Israeli Place Names

Originally used for children baptized in holy water from the river Jordan, it became one of the leading androgynous names of the nineties. As the balance tips toward the boys' side, it's slipping on the girls' popularity chart. Alternate spelling Jordyn is now more popular for girls.

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.

This Old Testament place name was in the Top 10 fifty years ago, but now Sharon, along with sound-alike Karen, have fallen out of favor.

Tamar is a rich, strong Old Testament name sometimes given to girls born on the holiday of Sukkoth, as palm branches were used to make the roof of the sukkah. In the Bible, there are several Tamars, including a daughter of King David and also Absalom's daughter, who is praised for her 'fair countenance'.

Galilee is a highly unusual place name, Galilee being a large region in northern Israel, the home of Jesus during at least thirty years of his life, and also where he cured a blind man. The Sea of Galilee gets its name from the area.

Nazareth, used equally for boys and girls, is one of several place names with religious associations -- Galilee, Jericho --that have been rising in use in recent years. The name may relate to branch or to the verb watch or guard, but there are many possible derivations and meanings.

Brenner is an occupational surname for both a charcoal burner and a distiller of spirits. One of the least used of occupational surnames, it has that 'er' ending that definitely adds to its stylishness; a possible successor to Brendan. 

Tyra would be a more modern pick.

An Old Testament name -- he was the eldest son of Joseph -- that's still used in the Jewish community.

A symbolic name for boys born during a period between Passover and Shavuot.

Similar to but distinct from Samara, this pretty name was chosen for his daughter by rapper LL Cool J. It's the name of an ancient Palestinian city, located in present-day Jordan, and is associated with the Biblical story of "The Good Samaritan" who came from Samaria. Derived from shamar meaning "to guard" this name was chosen for 100 girls in 2023 in the US.

Zevulun is a masculine name of Hebrew origin, derived from the biblical Zebulun, who was the sixth son of Jacob and Leah in the Old Testament. The name means 'dwelling' or 'honor' in Hebrew. Zevulun represents the more traditional Hebrew pronunciation compared to the Anglicized Zebulun. In Jewish tradition, Zebulun's tribe was associated with prosperity through maritime trade. While uncommon in mainstream usage, Zevulun has maintained popularity in Jewish communities, particularly among those observing traditional naming practices. The name carries spiritual significance while offering the distinctive initial 'Z,' giving it both religious depth and contemporary appeal.

Sounds as if you might have swallowed the middle a in Tamara.