Hebrew Names

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

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.

A bit blunt.

A bit too elephantine for a modern child.

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

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.

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

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.

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

Affable and creative and perfectly able to stand alone; nothing Scroogish about it.

The viv syllable adds vitality.

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

Rosh is not Ross, not Rush, but an improvement on both of those more familiar names. The Biblical Rosh was a son of Benjamin, so you might consider it to honor a father or otherwise ancestral Benjamin. Very much associated with the Jewish New Year holiday, Rosh Hashanah.

Niria is the female equivalent of Nir and may also be found as Nira. This simple, pleasant name has an earthy meaning.

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 less attractive Hebrew choices.

Interesting alternative to Dalila, relates to the Biblical Galilee.