Hebrew Names

Benjamin for purists. See BENJAMIN.

Another culture's version of the month-naming tradition: this is the sixth month of the Jewish calendar.

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

One of the less attractive Hebrew choices.

Symbolic name given to both boys and girls born on Shavuot, the Feast of the Harvest.

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.

One of the few biblical names ending in the upbeat o.

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.

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

Also spelled Bethia and Bithiah, this Old Testament name could wear well today. Bethea might make an original way to honor an ancestral Elizabeth or get to the nickname Beth.

The viv syllable adds vitality.

Begs for the guttural pronunciation that's a problem in this culture.

Hillel the Great was a famous Talmudic scholar, the spiritual and ethical leader of his generation, and his name is greatly honored by parents in Israel and, to some extent, here.

An old-fashioned nickname that hasn't been heard in ages--Cute and unusual, but lacking the legs to stand on its own. Maybe save it for your kitten.

Known from the Menotti opera, Amahl and the Night Visitors, this is a subdued and gentle name.

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

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

Short form used in Israel; the v makes it more vivid and unusual.