Israeli baby names are so common that you may not even have noticed that some of the most popular names today are Hebrew. When choosing names for their children, Israelis focus on both the meaning and sound of the name. This is the primary reason that despite being a highly Westernized country, Israeli parents stick with Hebrew names for their babies.
Another thing we’ve noticed is that Israelis like short names. Their names are rarely over two syllables and are often gender-neutral. There are several differences in the naming convention within different Jewish communities residing in Israel. Secular or modern Israelis do not give middle names, while it’s a must in religious Jewish families. The moderate ones choose a modern first name and a traditional middle name, often after a relative.
Many Israeli names are also derived from the Bible and Jewish texts. For instance, the name Avimelech, meaning 'father is king' is a popular Biblical name for many characters in the Old Testament. Israeli names also tend to use names inspired by nature and geographical locations. Alonia is a feminine name derived from the Hebrew male name 'Alona' meaning 'oak tree.' Similarly, Horam is a geographical name that translates to the 'Hill' in Hebrew. Moreover, Israelites also follow certain naming customs, especially among certain tribes. For instance, in Ashkenazic custom, it is encouraged to give the baby a name of a deceased relative so as to have a descendant of that person (1).
So, to give you a taste of traditional and contemporary Israeli names, we've compiled a list of Israeli baby names with meanings. While some of these are common in Israel, these can be quite distinctive and unique for a child growing up in the UK or the US. Whether you have an Israeli origin or you are intrigued by their names and naming customs, our list can provide you with several names to choose from. Take a look!
Name | Gender | Meaning | |
---|---|---|---|
Raguel | Boy | One of the seven archangels | |
Reu | Boy | A friend of his, Shepard | |
Saadya | Boy | God's helper | |
Sara | Girl | Princess | |
Seleta | Girl | Rock | |
Shachna | Boy | Close to God | |
Shira | Girl | Song | |
Shlomit | Girl | Peaceful | |
Shraga | Boy | Candle; Light | |
Talia | Girl | Dew from heaven | |
Tamar | Girl | Date palm; Palm tree | |
Tseeli | Girl | Princess | |
Tychicus | Girl | Accidental; Fortunate | |
Tzvi | Boy | Deer | |
Uri | Boy | God is my light | |
Uzziah | Boy | God is strong | |
Vitke | Girl | Life | |
Xev | Unisex | Wolf; Given by God | |
Yael | Boy | Mountain goat | |
Yagil | Boy | He will rejoice | |
Yehochanan | Boy | God is gracious | |
Yeshayahu | Boy | God is salvation | |
Yitta | Girl | Light | |
Yoram | Girl | Exalted by God | |
Yosepha | Girl | God will add | |
Zehavit | Girl | Golden | |
Zemora | Girl | Song of praise |
Naming your child is one of the most crucial decisions you will be making on their behalf, so you have to be extremely mindful while selecting a name. Israeli baby names from the above list can be good options for giving a meaningful name to your child. From simple and common one- and two-syllable Hebrew names to longer ones with three-syllable and more, our list has included a myriad of options for you to choose from. We’ve also provided the meanings of each name to make your search for the baby's name easier. We hope our selection would help you decide on a beautiful name for your baby.
Infographic: Illustrious Baby Names From Israel
Israel is a beautiful Hebrew-speaking country popularly known for its religious significance. So, if you wish to give your baby an Israeli name, our infographic below includes a few meaningful names you can choose from. All these names are of Hebrew origin, so go ahead and bestow your best-loved title on your child.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes Israeli baby names special?
In the realm of Israeli names, the historical and biblical roots intertwine with contemporary innovations. Within Israel's diverse and multicultural society, parents find inspiration from diverse cultures, languages, and naming traditions, infusing their children's names with unique and modern elements. Admiel (man of God), Amalye (labor of Yahweh), Mati (strength in battle), Mazal (luck), and Nomi (pleasantness) exemplify this blend, imparting a remarkable multicultural touch to these names.
2. What are the origins of Israeli baby names?
Hebrew names, deeply entrenched in Jewish tradition and language, carry profound religious and historical significance, making them prevalent choices for Israeli baby names. Israel's multicultural society, encompassing diverse ethnic backgrounds, also embraces names of non-Hebrew origins. This is evident in the adoption of names from cultures such as South African, Norwegian, Danish, American, and Swedish, reflecting the rich tapestry of names bestowed upon Israeli children.
3. How can an Israeli baby name reflect a family's heritage and Jewish culture?
Israel's profound biblical heritage endows it with a treasure trove of Hebrew Bible-inspired baby names (1). Opting for a name rooted in the Old Testament not only signifies a family's embrace of Jewish traditions but also resonates with their ancestral ties to Israel. Names such as Alyza, evoking 'joy,' Eliada, embodying 'god knows,' Eliaz, symbolizing 'my God is strong,' and Jennel, graciously reflecting 'God is gracious,' poignantly manifest the spiritual essence embraced by the people.
References:
- Parshat Shemot; The Laws of Jewish Names.
https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/1158837/jewish/The-Laws-of-Jewish-Names.htm