Favorite Hebrew Boy Names

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

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.

Energetic, sunny, and slightly romantic, Rafael is a popular choice in Germany, Spain, Portugal, and Croatia. Used internationally, Rafael is a Spanish variation of Raphael, that lends itself easily to the nicknames Rafi, Rafa and Rafe.

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.

While some may think of ruby slippers and a yellow brick road, Oz is a legitimate Hebrew name denoting power. An element in a number of names including Ozni, Oziel, and Ozias, it may also be used as a stand-alone choice which may appeal to those who enjoy the likes of Ty, Ed, Bo, and Cy.

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.

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

One of the most familiar, and assertive, names found throughout the Middle East and India, Ram has an assertive and solid air about it. Derived from a number of different origins, in English speaking countries, it may also be considered a word name, associated with a horned male sheep — or a form of computer memory.

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

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

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.

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.

Both Jair and Yair have been in and out of the US Top 1000 since the 2000s, and while both are currently taking a break from the charts, Yair in particular is quietly gathering attention. Given to 182 babies in 2023, Yair is simple and distinctive and fits in with the recent interest in off-beat Biblical names.

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.

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.

The original Hebrew form of Jacob is resurfacing in the US charts after a several-decade-long hiatus. The Old Testament figure is considered the founding father of the Jewish nation, whose twelve sons descended into the twelve tribes of Israel.

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

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.