Favorite Hebrew Boy Names

Adam -- a primal Old Testament name -- was revived as a 1960s cowboy name. Adam is not as popular as it once was and feels ready for a respite, replaced by newer A names like Aidan/Aiden, Avery and Axel. Its most prominent current bearers include Adams Sandler, Levine, Brody and Driver -- who plays a character named Adam on Girls.

Amos is a robust biblical name that's being discovered by a new generation of parents in a major way.

Aryeh, which can also be spelled Arye or Arieh, is a Biblical name sometimes heard in modern Israel. In the US, this is the most popular spelling by far, given to 100 boys last year. But the girls' form Ariyah is much more popular than that, given to nearly 500 baby girls.

Asher—an excellent, soft and sensitive Old Testament choice—is a baby boy name on the rise, and is a Nameberry biblical favorite.

Now that such Old Testament patriarchs as Elijah and Moses fill the playground, Boaz seems downright baby-friendly, having more pizzazz than many of the others, perhaps as a successor to Noah.

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 2024.

Eliezer is a Biblical name with an air of antiquity, a distinctive sound, and hint of mystery. The name has been in and out of the US Top 1000 since the 80s, with its most recent appearance being in 2023, when it was given to more than 200 babies.

Fewer letters does not always mean easier—the traditional spelling is the one most people will recognize.

An Israeli place-name as well as being the Hebrew form of Gabriel.

Idan is a Hebrew unisex place-name rarely heard in this country.

Naftali is a masculine name with Hebrew origins, derived from one of the twelve sons of Jacob in the Bible. The name comes from the Hebrew word 'naftal,' meaning 'to struggle' or 'to wrestle,' as Naftali's mother Rachel said, 'With mighty wrestlings I have wrestled with my sister.' In Jewish tradition, Naftali is associated with swiftness and eloquence, as he is described in scripture as a 'deer let loose who gives goodly words.' The name remains popular primarily in Jewish communities, especially among those honoring their heritage through biblical names. Naftali carries spiritual significance while offering a distinctive sound uncommon in mainstream Western naming. Its biblical roots provide both historical depth and religious meaning for families seeking a name with traditional Jewish connections.

For jet-setting parents or those with many cultural backgrounds, a name that is workable across various languages is often a priority. Natan is a great option, as it is a familiar name in many European countries. It is currently most popular in Poland but seeing significant use in Israel as well.

Short, simple international names like this make distinctive middle name possibilities. Nir also makes for a nature-oriented first name that's both straightforward and unusual. But be prepared for a lifetime of "...and far" jokes.

Old Testament name of a king of Israel, related to the harvest.