Hebrew Names

Definitely a name you won't hear in every playground, Dalfon (also spelled Dalphon) is a highly unusual weather name with a distinctive sound.

Sprightly name popular in Israel with beachy meaning and international flex.

Famous violinist-conductor Pinchas Zuckerman is the most famous modern bearer; the biblical Pinchas was the son of Eleazar and the grandson of Aaron -- both preferable name choices.

More orthodox spelling of a name that also appears as Hazaiah and Hazaia. An obscure Biblical choice that has some modern zest.

Soft yet strong.

Well used in Israel and in Russia, either on its own or as an endearment for Galila or Galina.

Commonly heard in Israel, but here it could be an unusual way to honor Grandma Rose.

Too bad everyone in this country will tend to hear Ronnie.

Rare Scottish variant of John, with multicultural overtones.

Positive meaning -- and a choice of spelling variations.

Zakk is an ekstra-kinetic spelling of a short form that's more and more often standing on its own, also as Zac, Zak, Zach, and Zack. This version is largely associated with musician Zakk Wylde.

Feminine spin on Moses and European river name that's also the name of a wine.

When considering the playground years, might be too close to gory.

Colonial Americans used many Biblical names forgotten by modern baby namers; this is an Old Testament descendant of Shem. If Moses and Noah can come back, why not Abimael and brethren?

The late actress Sada Thompson introduced this obscure but usable form.

That difficult Ur- sound cancels out the feminine appeal of the rest of the name.

A feminization used more before Jordan joined the girls' camp.

Little-used name borne by several biblical figures including a king. It would make an unexpected way to get the nickname Eli - or Kim.

The original form of the Hebrew Meyer.

Biblical wife of Moses whose name has many variations, with and without the initial T and final h, with one p or two. However you spell it, it's an original choice that also carries teasing potential; those zipper jokes will get old fast, though Zippy is a cute nickname.