Hebrew Girls

Neviah

Hebrew

"forecaster"

All too likely to be confused with the ultratrendy Nevaeh.

Nissa

Hebrew

"to test"

Feels truncated, as though a first syllable was snapped off.

Odelia

Hebrew, German

"I will praise the Lord or wealth"

Pretty Hebrew name that would create a strong but feminine impression, as well as a variant of the Germanic name Odilia or Ottilie.

Paziah

Hebrew

"the gold of Jehovah"

Often heard in Israel, spelled with or without the final h.

Peri

Greek; Hebrew; Persian

"mountain dweller; fruit; fairy"

This name used for both sexes in several cultures is quite well used in Israel.

Rachael

Variation of Rachel, Hebrew

"ewe"

This form of the Biblical Rachel is well-used despite its somewhat counter-intuitive spelling which can make English speakers think the name should be pronounced with a k sound, as in Raquel. The…

Rae

English, diminutive of Rachel, Hebrew

"ewe"

All the old ae/ay middle names for girls are back — Kay, Fay, Mae/May — and Rae is one of the coolest, used as such by celebrities as Mark Wahlberg and Daniel Baldwin. Even more popular in the…

Rafaela

Spanish and Portuguese version of Hebrew Raphaela

"God has healed"

This euphonious and lovely name is an internationally appealing choice, that, like Gabriela and Isabela before it, is beginning to be drawn into the American mainstream. Also spelled Raffaella…

Raphia

Raphia is a feminine name with botanical origins, referring to a genus of palm trees native to tropical regions of Africa and Asia. The name has a melodic quality with its flowing sounds. While…

Raphaela

Hebrew, feminine variation of Raphael

"God has healed"

A euphonious and lovely name with a dark-eyed, long-flowing-haired image, Raphaela is, like Gabriella and Isabella, beginning to be drawn into the American mainstream.

Raia

Spelling variation of Raya

The popularity of Maya clarifies the pronunciation of Raya, which makes that the better spelling of this name.

Rebekka

Variation of Rebecca, Hebrew

"servant of God"

Rebekka is a more creative spelling -- at least in some people's opinion -- of the biblical favorite Rebecca. Rebekka is also the usual German version. The Rebekkah spelling was commonly used in…

Rena

Hebrew, Greek, Estonian, Scandinavian, German, Punjabi

"joyous melody; peace; reborn; to remain"

Rena is a Hebrew name all on its own and is also a European short form of Irene, Irini, Renata, and Renate. In Punjabi, Rena means "to remain".

Reuelle

Hebrew

"friend of God"

Spelling a bit elaborate and confusing.

Roni

Hebrew

"my song or my joy"

Roni may sound like the Doowop-era Ronnie or Ronni, often named for her dad Ron, but it's actually a freestanding Hebrew name with an uplifting meaning.

Ronia

Hebrew

"God's joyful song"

Hebrew name related to Ronit and Roni, also used in different cultures as Ronya, Ronja, and Roniya. Virtually unknown in the English-speaking world though certainly an easily-translatable choice.

Salome

Hebrew

"peace"

A soft and interesting Hebrew name long popular in France, where it has ranked in the Top 400 since 1986 (as Salomé). Ex- ER star Alex Kingston named her daughter Salome Violetta. Despite seeing…

Sapphire

Hebrew, Greek, and Latin jewel name

"blue"

Sapphire goes waaaaay beyond Ruby and Pearl. This September birthstone, occasionally used a century ago, might be worth a reappraisal, perhaps as a Sophie/Sophia alternative. Sapphire is the…

Sera

Hebrew, variation of Sarah

"princess"

Sera is a truly international variation heard in Hebrew-speaking, Spanish and Italian cultures. Sera can also spelled Serah. Sera might also be a short form of Seraphina. While Sera may rightly be…

Seraphine

French from Hebrew

"burning ones"

Seraphine is the Gallic version of the angelic name Seraphina. But while Seraphina has been rising rapidly since Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck chose it for their second daughter, Seraphine has been…