Jewish Girl Names

Derived from the Hebrew words shai, meaning "gift," and li, "mine." The Shaily variation is more common in Israel and the US.

Perhaps too similar to the word "idol," but Eidel is a pretty (and largely forgotten) Yiddish name.

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

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.

While its Yiddish use has died out, Sirke is seen today in Nordic countries, most commonly Finland. Sirke is a form of Sirkka, but it may also be related to the Finnish word sirkeä, meaning "lively."

Gila and its variants have joyous meanings in Hebrew, but other kids might connect them to the monster.

Old-fashioned enough to the American ear that literally no baby girls received the name in the US in the most recent year counted. Though might Pessa provide a more unique spin on Tessa? It certainly has a lovely meaning, one shared with Margaret.

Commonly heard in Israel, but a rare choice elsewhere.

The Polish form of Ruth has mostly been lost outside of Poland, but though rare, it can still be heard in Polish and Eastern European communities. Ruta has only ever appeared on Illinois' state data, due to Chicago's large Polish population. With Ruth now on the ascent, Ruta may be worth rediscovering.

Mattel is experiencing a revival in the Orthodox Jewish community, where it's becoming increasingly common as a first and middle name. It's the feminine version of Mottel, itself the Yiddish form of Mordecai. Mattel was commonly Anglicized as Matilda during emigration in the 19th and 20th centuries.

The name of the mother of Miriam, Aaron and Moses in the Old Testament. Yocheved was also the name of one of the three daughters of the medieval Talmudic scholar, Rashi.

Used as a pet name for Sara(h) or Salome(a), especially in Nordic countries. Salka Valka (full name: Salvör Valgerður) is the feisty protagonist of Nobel Prize-winning Icelandic author Halldór Laxness’ novel of the same name. Since then, it has been in rare but regular use in the Nordic countries, especially Iceland.