see it extending beyond that sphere into the next wave of Old Testament…
Laila
Spelling variation of Layla or Sami variation of Helga, Arabic or Finnish
"night; holy"
Beguiling and lovely, Laila is one of the lilting variations of Leila and Layla. It's the name of the former-boxer daughter of Muhammad Ali and of actor Shawn Wayans. In Finland, the Sami people use…
Chaya
Feminization of Chayyim or Chaim, Hebrew, Hindi, "life; shadow, shade"
"life; shadow, shade"
A life-affirming name of Hebrew origin, currently popular in Israel, Chaya has also risen up the charts in both the US and the UK in recent years. Used as a common name for leafy shrub in Mexico, it…
Rivka
Hebrew
"to tie, bind"
A traditional name still used in Orthodox families. Rivka is the original form of Rebekah or Rebecca, today used far more widely than the original. Rifka is a variation.
Chaim
Hebrew
"life"
A name that feels both lively and serious, Chaim was once more familiar as Hyman or Hymie. Now, the original form is on the rise, ranking in the Top 700 in the US, the Top 30 in Israel, and the Top…
Zev
Hebrew
"wolf"
Zev is a short, simple, animal name that may relate to the Old Testament Ze'ev -- except he was a villainous character.
Eitan
Hebrew variation of Ethan
This Hebrew version of Ethan, also a place-name in southern Israel, works well here. Eitan is a Top 20 name in Israel and it has been on the rise in the US too, with 190 boys receiving the name in…
Shira
Hebrew, Japanese
"singing, song; poetry, excellent, white"
A popular Israeli choice that could work across different languages, Shira comes from the Hebrew shir meaning "song." Some parents may be reminded of the animated heroine She-Ra, Princess of Power ,…
Dov
Hebrew
"bear"
Fierce meaning, gentle image. This name is very common in Israel, where an endearing pet form is Dubi.
Miryam
Miryam is the original Hebrew form of the name Mary, meaning 'wished-for child,' 'rebellion,' or 'sea of bitterness.' This ancient name carries profound historical and biblical significance as the…
Yonatan
Ziva
Hebrew
"life"
A zippy little international name. The Hebrew name relates to the month of Israeli independence, while the Slavic Ziva (also spelled Živa and Siva) is a goddess of love, life and fertility. The name…
Shlomo
Hebrew
"his peace"
Rarely, if ever, heard outside the Jewish community.
Ahava
Hebrew
"love"
A soft and lovely Hebrew name with an equally lovely meaning. Variations include Ahavah, Ahaba, Ahabah, Ahuva and Ahuvah.
Shalom
Hebrew
"peace"
Familiar as the most common form of greeting in Hebrew, but also associated with top female model Shalom Harlow.
Shalom
Hebrew
"peace"
Supermodel Shalom Harlow glamorized this name, which is heard as a greeting every day in Israel.