The Jewish faith and culture has very special traditions when it comes to Jewish baby names. The moment you name a Jewish baby is very significant. It is believed that when parents are picking their baby’s name, an angel comes to them to whisper the name to them. Names are given with hope that it will reflect the child’s future. It is also not a tradition to name a son after his father. They are also very specific about not using unisex type names.
Shortly after birth, Jewish babies are given a special Hebrew name. The name is chosen according to its inner meaning. For instance; the name Judah means “thanks” and each time this child hears his name he will be reminded of thankfulness. Read on to see more meanings of Jewish names.
10 Recommended Jewish Baby Names for a Boy
1. Aaron
Meaning: exalted, strong
The origins of this name actually are a bit mysterious. We do know that Aaron was the older brother of Moses, so it has biblical significance. In the early 1970’s this was a very popular name for boys. Aaron was the first high priest of the Israelites and known for the miracle that occurred when his rod blossomed. One famous person with this name was Aaron Spelling (Producer).
2. Abel
Meaning: vanity, breath, vapor
There is actually another biblical spelling for this name–Habel. The name Abel can also be translated into stream or brook in some biblical notations. People with this name tend to have a strong desire for stability in their family, have a strong work ethic and a need for appreciation.
3. Baruch
Meaning: blessed
Baruch in the bible was a keeper of a plot of land and worked with Jeremiah. People with the name Baruch tend to be successful in business and achievers in life.
4. Benny
Meaning: son of my right hand
This is the shortened form of Benjamin. The shortened name, Ben actually has another root meaning “building block.” It is a common Jewish tradition in some families to name their youngest son, Benjamin.
5. Caleb
Meaning: whole hearted
Caleb is a popular boy name with biblical origins. Caleb worked for Moses as a spy in Israel and because of this, it also means “bold.” There is another meaning in the bible, “dog” but this term is usually overlooked because dogs are considered loyal.
6. Cohen
Meaning: priest
In the Bible, Cohen was a term used for a priest and not actually a name of anyone in particular. We often see the name Cohen as a last name, but it can be used as a Jewish boy name.
7. Emmanuel
Meaning: God is with us
This is the Old Testament name for the Messiah and one of the more spiritual Jewish boy names. The other spelling for this name is Immanuel. As prophesied in the Bible, “behold a virgin shall bear a son who will be the Messiah, His name will be Immanuel.”
8. Hiram
Meaning: exalted brother
Hiram in the Bible was involved in the building of the Temple of Solomon. There is another spelling, Ahiram. The name Hiram is associated with leadership and the ability to delegate tasks.
9. Noah
Meaning: rest, peace, comfort and consolation
This name has a style all its own and is one of the more popular Jewish baby names for boys. In Biblical sense, Noah took two of all the world’s creatures and put them in an Ark to save them from the flood. The name Noah is associated with someone who is sympathetic and thoughtful of others.
10. Ezra
Meaning: help, helper
People named Ezra have a desire for a stable and loving family/community as well as a need for appreciation. One famous bearer of this name is Ezra Pound (American poet).
Other Jewish boy names:
- Adam
- Boaz
- Dan
- Ehud
- Eli
- Uri
- Levi
- Yosef
- Zechariah
10 Recommended Jewish Baby Names for a Girl
1. Adina
Meaning: gentle
Adina in biblical terms means delicate, refined, and gentle. Girls with this name are thought to be sympathetic and kind to others. They are balanced and sometimes shy.
2. Chana
Meaning: grace
In the Bible, Chana means “praying to God.” This name stands for the ability of a person to be able to create beautiful prayers. When given this name, it is believed the person has a desire for companionship and love. An alternate spelling is, Chanah.
3. Golda
Meaning: gold
One famous person with this name is the late Prime Minister of Israel Golda Meir. The name Golda inspires one to express themselves. They tend to be drawn to the arts and enjoy numerous activities.
4. Naomi
Meaning: pleasant
In the Bible, Naomi was Ruth’s mother-in-law and they had a beautiful relationship. In numerology, the numbers for Naomi add up to the ultimate goodness. Those with this name are very mystical, scholarly and love to teach others.
5. Rachel
Meaning: female sheep, purity
Rachel is one of the four matriarchs in the Bible. If a child is given this Jewish name, they will be highly spiritual, visionary and seek out spiritual truths. They tend to inspire others.
6. Sarai
Meaning: my princess
In the Bible, this was actually Sarah who was married to Abraham and gave birth to Isaac. Girls named Sarai tend to love to be in the limelight. They love expressing themselves. They also tend to have strong views in spirituality.
7. Talia
Meaning: dew from God
This name stands for Divine spiritual food from God, just as the dew waters the plants. These people have a very strong sense of inner thoughtfulness and tend to be quiet and introverted. They may seem off Standish, but it is just because they are so deep in thought.
8. Yaffa
Meaning: beautiful
These people have a strong desire for peace and harmony with others. They love expressing themselves and are drawn to the arts. Yaffa is also sometimes spelled Jaffa and in numerology, adds up to the meaning “queen”
9. Yiskah
Meaning: to gaze
In the Bible, it appears that this is a variation of Sarah. This name stands for Sarah’s ability to “prophesy” and have visions. It also stands for other’s gazing at her beauty.
10. Zissel
Meaning: sweet
This is a Yiddish name and stands for sweet. The name is actually quite rare, but seen as a middle name.
Other Jewish girl names:
- Abigail
- Adara
- Batsheva
- Carmel
- Deborah
- Esther
- Gila
- Ilana
- Keren
- Shayna