Jewish Names

Faigy is notable as New York State's quirkiest favorite name, widely-used in the Hasidic community.

Faigy is notable as New York State's quirkiest favorite name, widely-used in the Hasidic community.

A possible alternative to the ever-common Leah.

The modern Hebrew form of Asaph, which was the name of several characters in the Old Testament.

A popular Israeli baby name inspired by Mount Arbel in the north, which overlooks the Sea of Galilee.

A name commonly heard on New York's Lower East Side at the turn of the last century.

It's a place in the Bible but also relates to the name Zebulon.

The modern Hebrew variation of Ithai, a name from the Old Testament.

Eliyahu is the Hebrew form of the increasingly popular Biblical prophet name Elijah, also found in forms Elias and Eli. There were 100 boys given the name Eliyahu in the U.S. in 2012. Its upside is that it's one of the most distinctive forms of the name, but that final yahoo may prove difficult.

The exact etymology of Nevo is unknown, but it is the name of a mountain in Jordan — the one where Moses looked upon the promised land for the first time and the last place he saw before his death.

Enav is a rare Hebrew name that would work equally well for a son or daughter.

Familiar as the most common form of greeting in Hebrew, but also associated with top female model Shalom Harlow.

Alter was originally used as an epithet for the eldest when in the company of one with the same name. Jewish parents also used it for their sons who were born sickly or after the death of an older sibling in an effort to ward off death.

Cute nickname with multicultural appeal — in addition to Yoav, Yovi could be short for names such as Yovan and Yovani.

Edgy German capital with definite possibilities as a baby name.

Hava is an anglicization of the Hebrew name Chava, which, like its English form Eve, means "life". In some accents, it may sound like "have a", so it's worth considering if this will be an issue combined with a last name. But overall, it's an elegantly simple name with a great meaning.

This is a rarely heard multi-cultural name, related to a 14th century Jewish scholar named Kalonymous ben Kalonymous, who translated important texts from Arabic to Hebrew. It is also a Hungarian derivative of Colman, via the Latin Columba, meaning dove, and was the name of a 12th century king of Hungary. Its modern sound make it an interesting option.

Hagar is an Old Testament name with an unfortunate association with comic strip character "Hagar the Horrible."