Hebrew Names

Outlook in this country: paltry.

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

All too likely to be confused with the ultratrendy Nevaeh.

Delicate embellishment of Rani.

Rarely heard in this country.

Heard more in Israel than the U. S.

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

Lovely name that's been overshadowed by sister ZAHARA, which was chosen by Brad and Angelina for their oldest daughter.

This one may well be an undiscovered choice for many parents - it has a fabulous meaning, a sturdy surname-name appeal that is very on trend right now and several great namesakes including the Bartlett pear and the tome of quotations. Despite that third T, it could also be a favorite of The West Wing fans wanting to evoke fictional president Jed Bartlet.

Shmuel is a Modern Hebrew variation of Samuel used almost exclusively by Orthodox Jewish families. Very popular in Israel, Shmuel also appeared on the US Top 1000 list in 2017, 2022, and 2023 and is given to around 240 boys each year.

Most modern parents outside Israel would prefer Aaron.

Worldly choice that translates well.

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

A possible alternative to the better-known Shoshona.

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.

Gently appealing, a floral choice in Japanese.

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.

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.

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

A minor Old Testament prophet, and a (deservedly) even more minor name.