Israeli Names for Boys

Lior is a unisex name frequently heard in Israel, capturing the popular light theme through its meaning. For English speakers, the one down side is possible pronunciation confusion with "liar," though it's really lee-OR, with a long e sound and emphasis on the second syllable.

Possibly related to the Ermin- names (which gave us Emma and her variants) or to Herman OR to the Persian/Kazakh/Armenian names Arman or Armen, this is an unusual choice which fits current trends.

One of those truly international names, with a similar feel to Roman, Arthur, and Artem, without the popularity, in the US at least. The name is in fact in the Top 50 in Armenia and Bosnia, while it also features in the UK Top 800.

Ab is a short masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Hebrew, it derives from 'אָב' (av) meaning 'father,' reflecting paternal significance in ancient societies. It appears in the Bible as a component of compound names and as the name of the fifth month in the Jewish calendar. In Arabic contexts, Ab can be a variant of Abd, meaning 'servant of.' The name also exists as a diminutive form of Albert or Abraham in some Western traditions. While historically present across several cultures, Ab remains quite rare as a standalone given name in modern usage, offering a distinctively brief, masculine sound with deep historical roots.

Seen as feminine in English-speaking countries, Dani is a Top 100 boy name in the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Davi is a Portuguese variant of David, meaning 'beloved'. It is especially popular in Brazil, where it ranks in the Top 10 names for boys. A rising star in the UK in 2023, Davi was also given to around 140 boys in the US in the same year. While some parents outside of Portuguese speaking communities might be using the name as a streamlined and modern twist on David, the original Portuguese pronunciation is slightly different to the English DAY-vee, and is said da-VEE.

Avner is a masculine name of Hebrew origin meaning 'father of light' or 'my father is a lamp,' composed of 'av' (father) and 'ner' (light or lamp). It appears in the Bible as the name of King Saul's commander, Abner, with Avner being the modern Hebrew pronunciation. The name has been consistently used in Jewish communities, particularly in Israel, but remains relatively uncommon in the broader Western world. Avner carries significant cultural and religious meaning while offering a distinctive sound that works well cross-culturally. Its biblical roots provide historical depth, while its concise two-syllable structure feels contemporary. The name suggests qualities of wisdom and guidance through its literal meaning of bringing or being light. Avner has seen modest increased usage as parents seek names with both cultural significance and uniqueness.

Armoni may for some be an alternate spelling of the popular designer name Armani, but in Hebrew the word pronounced ar-moan means chestnut, so this can make an original gender neutral nature name, with a melodic feel.

Yehoshua is a masculine name of Hebrew origin and is the original form of the names Joshua and Jesus. It combines the elements 'Yeho,' referring to God, and 'shua,' meaning 'salvation' or 'deliverance,' thus translating to 'God is salvation.' This powerful name carries profound religious significance in Jewish and Christian traditions. While the anglicized form Joshua is quite common, Yehoshua remains closer to its ancient Hebrew roots, making it popular among those maintaining traditional Hebrew naming practices. The name appears throughout the Hebrew Bible, most notably as Moses' successor who led the Israelites into the Promised Land. Yehoshua continues to be used in Jewish communities worldwide.

Armon is a masculine name with diverse cultural connections. It likely derives from Hebrew origins, possibly related to the name Harmon or Hermon (a mountain mentioned in biblical texts), suggesting 'elevated' or 'sacred mountain.' Alternative origins include Armenian heritage or a variation of Armand, which has Germanic roots meaning 'army man' or 'soldier.' The name has a strong, modern sound while maintaining cross-cultural appeal. Armon remains relatively uncommon in popularity rankings, giving it distinction without being difficult to pronounce or spell. Its two-syllable structure with emphasis on the first syllable follows a classic pattern for masculine names, offering a balance between uniqueness and accessibility that appeals to contemporary parents seeking something subtly distinctive.

This is one of hundreds of modern Israeli names that are unknown here but could translate to our culture.

Daniyel is a multicultural variation of Daniel, a name with Hebrew origins meaning 'God is my judge.' This distinctive spelling reflects influences from various cultures, including Yiddish, Turkish, and Middle Eastern naming traditions. While the traditional Daniel has been consistently popular throughout history, Daniyel offers a more unique alternative with the same Biblical heritage. The name carries the story of the biblical prophet Daniel, known for his wisdom and ability to interpret dreams. Daniyel provides parents with a way to honor this traditional name while adding a distinctive, international flair. Though less common than the standard spelling, Daniyel has gradually gained recognition in multicultural communities and among parents seeking familiar names with unique spellings.