Hebrew Names

Another, more feminine, female form of Jacob sometimes heard in Scotland.

All too likely to be confused with the ultratrendy Nevaeh.

An energetic and distinctive choice.

An Old Testament name -- he was the eldest son of Joseph -- that's still used in the Jewish community.

Traditional Hebrew name that has never entered the American mainstream, though it is popular among Hasidic parents and was found to be the quirky favorite girls' names of New Jersey in our survey of baby names that enjoy outsized popularity in each state.

With more parents turning to biblical names like Ezekiel and Isaiah, this could prove a quasi-unique alternative in a similar -- if more Orthodox -- vein.

Worldly choice that translates well.

Rarely heard in this country.

This strong name and its variations are well used in Israel.

Gila and its variants have joyous meanings in Hebrew, but other kids might connect them to the monster.

You might want to abbreviate this from one of the Biblical originals or use it as a name all on its own, an update of Sam or Finn. Sim is a Scottish Gaelic form of Simon.

Most modern parents outside Israel would prefer Aaron.

A possible alternative to the better-known Shoshona.

Heard more in Israel than the U. S.

Delicate embellishment of Rani.

Gently appealing, a floral choice in Japanese.

Unlikely to catch on the way the male original has, though it may appeal to some parents as a more formal version of Nina.

Abijah, which you might think of as Abigail with rhythm, is the name of both female and male personages in the Bible. A biblical Queen Abijah was the daughter, wife, and mother of kings. The name is pronounced with a long i, to rhyme with Elijah.

More manageable than the Jebediahs and Jedidiahs, this name of several biblical characters would make an interesting, undiscovered Old Testament choice.

Reduces and lightens up the Job connection even further, sounding like a lively, Jody-like nickname name.