Jewish Names

Appealing name because, in German and Yiddish, it also means "dear" or "heart".

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.

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.

Commonly heard in Israel, but a rare choice elsewhere.

More familiar now via its Salman form, thanks to author Rushdie; this is an unusual biblical alternative.

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

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

A once-popular nickname for Albert and Bertram now being polished up by hip Brits, but still hibernating in the Land of Nerd over here.

Yoav is a variation of Joab, a name featured prominently in the Old Testament.

Although it's a variation of the masculine name Jubal, modern Israelis have taken to using Yuval for girls as well.

Enav hits all the style notes of modern names, as a short, gender-neutral name with a strong V. The cute fruit meaning adds to its charms.