Jewish Hebrew Biblical boy names
By FractalShadow
Updated Thu May 25 2023
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This is a list of Jewish names from across the diaspora: Israeli, Yiddish, Sephardic, and more. Some names are modern and others are historical.
- Abbas
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"lion, stern"Description:
Not one of the five hundred names of Muhammad, but that of his uncle.
- Abel
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"breath"Description:
Abel, the name of Adam and Eve's unfortunate younger son, compensates with positive connotations: capable, competent, ready and willing.
- Abijah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"God is my father"Description:
Abijah is a truly unusual, truly unisex, truly appealing biblical name. There were several male Abijahs in the Bible, one of them, known as Abijah of Judah, was the fourth king of the House of David, and also a couple of females.
- Abraham
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"father of multitudes"Description:
Abraham is among the most classic baby names that's still widely-used today, popular for its references to both the Bible and American history. The Biblical Abraham was the first of the Old Testament patriarchs and is considered the founding father of the Jewish people. He was originally named Abram, until, according to Genesis, he was told, "No longer shall your name be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations."
- Akiva
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"to protect, shelter"Description:
Akiva has a distinguished scholarly pedigree and a lovely meaning. Its softer sound is very on trend for masculine names at the moment and is in line with more familiar monikers like Ezra, Elijah and Theo.
- Ariel
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"lion of God"Description:
Despite its distinguished pedigree and popularity in Israel, Disney's Little Mermaid cartoonized Ariel in the US, at least in some people's minds. But it was used for a male character in Shakespeare's The Tempest centuries ago.
- Ashira
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"I will sing"Description:
Unusual name with stylish, silky feel.
- Anani
- Bezai
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"eggs"Description:
Biblical family with 323 children. That's a lot of eggs.
- Betzalel
- Calev
- Danek
Description:
Danek is a masculine name with Slavic origins, particularly popular in Poland and Czech Republic. It typically functions as a diminutive form of Daniel, adding a distinctively Eastern European character to the biblical name. The suffix '-ek' in Slavic languages often indicates affection or endearment. Danek carries the same underlying meaning as Daniel – 'God is my judge' in Hebrew – while offering a less common alternative. The name has a strong, concise sound that travels well across language boundaries while retaining its cultural character. While familiar in Eastern Europe, Danek remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, making it an intriguing option for parents seeking a name with European flair that remains accessible in pronunciation. Its brevity and strong consonant ending give it a modern, distinctive quality.
- Dovev
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"whisper"Description:
Soft yet strong.
- Eilam
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"eternal"Description:
One of Noah's biblical grandsons, making it a natural to honor a relative with the name of the ark builder.
- Eli
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"ascended, uplifted, high"Description:
With its sharp, succinct sounds and cool, laidback style, Eli is a popular choice among parents today. Compact and punchy, it is a Biblical name with plenty of charm.
- Ephai
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"gloomy"Description:
Ephai may have a sad meaning but it's an interesting Biblical alternative to such widely-used names as Eli and Elijah.
- Ezekiel
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"God strengthens"Description:
Ezekiel used to be reduced to its nickname Zeke, but modern parents now embrace it in full for its power and dignity. Along with biblical brethren Asher and Ezra, Ezekiel is rising steadily up the popularity charts and is poised to take over for fading first wave Old Testament choices such as Zachary.
- Gabel
Description:
Gabel is a masculine name with Germanic roots, functioning primarily as a surname before occasional use as a first name. Derived from the Middle High German 'gabel' meaning 'fork' or 'forked implement,' it originally designated a maker of forks or someone who lived near a forked road or river. As a personal name, Gabel carries a strong, concise sound with its two syllables and distinctive ending. The name shares similarities with biblical Gabriel but offers a more uncommon alternative. Gabel has never been widely used as a first name in English-speaking countries, giving it a distinctive quality for contemporary parents seeking unique options. With its Germanic heritage and straightforward pronunciation, Gabel represents a rare name choice with historical substance and a modern, minimalist appeal.
- Gavriel
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"God is my strength"Description:
An Israeli place-name as well as being the Hebrew form of Gabriel.
- Gideon
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"hewer; or, having a stump for a hand"Description:
Gideon is a no-longer neglected Old Testament name, but still makes an excellent choice for parents looking to move beyond such overused biblicals as Benjamin and Jacob. In the Old Testament, Gideon was a judge called on by God to rescue the Jews from the Midianites, and the name was popular among the Puritans.