Hebrew names are some of the oldest monikers in existence. In fact, most of the names we know today have Hebrew roots and have been trending on the Social Security Administration list for the past few years. So if you’re looking for a Jewish name to honor your heritage or that of a loved one, you’ve come to the right place.
Jewish people follow a basic tradition when it comes to naming their children. It is believed that when parents are thinking of a name for their child, an angel comes and whispers the name to their ears.
A baby boy is named at the time of his birth or circumcision. If the child is a firstborn or the redemption of the firstborn, a pompous ceremony is held. But if God forbid, the baby is ill, parents can name the child, even before the circumcision, so that people can pray for the child using his name. A baby girl is named at the Torah reading right after the birth. But some people even wait until Shabbat to name their children. It’s also customary for parents to name their children after deceased parents.
Whether you’re looking for a modern Jewish name or a traditional Biblical option, MomJunction has rounded up some of the most beautiful Jewish names for your little one.
NAMES | MEANING | GENDER | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Adam | Man, earth | Boy | |||
Ariel | Lion of God | Boy | |||
Avigayil | One who is a happy father and provides joy | Girl | |||
Daniel | A Prophet | Boy | |||
David | A beloved friend | Boy | |||
Eitan | One who is steady and very bold | Boy | |||
Esther | Sweet; Star; Planet Venus; The Babylonian goddess of love; Fifth Century Queen of Persia | Girl | |||
Itai | With Me | Boy | |||
Joseph | Hebrew - Yahweh will add; God will Multiply; Derived from the element 'yacaph' meaning to add, to increase | Boy | |||
Leah | Weary, tired person | Girl | |||
Miriam | Hebrew - Sea of Bitternes; Rebelliousness; Wished for child; To swell; A variant form of Mary | Girl | |||
Noa | Undertaking or wave program or indication. | Unisex | |||
Noam | Loveliness or satisfaction. | Unisex | |||
Omer | Talker, successful, long-term, growing, blooming | Boy | |||
Sarah | Princess | Girl | |||
Shira | Song | Girl | |||
Talia | Dew from heaven | Girl | |||
Tamar | A name that means date palm tree | Girl | |||
Uri | God is my light | Boy | |||
Yael | Mountain goat | Boy | |||
Bat-Tzion | Daughter of Zion, or daughter of excellence | Girl | |||
Bayla | Beautiful | Girl | |||
Ben-Tzion | Son of Zion or son of excellence | Boy | |||
Berel | Bear | Boy | |||
Bruriah | Clarity of God | Girl | |||
Calev | Like a heart | Boy | |||
Carmi | My vineyard | Boy | |||
Chagit | Festive, celebration | Girl | |||
Chananel | God is compassionate | Boy | |||
Chizkiyahu | God is my strength | Boy | |||
Danzig | Trading city | Boy | |||
Eldad | Beloved of God | Boy | |||
Eliise | From Elisabeth, which means My God is an oath, My God is abundance | Girl | |||
Elona | A tough individual; like Oak tree | Boy | |||
Elyakim | My God will establish | Boy | |||
Emunah | Faith | Girl | |||
Faige | Bird | Girl | |||
Fishel | Fish | Boy | |||
Fivel | Nursing | Boy | |||
Gabrielle | God is my strength | Girl | |||
Gamliel | God is my reward | Boy | |||
Hodaya | Praise God | Girl | |||
Irit | Asphodel | Girl | |||
Isabelle | From Elisabeth, which means My God is an oath, My God is abundance | Girl | |||
Issur | Yiddish nickname for Israel | Boy | |||
Kalonymos | Merciful | Boy | |||
Lantz | Yiddish form of Lancer. It means spear. | Boy | |||
Levona | Frankincense | Girl | |||
Machla | Affliction | Girl | |||
Manoach | Resting place | Boy | |||