127 Israeli Baby Names With Meanings
Names from the Jewish land that honor tradition and embrace modernity.
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 | |
---|---|---|---|
Abidan | Boy | My father is judge | |
Achima | Girl | He will establish | |
Adam | Boy | Son of the Earth | |
Adele | Girl | Noble type | |
Ahiram | Boy | Brother of the exalted | |
Alatan | Boy | Strength; A strong one | |
Alitza | Girl | Joy | |
Allonia | Girl | Oak tree | |
Amarice | Unisex | Strong; Noble | |
Amarya | Boy | God | |
Ammi | Boy | My people | |
Ammital | Boy | He who is truthful | |
Analya | Unisex | Graceful; Charming; Radiant | |
Anani | Boy | Cloud | |
Anath | Girl | The answer | |
Anshil | Boy | Happy; Blessed one; Happiness; Bliss | |
Ariel | Boy | Lion of God | |
Arizbeth | Unisex | Unique; Feminine; Strong | |
Arles | Boy | Pledge | |
Ataret | Boy | Someone who is being crowned | |
Avigayil | Girl | One who is a happy father and provides joy | |
Avimelech | Boy | My father is king | |
Avishag | Girl | My father strays | |
Ayalon | Boy | Deer; Gazelle | |
Ayelet | Girl | Doe; Female deer | |
Azareel | Boy | Help of God | |
Azaziah | Boy | Strength of Yahweh | |
Azrail | Boy | The Angel of Death | |
Bat-Tseeyon | Girl | Daughter of Zion | |
Bathshua | Girl | Variant of Bathsheba | |
Ben-Aryeh | Boy | Son of the lion | |
Ben-Tziyon | Boy | Son of Zion | |
Beriah | Boy | Calamity; Misfortune; Healthy, sound, fit, well, hale, lusty, bonny; Stout, robust; Wholesome, nutritious, healthful, hearty | |
Berura | Girl | She who is pure | |
Bethuel | Boy | Man of God | |
Bladen | Boy | knife | |
Chagai | Boy | Festive | |
Chania | Girl | Encampment; Resting place | |
Chaviv | Boy | He who is beloved | |
Chayyim | Boy | Life | |
Cheftzi-Ba | Girl | She is my desire | |
Chiram | Boy | An exalted and noble being | |
Choni | Boy | A gracious being | |
Dafne | Girl | Laurel tree | |
Daganyah | Girl | Ceremonial grain | |
Daliah | Girl | Dahlia flower; Delicate; Portion | |
Daniel | Boy | God is my judge | |
Daniyyel | Boy | God is my judge | |
David | Boy | Beloved | |
Derora | Girl | Freedom | |
Dikla | Girl | Palm tree | |
Dothan | Boy | Law | |
Eiran | Boy | He who is awake and vigilant | |
Eitan | Boy | One who is steady and very bold | |
Elazaro | Boy | God has helped | |
Eliphelet | Boy | God is my deliverance | |
Elishama | Boy | God hears everyone | |
Eliyyahu | Boy | The Lord is my God | |
Elnatan | Boy | Gift of God | |
Eshakol | Boy | A grape cluster | |
Evenezer | Boy | Foundation stone | |
Ghila | Girl | Joy and happiness | |
Gilana | Girl | My joy is eternal | |
Hasida | Girl | She who is righteous | |
Hessye | Girl | Star | |
Hilla | Girl | Timid | |
Hillel | Boy | Greatly praised | |
Horam | Boy | Hill | |
Iba | Unisex | Gift from God | |
Inda | Girl | Pleasure | |
Ithamar | Boy | Palm island | |
Ivin | Unisex | Beloved | |
Jafit | Girl | She who is beautiful | |
Jazeel | Boy | The power of God | |
Jedidah | Girl | A friend or companion | |
Jepson | Unisex | Son of Jep or Descendant of Jep | |
Jonati | Girl | My dove | |
Joseph | Boy | He will add; Praise | |
Kaela | Girl | The laurel crown | |
Karmia | Girl | Vineyard of the Lord | |
Kibzaim | Boy | Protected | |
Laniece | Girl | Unique, elegant, and strong | |
Lia | Girl | Weary; Relaxed | |
Malcah | Girl | Queen | |
Marmel | Girl | Vineyard of the Lord | |
Mazal | Girl | Luck or fortune | |
Mintze | Girl | Bitter | |
Miriam | Girl | Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness | |
Mirtza | Girl | Sea of bitterness | |
Moriel | Girl | God is my teacher | |
Muhammad | Boy | Praiseworthy; Praised one | |
Noa | Unisex | Movement; Motion | |
Noam | Unisex | Pleasantness | |
Omer | Boy | Populous; Flourishing | |
Orali | Girl | My light | |
Ornette | Girl | Light, cedar tree | |
Pazice | Girl | Golden | |
Perril | Girl | Pearl | |
Pessel | Girl | My pearl | |
Pinye | Boy | He who is dark-complexioned | |
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
Look Up For Many More Names
Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.