78 Appealing Jewish Boy Names

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.

NameGenderMeaning
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Daniel
Baby Boy Sign Boy God is my judge
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Joseph
Baby Boy Sign Boy He will add; Praise
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David
Baby Boy Sign Boy Beloved
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Adam
Baby Boy Sign Boy Son of the Earth
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Zaire
Baby Boy Sign Boy River
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Yusuf
Baby Boy Sign Boy God increases in piety, power, and influence
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Ariel
Baby Boy Sign Boy Lion of God
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Yehuda
Baby Boy Sign Boy God will be praised
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Yael
Baby Boy Sign Boy Mountain goat
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Uziel
Baby Boy Sign Boy God is my strength
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Yoel
Baby Boy Sign Boy God is willing
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Eitan
Baby Boy Sign Boy One who is steady and very bold
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Yisrael
Baby Boy Sign Boy To struggle with God
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Yechiel
Baby Boy Sign Boy May God live
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Omer
Baby Boy Sign Boy Populous; Flourishing
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Samael
Baby Boy Sign Boy Venom of God
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Zacharias
Baby Boy Sign Boy God remembers
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Yonatan
Baby Boy Sign Boy God's gift
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Uri
Baby Boy Sign Boy God is my light
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Shneur
Baby Boy Sign Boy Two lights
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Yechezkel
Baby Boy Sign Boy God will strengthen
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Itai
Baby Boy Sign Boy With me
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Netanel
Baby Boy Sign Boy God has given; Gift of God
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Fishel
Baby Boy Sign Boy Fish
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Peretz
Baby Boy Sign Boy Burst forth
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Ovadia
Baby Boy Sign Boy A servant of God
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Tuvia
Baby Boy Sign Boy God is good
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Berel
Baby Boy Sign Boy Bear
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Nechemia
Baby Boy Sign Boy Comforted by God
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Danzig
Baby Boy Sign Boy Trading city
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Yohann
Baby Boy Sign Boy God is merciful
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Tzuriel
Baby Boy Sign Boy God is my rock
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Yoshihiro
Baby Boy Sign Boy Common good
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Yerachmiel
Baby Boy Sign Boy God will have mercy
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Eldad
Baby Boy Sign Boy Beloved of God
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Yoshio
Baby Boy Sign Boy Righteous boy
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Calev
Baby Boy Sign Boy Like a heart
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Lantz
Baby Boy Sign Boy Spear; Yiddish form of Lancer
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Luzer
Baby Boy Sign Boy Helpless, loser
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Packer
Baby Boy Sign Boy A wool packer
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Yedidya
Baby Boy Sign Boy Beloved of God
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Zygmunt
Baby Boy Sign Boy Victorious defender
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Yissachar
Baby Boy Sign Boy There is a reward
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Zakai
Baby Boy Sign Boy Pure; Clear
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Elona
Baby Boy Sign Boy A tough individual; Like an oak tree
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Trumann
Baby Boy Sign Boy A truthful and good natured person
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Yehudi
Baby Boy Sign Boy Praise
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Ben-Tzion
Baby Boy Sign Boy Son of Zion; Son of excellence
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Carmi
Baby Boy Sign Boy My vineyard
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Chananel
Baby Boy Sign Boy God is compassionate
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Chizkiyahu
Baby Boy Sign Boy God is my strength
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Elyakim
Baby Boy Sign Boy My God will establish
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Fivel
Baby Boy Sign Boy Nursing
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Gamliel
Baby Boy Sign Boy God is my reward
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Issur
Baby Boy Sign Boy Yiddish nickname for Israel
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Kalonymos
Baby Boy Sign Boy Merciful
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Manoach
Baby Boy Sign Boy Resting place
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Matitiyahu
Baby Boy Sign Boy God's gift
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Medad
Baby Boy Sign Boy Friend
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Meshulam
Baby Boy Sign Boy Paid for
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Nachshon
Baby Boy Sign Boy Diviner
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Paltiel
Baby Boy Sign Boy Created by God
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Pesachya
Baby Boy Sign Boy Opening or door
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Rachamim
Baby Boy Sign Boy Compassion
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Shabtai
Baby Boy Sign Boy A derivative of Shabbat
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Shmariyahu
Baby Boy Sign Boy God's protection
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Tanchum
Baby Boy Sign Boy Consolation
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Tzadok
Baby Boy Sign Boy Justice
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Tzemach
Baby Boy Sign Boy Plant
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Tzephania
Baby Boy Sign Boy Protected by God
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Tzion
Baby Boy Sign Boy Excellent
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Yigal
Baby Boy Sign Boy He will redeem
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Yirmiyahu
Baby Boy Sign Boy God will uplift
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Yoran
Baby Boy Sign Boy Singing
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Yoshiaki
Baby Boy Sign Boy To be happy or to be righteous
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Yoshiya
Baby Boy Sign Boy God delivers
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Zerach
Baby Boy Sign Boy Shining light
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Zikmund
Baby Boy Sign Boy Victorious protection

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.

distinctive jewish baby boy names with meanings (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

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

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  1. Popular baby names
    https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/
  2. Guide to choosing a Jewish name.
    http://www.reclaimingjudaism.org/teachings/guide-choosing-jewish-name
  3. Picking a Hebrew name.
    https://www.aju.edu/miller-intro-judaism-program/learning-portal/picking-hebrew-name
Shikha is a writer-turned-editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing articles that guide couples through their courtship to marriage and parenthood.

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