Hebrew Names

Double exposure: 1970s rock sensation (Mamma Mia) and scholar/diplomat name in Israel.

An alternative to the formerly male Ariel, which is now in the grasp of "The Little Mermaid."

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?

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.

Leeza may feel like the flagging Lisa or Liza, but its pronunciation is a hybrid of the two and it's a name that's distinct on its own.

Positive meaning -- and a choice of spelling variations.

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 name recently given to their daughter by Susan and Robert Downey, Jr. is pronounced like Avery and may be seen as a kree8tiv spelling variation of that popular unisex name or a girlish short form of Avraham, the Biblical Hebrew form of Abraham.

The Hebrew version of Joel has a pleasant, almost jolly sound.

Rare Scottish variant of John, with multicultural overtones.

Could be used to honor a Joel.

Variant of Enoch with little appeal.

Hilda with a stuffed nose.

Along with Shem and Japheth, a son of Noah with a name that's almost never used -- for more obvious reasons than those of his brothers.

Like Bethany and Shiloh, a meaningful biblical place-name.

Old Testament name of a son of Moses used by the Puritans, and now by Orthodox Jews.

Aleeza is one of the most energetic of the legion of Alyssa/Alicia/Eliza names. Another spelling of Aleeza: Aliza.

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

This is another form of the name the angel Raphael assumes for himself when he becomes human. One of the few attractive Biblical names that has not yet been discovered by modern parents, Azarias is certainly ripe for the taking.

In the Bible, a son of Abraham and Keturah; this ancient and musical name nonetheless sounds like a character in a 1950s science fiction movie.