224 Classic Yiddish Baby Names From Central Europe
Uncover forgotten names from the rustic West Germanic culture.
Illustration: MomJunction Design Team
Yiddish baby names, rooted in a generation of Jewish people from the Ashkenazic community, have a rich history. The Yiddish language evolved from High German during medieval times and is spoken by over 13 million Orthodox Jews worldwide (1). The meaning of Yiddish itself is ‘Jewish German.’ Traditional Yiddish names fuse Hebrew and German dialects. Some linguists believed that Eastern European Yiddish was not a Germanic language but a Slavic one. However, due to its syntax, grammar, and vocabulary, Yiddish is primarily considered a Germanic language with some Slavic influences. The Yiddish language directly connects to the Jewish population of Central and Eastern Europe. Hence, Yiddish names could be seen as a powerful link between an ancient culture and your child. These names often tend toward Germanic names because the language is derived from Middle High German. However, the Ashkenazic Jews, who commonly speak Yiddish, can also be traced back to ancient Iran (2). So, if you are looking for unique and multicultural names for your baby, you can go for Yiddish names. When written in Romanized script, you can spot a Yiddish name by its creative and unusual spelling. Most parents name their children after recently deceased relatives, typically grandparents. Some others pick names from the Torah or choose from human virtues that appeal to them. It is customary for Ashkenazi Jews to have a common Latinized name and a second Yiddish name with similar meaning. Yiddish names are no longer associated only with grandparents and great-grandparents. They are all set for a comeback and have already set foot in the US. They have appeared in several other English- and Spanish-speaking countries too. Below, we have compiled a list of Yiddish baby names with meanings for you to consider. Review the names below and create a shortlist of those that catch your fancy.
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| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  Girl | Crown of laurels; Who is like god | |
| | Girl | Blessed; Fortunate; Happy; Grey battle | |
| | Girl | Queen; Clean; Pure; Wise | |
| | Girl | Queen; Happy; Willing; Clean; Pure | |
| | Girl | A person with blonde hair; Gold | |
| | Girl | Crown of laurels; Wreath; Pure; God-like | |
| |  Unisex | High cliff; Snow-capped; Promise; Knowledge; Rule; Ruler | |
| | Girl | Lacking nothing; Young warrior; Blessed; Happy | |
| |  Boy | Beloved; Uncle | |
| | Boy | A bear; Mighty | |
| | Girl | To dance; White; Pure; Beautiful | |
| | Girl | Good | |
| | Unisex | Wolf; Path of the wolf | |
| | Boy | Comforter; Person; Man | |
| | Girl | Ewe; Lamb | |
| | Girl | On my way; Beautiful; God is gracious; Brilliant | |
| | Boy | He will add | |
| | Girl | Lady; Princess; Noblewoman | |
| | Unisex | God contends | |
| | Girl | Beautiful; Peace; Graced by God | |
| | Girl | Unique; Delicate; God contends; A river in Russia | |
| | Girl | Weary; Cow | |
| | Girl | A variant of Golda; Derived from gold which denotes precious jewellery metal | |
| | Unisex | Jewish woman; The Jutes tribe; Star; Home ruler | |
| | Girl | Bird; Fig | |
| | Girl | Gold | |
| | Girl | Rose flower; Adorned | |
| | Boy | Noble; The supreme deity; Honest; Just | |
| | Girl | Good | |
| | Girl | Love; Most beautiful; My God is an oath | |
| | Boy | Deer | |
| | Girl | Growth and progress; Son; Noble; Born; Elderly man; Grandfather | |
| | Girl | Deer | |
| | Unisex | Merry; Man; Companion | |
| | Boy | Deer; Hart | |
| | Girl | Flower | |
| | Boy | Sheep shearer; Tailor | |
| | Boy | Deer; Hart | |
| | Girl | Connoisseur; Intoxicating | |
| | Girl | My music; My praise | |
| | Boy | Torch; Corposcant; My God is help; My God is Yahweh | |
| | Boy | Peace | |
| | Girl | Joy | |
| | Unisex | Brunette | |
| | Girl | Queen; Happy; Strong counsel; Spiritual purity; Night | |
| | Unisex | Bright; Bear | |
| | Boy | Remainder; Dove; Beautiful name | |
| | Boy | Drew out; Savior; To pull out of water | |
| | Girl | Beloved one | |
| | Boy | Salvation; God saves | |
| | Boy | Little fish | |
| | Boy | An animal; A lion | |
| | Girl | Noblewoman; Princess; Heavenly; Brave; Grey; Glory | |
| | Boy | Gate of heaven; Queen; Pure | |
| | Girl | Sweet | |
| | Girl | Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Wished for child; Beloved; Love | |
| | Girl | Labour of Yahweh; Vigorous; Brave | |
| | Boy | Pale noble woman; Noble; Delicate; Noble fame | |
| | Girl | Cultured; Delicate | |
| | Girl | Cow; Little bean; Little swelling; Bee | |
| | Girl | Knowledge; Bee | |
| | Boy | Blessed; Holy | |
| | Boy | Old | |
| | Boy | Bear | |
| | Girl | Love | |
| | Girl | A flower; Bloom | |
| | Unisex | Expert in a given field; Connoisseur; Intoxicating | |
| | Girl | A musical instrument; Bee | |
| | Boy | Good; Beloved; Uncle; Eighth; Twin | |
| | Unisex | Defending men | |
| | Girl | A sea of bitterness and sorrow; Rebelliousness; Respected | |
| | Boy | Beautiful | |
| | Unisex | Small; Little | |
| | Boy | Fine man; Elegant man; Cultivated man; Excellent man | |
| | Unisex | Clover; Good name | |
| | Girl | Will; Helmet; Protection; Security | |
| | Boy | Light of God; High mountain; Exalted | |
| | Girl | Grandfather; Elderly man | |
| | Boy | He laughs; Laughter | |
| | Unisex | Drew out; Nutmeg | |
| | Boy | Yahweh is my God; The Lord is my God | |
| | Boy | God strengthens; God's helmet | |
| | Unisex | Brunette | |
| | Boy | Savior; Draw out of water; Son; Deliver | |
| | Boy | God is gracious; Beautiful | |
| | Unisex | Queen; Happy; Willing; Clean; Pure | |
| | Girl | Wealthy; Rich | |
| | Unisex | Representative of God | |
| | Girl | Snare; Tie; Join | |
| | Girl | Beautiful; Well-formed; Slim and fair | |
| | Girl | Pearl; Portio; Favor; Home ruler; Destiny | |
| | Girl | Blessing; Grace; Brunette | |
| | Girl | Protected by God | |
| | Boy | Grain; Warrior; Stunted | |
| | Boy | Blessed; Happy | |
| | Boy | He will laugh | |
| | Boy | God's protection; Happy; Blessed | |
| | Girl | Black; Eat | |
| | Boy | Bear | |
| | Girl | A happy and joyful woman | |
Yiddish baby names make for a unique choice for your little one. Yiddish has Germanic roots and Slavic influences. It is spoken by the Ashkenazic Jews. Yiddish baby names are known for their creative spellings in English, making them stand out among other names. These names are perfect for parents looking for unique and multicultural names for their children. However, if you are not Jewish but are planning to give a Yiddish name to your child, you may talk to an Ashkenazic Jew to understand the implications of such a name.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do Yiddish baby names have any special meanings?
Yiddish baby names carry meanings that have Biblical relevance and cultural importance. Rooted in Jewish tradition, in Yiddish culture, names often reflect the people's beliefs. Their names carry positive connotations, such as Shelomoh, meaning peace, and Zissel meaning sweet, thus indicating their historical and cultural values.
2. Are Yiddish baby names only used by Jewish families?
No, people from varied cultures and languages may adopt Yiddish names. Their unique sound and profound significance may resonate with people across regions and thus may be used by non-Yiddish individuals if the meanings align with their beliefs and values.
3. Are there any traditional naming customs in Yiddish culture?
In Yiddish culture, babies are often named after family members who have passed away as a way to remember and honor them. The name is given with hopes that the child may emulate the virtues of the cherished deceased member and receive their blessings. Yiddish names, common among Ashkenazi Jews, often have deep ties to Jewish heritage, and many of them come from Hebrew or Yiddish words that hold cultural and religious importance.
Infographic: Youthful Yiddish Baby Names With Meanings
The Yiddish language was originally spoken by Ashkenazi Jews and originated in Central Europe. It also has elements of Slavic languages. Yiddish baby names contain sprinkles of all these languages and cultures. Check out the infographic below for a curated list of Yiddish baby names and their meanings. Do remember to save and share it with your friends.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Yiddish
https://oxfordre.com/linguistics/abstract/10.1093/acrefore/9780199384655.001.0001/acrefore-9780199384655-e-946 - Marion Aptroot; (2016); Yiddish Language and Ashkenazic Jews: A Perspective from Culture, Language, and Literature. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4943202/
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.
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