89 Jewish Baby Boy Names With Meanings
Unique titles that uphold heavenly virtues from one of the the most ancient cultures.
Jewish baby boy names have a profound history and timeless resonance, embodying the richness of the journey of the Jews. Rooted in tradition and laden with symbolism, these names honor the past and stay rooted in the present, while acting as a guiding light for the future. Each name weaves a narrative, revealing the story of a resilient and dynamic community. These names also have powerful meanings that often demonstrate the values and ideals of the community.
Rooted in the sacred texts of the Tanakh, Jewish baby boy names often encapsulate a divine connection, carrying layers of meaning that intertwine faith and identity. From Adam and David to Joseph and Zacharias, these ancient names link generations of Jewish people.
Jewish names also draw inspiration from Ashkenazi and Sephardic traditions. In Ashkenazi tradition, naming a child after a deceased individual is customary. Orthodox circles suggest the selection of the names from the paternal grandfather. In contrast, Sephardi practice names children after living individuals, typically naming the firstborn after the paternal grandfather. Jewish baby names are also influenced by linguistic and cultural elements of Yiddish and Ladino.
Whether you are drawn to the elegant simplicity of Noa or the regal feeling of Ariel, each name carries a legacy that extends beyond its literal meaning. Although of Greek origin, Alexander was embraced by Jews to honor Alexander the Great. Prominent Jewish names like Ari, Benjamin, Jacob, and Solomon are among the top 1000 baby names in the US (1), demonstrating the popularity of Jewish names across the world. Jewish baby names also act as a bridge between generations and a beacon of hope. So comb through our list of Jewish baby boy names and pick the one that resonates most with you. From traditional and classic names, to modern and sophisticated ones, this list has something for every parent.
Name | Gender | Meaning | |
---|---|---|---|
Adam | Boy | Son of the Earth | |
Ariel | Boy | Lion of God | |
Daniel | Boy | God is my judge | |
David | Boy | Beloved | |
Eitan | Boy | One who is steady and very bold | |
Itai | Boy | With me | |
Joseph | Boy | He will add; Praise | |
Noa | Unisex | Movement; Motion | |
Noam | Unisex | Pleasantness | |
Omer | Boy | Populous; Flourishing | |
Uri | Boy | God is my light | |
Yael | Boy | Mountain goat | |
Akyra | Unisex | Strong-willed and determined | |
Azu | Unisex | Blue; Serene; Peaceful | |
Ben-Tzion | Boy | Son of Zion; Son of excellence | |
Berel | Boy | Bear | |
Calev | Boy | Like a heart | |
Carmi | Boy | My vineyard | |
Chananel | Boy | God is compassionate | |
Chizkiyahu | Boy | God is my strength | |
Danzig | Boy | Trading city | |
Eldad | Boy | Beloved of God | |
Elona | Boy | A tough individual; Like an oak tree | |
Elyakim | Boy | My God will establish | |
Fishel | Boy | Fish | |
Fivel | Boy | Nursing | |
Gamliel | Boy | God is my reward | |
Irving | Unisex | Green River | |
Issur | Boy | Yiddish nickname for Israel | |
Kalonymos | Boy | Merciful | |
Koven | Unisex | At the caves | |
Lantz | Boy | Spear; Yiddish form of Lancer | |
Levine | Unisex | Son of Levi | |
Luzer | Boy | Helpless, loser | |
Manoach | Boy | Resting place | |
Matitiyahu | Boy | God's gift | |
Medad | Boy | Friend | |
Meshulam | Boy | Paid for | |
Nachshon | Boy | Diviner | |
Nechemia | Boy | Comforted by God | |
Netanel | Boy | God has given; Gift of God | |
Ovadia | Boy | A servant of God | |
Packer | Boy | A wool packer | |
Paltiel | Boy | Created by God | |
Peretz | Boy | Burst forth | |
Perl | Unisex | Pearl; a dynamic personality | |
Pesachya | Boy | Opening or door | |
Rachamim | Boy | Compassion | |
Rogen | Unisex | Descendant of the red-haired one | |
Safere | Unisex | One who looks like a bird; beautiful | |
Samael | Boy | Venom of God | |
Shabtai | Boy | A derivative of Shabbat | |
Shmariyahu | Boy | God's protection | |
Shneur | Boy | Two lights | |
Tanchum | Boy | Consolation | |
Trumann | Boy | A truthful and good natured person | |
Tuvia | Boy | God is good | |
Tzadok | Boy | Justice | |
Tzemach | Boy | Plant | |
Tzephania | Boy | Protected by God | |
Tzion | Boy | Excellent | |
Tzuriel | Boy | God is my rock | |
Uziel | Boy | God is my strength | |
Yechezkel | Boy | God will strengthen | |
Yechiel | Boy | May God live | |
Yedidya | Boy | Beloved of God | |
Yehuda | Boy | God will be praised | |
Yehudi | Boy | Praise | |
Yerachmiel | Boy | God will have mercy | |
Yigal | Boy | He will redeem | |
Yirmiyahu | Boy | God will uplift | |
Yisrael | Boy | To struggle with God | |
Yissachar | Boy | There is a reward | |
Yodahe | Unisex | God is my help | |
Yoel | Boy | God is willing | |
Yohann | Boy | God is merciful | |
Yonatan | Boy | God's gift | |
Yoran | Boy | Singing | |
Yoshiaki | Boy | To be happy or to be righteous | |
Yoshihiro | Boy | Common good | |
Yoshio | Boy | Righteous boy | |
Yoshiya | Boy | God delivers | |
Yusuf | Boy | God increases in piety, power, and influence | |
Zacharias | Boy | God remembers | |
Zaire | Boy | River | |
Zakai | Boy | Pure; Clear | |
Zerach | Boy | Shining light | |
Zikmund | Boy | Victorious protection | |
Zygmunt | Boy | Victorious defender |
Jewish baby boy names are immersed in the country’s linguistic and cultural heritage, narrating Jewish people’s enduring legacy. These names are rooted in the sacred texts of the Tanakh and are influenced by the Ashkenazi, Sephardic, Yiddish and Ladino traditions. Giving your child a Jewish name will remind him of the resilient nature of Jews and their history. If you are a parent who wishes to imbibe in their child the strong will, then these Jewish names would be perfect.
Infographic: Stellar Jewish Baby Boy Names
Jewish baby boy names explore the profound heritage of the Jewish culture. These names, infused with history, pay homage to traditions while embodying timeless significance. Originating from Hebrew, Yiddish, and even Gentile roots, these names have been cherished in Jewish communities over time. Explore our curated collection of exquisite Jewish names for baby boys for a meaningful name-giving journey in our infographic below.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do you choose a Jewish baby boy's name?
If you are Jewish, you can choose a name based on a tradition. For instance, a name after a deceased relative can be chosen if you belong to the Ashkenazi tradition. Followers of the Sephardic can name a child after a living relative or a deceased one. Another way is to choose a name based on a Jewish holiday or season. You can also name your boy after trailblazing figures such as Albert Einstein or the actor Jerry Lewis.
2. Which cultural considerations are followed when choosing a Jewish baby boy's name?
It is a tradition in Jewish culture to give a sacred name to each of their children. Also, conventionally parents withhold public and familial knowledge of this sacred name until the communal welcome ceremonies occur. According to Jewish cultural tradition, the name of a soul exists before birth, and parents can perceive that name. Reflecting on your secular name and how you feel about it are important considerations when choosing a sacred name (2).
3. What are some lesser-known Jewish baby boy names?
There are many unique and lesser-known Jewish boy names of Hebrew origins. For example, Shai means gift, Abhiri means aroma or strong, and Keshet means bow or rainbow. Lieber means beloved, and Manasseh means God has made me forget. Such lesser-known names will certainly appeal to all your family members.
4. How do I ensure that my chosen Jewish baby boy's name is culturally appropriate and respectful?
There are various ways to pick a culturally appropriate Jewish name for your child. You can translate your English name into Hebrew. For example, Michael is Micha'el in Hebrew. Otherwise, you can pick a name with a similar sound that shares the same first letter. Apart from this, you can choose the name of a Biblical character or a name from the rich Jewish history. Some good examples are David and Moshe (3).
References
- Popular baby names
https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/ - Guide to choosing a Jewish name.
http://www.reclaimingjudaism.org/teachings/guide-choosing-jewish-name - Picking a Hebrew name.
https://www.aju.edu/miller-intro-judaism-program/learning-portal/picking-hebrew-name
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.