While ancient, “pre-modern” Hebrew remains spoken in religious settings, “modern Hebrew” is the official language in Israel, where more than nine million people speak it fluently. Because of its Jewish origins, many Hebrew names are biblical. Below we’ve compiled a list of 50 popular Hebrew baby names to consider for your baby on the way. As you think about possible names, remember that many names are unisex and gender does not need to play a role in your decision. The important thing is to choose a name that you feel best suits your baby.
Abigail
Origin: Hebrew Meaning: Source of joy, my father rejoices Alternative Spellings & Variations: Abaigael, Abigale, Abby, Abi, Gail, Gael Famous Namesakes: Abigail Adams (John Adams’ wife), and Abigail Rogers, an American advocate for women’s rights and women’s education in the 1800s. Peak Popularity: Abigail is a consistently popular name. In 2000, it was ranked 14. Twenty years later, in 2020, it was at 13. In 2005, at its peak popularity, it ranked 4th and approximately 16,000 people in the U.S. were given the name Abigail.
Annalise
Origin: Hebrew, Latin Meaning: Grace, devoted to GodAlternative Spellings & Variations: Analise, Anneliese, Annalisa, Analicia, Anna, Anne, AnnieFamous Namesakes: Annalise Basso, American actress born in 1998Peak Popularity: This name has been increasing in popularity, going from 821 in 2000 up to 441 in 2020. Annalise saw its greatest peak in popularity during 2017 when 796 people in the U.S. were given the name.
Aviva
Origin: Hebrew Meaning: Springlike, dewy and fresh, implies innocence and youthAlternative Spellings & Variations: AvivFamous Namesakes: Aviva Chomsky, an American academic; Aviva Gileadi, an Israeli nuclear scientist in the 20th centuryPeak Popularity: Aviva is a unique name that hasn’t been listed in the top 1,000.
Danielle
Origin: Hebrew Meaning: God is my judgeAlternative Spellings & Variations: Danele, Danelle, DanielFamous Namesakes: Danielle Fishel, a U.S. actress; Danielle Steele, an American bestselling novelistPeak Popularity: In 1987, 17,007 girls were given the name Danielle in the U.S. Over the past 20 years, the name has been decreasing in popularity, going from 48 in 2000 down to 448 in 2020.
Davina
Origin: HebrewMeaning: Cherished, belovedAlternative Spellings & Variations: Davi, DavidFamous Namesakes: Davina Rankin, a model, Davina McCall, a TV show hostPeak Popularity: Peak popularity occurred in 2020 when 458 girls were given the name and it ranked 629. It first made the top 1000 list in 2016 at 978.
Elizabeth
Origin: Hebrew Meaning: My God is an oath, my God is abundance Alternative Spellings & Variations: Elisabeth, Liz, Lizzie, Lizette, Lizbeth, Lizbet, Liza, Lise, Liezel, Liesl, Libby, Eliza, Alisa, Beth, Bethany Famous Namesakes: Queen Elizabeth of England, actress Elizabeth Taylor, entertainer Liza Minelli, cosmetics icon Elizabeth Arden Peak Popularity: Elizabeth has yet to fall out of the top 50, and it reached peak popularity in 1905 when 4,121 were given the name. In 2020, it was in the 16th spot, down from 9 in 2000.
Esther
Origin: HebrewMeaning: StarAlternative Spellings & Variations: Ester, Hester, EssieFamous Namesakes: American swimmer Esther WilliamsPeak Popularity: Esther was most popular in 1913, when 4,090 people in the U.S. were given the name. In 2020, it was ranked 153.
Eve
Origin: Hebrew, Latin Meaning: Life Alternative Spellings & Variations: Eva, Ava, Evita Famous Namesakes: Argentine First Lady Eva (Evita) Peron, actress Eva Marie Saint Peak Popularity: In 1907 the name Eve was ranked 414, with 73 people given that name. In 2020, it was in the 471 spot.
Gabriella
Origin: Hebrew, Italian Meaning: God is my strength Alternative Spellings & Variations: Gabriela, Gabriele, Gabrielle, Gabriel, Gabe Famous Namesakes: Actress Gabriella Wilde, writer Gabriela Mistral Peak Popularity: In 2010, this name was at its most popular in spot 33 and approximately 6,000 people were named Gabriella in the United States. In 2020, it had fallen to 77.
Hannah
Origin: Hebrew Meaning: Favor, grace Alternative Spellings & Variations: Hana, Hanna, Hanah, Hanne Famous Namesakes: Writer Hanna Krall, mathematician Hanna Neuman Peak Popularity: Hannah reached its peak popularity in 2000 at 2, when 23,084 girls in the U.S. were given the name. In 2020, it was ranked 39.
Iman
Origin: HebrewMeaning: God is with usAlternative Spellings & Variations: Manny, Mannie, Imani, Immanuel, Emmanuel Famous Namesakes: Fashion model Iman, scientist and beauty queen Iman OubouPeak Popularity: Iman is a unique name that hasn’t been listed in the top 1,000.
Iris
Origin: Greek, HebrewMeaning: Rainbow, flower Alternative Spellings & Variations: ErisFamous Namesakes: Iris Apfel, interior designer and businesswomanPeak Popularity: Iris has remained steadily common from the early 1900s on. In 2020, it reached peak popularity at 127 when 2,159 people were given the name.
Jaqueline
Origin: HebrewMeaning: SupplanterAlternative Spellings & Variations: Jacquelyne, Jacqualine, Jaclyn, Jacalyn, Jackie, JaquelinFamous Namesakes: First lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (Jackie O), author Jacqueline Wilson Peak Popularity: Jaqueline was most popular in 1964 when 11,976 were given the name. In 2000, it was ranked 268. In 2020, it had fallen to 908.
Jane
Origin: Hebrew, English Meaning: God is gracious Alternative Spellings & Variations: Jayne, Janie, Janee, Jaine Famous Namesakes: Actress and singer Jane Birkin, author Jane Austen Peak Popularity: Jane was particularly popular from 1910 to 1980. Since then, it’s remained fairly common. In 2020, it ranked 265.
Jordan
Origin: Hebrew Meaning: To flow downward Alternative Spellings & Variations: Jordain, Jordy, Jordanne, Jordanna, Jori Famous Namesakes: German model and actress Jordan Carver, actress Jordan Ladd Peak Popularity: Jordan was particularly popular from 1990 to 2000. It’s commonly used for both boys and girls. In 2020, it ranked 435 for girls, down from 50 in 2000. For boys, it’s even more popular, ranking 82 in 2020.
Leah
Origin: Hebrew, English Meaning: Weary Alternative Spellings & Variations: Leia, Lia, Lea Famous Namesakes: Actress Leah Remini, actress Lea Michele Peak Popularity: Leah became quite popular in the 1980s and has remained so. In 2010, it saw a peak in popularity at 24. In 2020, it ranked 45.
Madelaine
Origin: HebrewMeaning: From the tower Alternative Spellings & Variations: Madelena, Madalyn, Madelin, Maddie, MadelineFamous Namesakes: American politician Madeleine Albright Peak Popularity: The greatest number of people were named Madeline 1998, when 5,869 people in the U.S. were given the name. In 2020, it was ranked at 95.
Nanette
Origin: Hebrew, FrenchMeaning: Grace, favorAlternative Spellings & Variations: Nannette, Nannie, Nanny, AnneFamous Namesakes: American fashion designer Nanette Lepore, American psychiatrist and writer Nanette Gartrell Peak Popularity: Nanette enjoyed peak popularity from 1930 to 1975. In the 2000s, it hasn’t made the top 1000.
Naomi
Origin: Hebrew Meaning: Pleasant Alternative Spellings & Variations: Noemi Famous Namesakes: Actress Naomi Campbell, actress Naomi Watts Peak Popularity: The most people were named Naomi in 2020, when it ranked 52 and 4,066 people in the U.S. were given the name.
Odelia
Origin: French, German, Greek, HebrewMeaning: Wealthy, prosperous, melody, praising GodAlternative Spellings & Variations: Odila, Odell Peak Popularity: Odelia peaked in 1907 when 29 people were given the name. It’s no longer on the most popular names list.
Rachael
Origin: German, HebrewMeaning: Ewe, one with purityAlternative Spellings & Variations: Rachel, Rashell, RacheleFamous Namesakes: Actress Rachel McAdams, stylist Rachel Zoe, chef Rachael Ray Peak Popularity: Rachael saw a peak in popularity from 1970 to 2012, when it ranked 895. Since then, it hasn’t made the top 1000 names.
Sarah
Origin: Hebrew Meaning: Princess Alternative Spellings & Variations: Sara, Sarita Famous Namesakes: Actress Sarah Jessica Parker, actress Sarah Michelle Gellar Peak Popularity: Sarah has remained steadily popular since the late 1800s, with notably popularity from 1975 to the early 2000s. In 2000, it was in spot 5. By 2020, it was ranked 87.
Sharon
Origin: HebrewMeaning: A plain, an area of ancient Palestine where roses grew abundantly Alternative Spellings & Variations: NoneFamous Namesakes: Actress Sharon StonePeak Popularity: Sharon was particularly popular from 1935 to 1970. It’s been in decline of late, going from 421 to 926 between 2000 and 2020.
Tamara
Origin: Hebrew, RussianMeaning: Palm treeAlternative Spellings & Variations: Tamar, Tammy, Tammie, TamiFamous Namesakes: Olympic skier Tamara McKinney, singer Tamara Johnson-GeorgePeak Popularity: The name Tamara was most popular from 1966 to 1977. It was last on the top 1000 names list in 2009 in the 908 spot.
Zinnia
Origin: HebrewMeaning: Worthy, to be praisedAlternative Spellings & Variations: Zin, Zinny, Zia, NiaFamous Namesakes: Activist Zinnia JonesPeak Popularity: Zinnia is a unique name that hasn’t been listed in the top 1,000. In the 2000s, it has not been on the most popular names list.
Popular Hebrew Baby Names for Boys
Here are some popular and unique Hebrew baby names for boys along with their meanings, origins, and other interesting information.
Aaron
Origin: Arabic, Hebrew Meaning: Forest, strength, high mountain, inspired Alternative Spellings & Variations: Aron, Aerin, Erin Famous Namesakes: Composer Aaron Copland, former Vice President Aaron Burr Peak Popularity: Aaron was especially popular from 1970 to 2017. In 2020, it ranked 63.
Abraham
Origin: HebrewMeaning: Father of multitudeAlternative Spellings & Variations: Abram, Abe, AbrahimFamous Namesakes: President Abraham LincolnPeak Popularity: Abraham has been a common boy name throughout history, and has steadily grown in popularity since the 1970s. In 2000 it was 213. Twenty years later, it ranked 201.
Amos
Origin: HebrewMeaning: Burdened, carried Alternative Spellings & Variations: None Famous Namesakes: Philosopher and teacher Amos Bronson Alcott Peak Popularity: The greatest number of people were named Amos in 2018, when it ranked 649 and 394 babies were given the name.
Cain
Origin: Hebrew, Irish, WelshMeaning: AcquiredAlternative Spellings & Variations: Cane, KaneFamous Namesakes: Mixed martial artist Cain VelasquezPeak Popularity: Cain is a unique name, experiencing peak popularity in 2014 at rank 726, when only 330 people were given the name.
Caleb
Origin: Hebrew Meaning: Bold Alternative Spellings & Variations: Kaleb Famous Namesakes: Athlete Caleb Sun, athlete Caleb Johnson Peak Popularity: Caleb began increasing in popularity in 2009, with 10,995 babies named Caleb at the top of that peak. In 2020, it ranked 56.
Daniel
Origin: Hebrew Meaning: God is my judge Alternative Spellings & Variations: Danielle, Danelle, Danny, Dani, Dan Famous Namesakes: Actor Daniel Day-Lewis, actor Danny DeVito Peak Popularity: Daniel has been an extremely popular boy name since the 1930s. In 2008—at the top of the peak—19,012 boys were given the name in the U.S and it ranked 5. In 2020, it was at 14.
David
Origin: Hebrew Meaning: Dearly loved Alternative Spellings & Variations: Dave, Davy, Davie Famous Namesakes: Musician David Bowie, TV host David Letterman, frontiersman Davy Crockett Peak Popularity: David has been an extremely popular boy name since the 1910s. In 1960—at the top of the peak—almost 86,000 boys were given the name in the U.S. Its most recent peak was at 12 in 2007. In 2020, the name was ranked 28.
Elijah
Origin: Hebrew Meaning: The Lord is my God Alternative Spellings & Variations: Eli, Iliya, Ellis, Elija, Elias, Elia Famous Namesakes: Actor Elijah Wood, religious leader Elijah Muhammad Peak Popularity: Few boys were named Elijah from 1880 until 1988, but the name has been spiking in popularity since the ’90s. In 2020, it was all the way at the 4th spot.
Ezekiel
Origin: Hebrew Meaning: God strengthens Alternative Spellings & Variations: Esequiel, Ezequiel, Ezra, Zeke Famous Namesakes: Ezekiel the Poet, a Jewish dramatist from the 2nd century BCE Peak Popularity: Ezekiel has experienced a surge in popularity beginning in 1990. The name was ranked 357 in 2000 and rose to 65 in 2020.
Gabriel
Origin: Hebrew, Spanish Meaning: God is my strength Alternative Spellings & Variations: Gabriella, Gabrielle, Gabriela, Gabby, Gabe Famous Namesakes: Colombian author Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Irish actor Gabriel Byrne Peak Popularity: The greatest number of people were named Gabriel in 2010 when 12,881 people in the U.S. were given the name and it ranked 21. In 2020, it was in the 38 spot.
Hiram
Origin: HebrewMeaning: Exalted, nobleAlternative Spellings & Variations: Hyrum, HirimFamous Namesakes: Kings Hiram I and Hiram II of Tyrus, Hiram Revels, the first African-American to serve in the US SenatePeak Popularity: Hiram was a particularly popular boy’s name from 1880 to 1980. It has not be in the top 1000 names in the 2000s.
Isaac
Origin: HebrewMeaning: He laughsAlternative Spellings & Variations: Izak, Issac, Isaak, IkeFamous Namesakes: Physicist Sir Isaac Newton, American Designer Isaac MizrahiPeak Popularity: Isaac has remained steadily common for many years, particularly over the past three decades. In 2020, it was ranked 39.
Israel
Origin: HebrewMeaning: Prince of God, he who wrestles with GodAlternative Spellings & Variations: Izrael Famous Namesakes: Composer Israel Baline, Playwright Israel ZangwillPeak Popularity: The greatest number of people were given this name in 2006, when 1927 were given the name.
Jacob
Origin: Hebrew Meaning: Supplanter Alternative Spellings & Variations: Jakob, Jaccob, Jacobe, Jacoba, Jake Famous Namesakes: Athlete Jacob Bell, Actor Jacob Young Peak Popularity: Jacob was a particularly popular name from 1978 to 2020, ranking 1st from 2000 to 2012. In 2020, it was in the 15 spot.
Jared
Origin: HebrewMeaning: Descending, a pre-flood biblical name related to JordanAlternative Spellings & Variations: JarrodFamous Namesakes: Actor Jared LetoPeak Popularity: Jared was a particularly popular name from 1975 to 2002, when it ranked at 84. In 2020, the name had fallen a bit to 368.
Jeremiah
Origin: HebrewMeaning: The Lord exaltsAlternative Spellings & Variations: Jeremy, Jeremie, Jere, GeremiaFamous Namesakes: Football player Jeremiah Cockheran, Pastor Jeremiah WrightPeak Popularity: In 2011, 7,617 boys were given the name Jeremiah and it ranked 51. The name has remained popular. In 2020, it was in the 75 spot.
Levi
Origin: Hebrew Meaning: Joined, attached Alternative Spellings & Variations: Lev, Leevi Famous Namesakes: Levi Strauss of the eponymous jeans brand Peak Popularity: Levi has been surging in popularity since 1975. By 2000, it was at 172, and rose to 18 in 2020.
Micah
Origin: HebrewMeaning: Who is like the LordAlternative Spellings & Variations: MicaFamous Namesakes: Composer and Poet Micah HawkinsPeak Popularity: The greatest number of people were given this name in 2011, when 3,766 boys were named Micah and it was in the 102 spot. In 2020, it ranked 107.
Michael
Origin: Hebrew Meaning: Who is like God Alternative Spellings & Variations: Michal, Michel, Mikel Famous Namesakes: Singer Michael Jackson, basketball player Michael Jordan Peak Popularity: Michael was an especially popular boy name from 1953 to 2010, when it ranked 3. In 2020, it was 12.
Nathan
Origin: HebrewMeaning: Gift from GodAlternative Spellings & Variations: Nathanial, Nathanael, Nate, NatFamous Namesakes: Actor Nathan Lane, revolutionary Nathan HalePeak Popularity: Nathan is a consistently popular boys name. In 2000, it was ranked 30, and had fallen slightly to 55 in 2020.
Noah
Origin: Hebrew Meaning: To Comfort Alternative Spellings & Variations: Noa, Noe Famous Namesakes: Actor Noah Wyle Peak Popularity: Noah has seen a surge in popularity from the 1990s onward. From 2013 to 2016, it was the most popular boys name. In 2016, 19,154 boys were given the name. From 2017 to 2020, it was ranked 2.
Oren
Origin: Gaelic, HebrewMeaning: Pale-skinned, pine treeAlternative Spellings & Variations: Orene, Orin, Oran, OrrinFamous Namesakes: Senator Orrin HatchPeak Popularity: Oren was at peak popularity in 1903, when 28 boys were given the name. In the 2000s, it has not made the top 1000 names list.
Saul
Origin: Hebrew, SpanishMeaning: To ask or question, prayed forAlternative Spellings & Variations: NoneFamous Namesakes: Author Saul BellowPeak Popularity: This name hit peak popularity in 1997 when 1,044 people in the U.S. were given the name. It’s popularity has dropped a bit lately, going from 286 in 2000 to 579 in 2020.
Simon
Origin: English, Greek, HebrewMeaning: Hearkening, listeningAlternative Spellings & Variations: Symon, Simona, SimoneFamous Namesakes: Musician Paul Simon, playwright Neil SimonPeak Popularity: Simon has remained steadily used since the late 1800s, and has become especially common since 1990. In 2020, it ranked 251.
Zachery
Origin: HebrewMeaning: The Lord rememberedAlternative Spellings & Variations: Zackery, Zac, Zack Famous Namesakes: Actor Zachary Scott, President Zachary Taylor,Peak Popularity: Zachery was particularly popular from 1988 to 2000, when it ranked 277. 2012, at 999, was the last year the name made the top 1000 list.
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