Hebrew Names

A modern version of the dated Betty. You might want to consider varying Elizabeth, too, to the Italian Elisabetta.

See NECHAMA.

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

The final letter makes the name more unusual and adds some zest. Downside: Sure to be confusion with Elias.

This name -- the basic form is Rachamim -- is especially popular among Sephardic Jews.

We all know that Chaka really means disco.

Abital is popular for boys as well as girls in Israel, but we rarely hear it here. In the Old Testament, Abital was one of King David's wives and the mother of his fifth son.

This biblical name is also a Hebrew term for someone from Yemen, since that country is south of Israel.

While everyone may think you said "Harold," this name sounds more up-to-date. And if you get tired of explaining, you can always call him Harry.

Now that Jacob has been the top boys' name for several years, this may come to the fore, the way Michaela did after Michael's long reign at Number One. For now, it's one of the more unusual girl names starting with J.

Has taken on a musical tone via the great violinist, Itzhak Perlman.

A bit blunt.

The viv syllable adds vitality.

Gay, nearly giddy, gee-whiz feel; also too reminscent of a gila monster.

The Hebrew name for Passover, making this the Jewish version of naming your child Christmas or Easter.

Lovely Hebrew name with distinctive double a's, but beware of possible "banana" teasing.

In Exodus, a son of Aaron: an interesting, undiscovered Old Testament name.

A son of Simeon in the Old Testament whose name is largely unknown in modern times -- though that may change as parents look for a substitute for the overused Jacob and Jadon.

The Biblical Abijah might be temporarily lost to time, but this antiquated short form could move with it into the modern era.

Eilon, a fraternal twin of the name Elon, was the Biblical grandson of Jacob. A rare name, Elon is getting some recent notice thanks to Tesla maker Elon Musk.