Jewish Names

Ranking in the Polish Top 200, Estera is a variation on the classic Esther. Possibly deriving from Ishtar, the Near Eastern Goddess of fertility, love, and war, or from Persian, to mean "star", Estera is also associated with the myrtle trees, via Hadassah, the Biblical Esther's original Hebrew name.

A lovely name most commonly used by Judeo-Italian families — also the name of a fictional city in Ambrose Bierce's short story "An Inhabitant of Carcosa", written in the late 1800s.

Old Testament name that would make a nice alternative to Matteo.

The 19th-century Irish poet Jane Wilde (mother of Oscar Wilde) adopted Speranza as her nom de plume. The name also appears in Spenser’s The Faerie Queene, as one of the three virtues: Fidelia (Faith), Speranza (Hope), and Charissa (Charity) — daughters of Caelia (Heavenly). Related to Esperance (French) and Esperanza (Spanish).

Short but punchy — Ayyo would make a cool and unusual choice as -o ending boy names become more and more stylish.

A masculine name in the Old Testament, but in modern Israel Ophir is used for girls as well as boys.

Hebrew cognate of Lilac

Animal names are very hot right now, but we don't think Fishel is likely to make a comeback.

Cute, old-world nickname virtually unknown outside of the Jewish community.

Sweet, soft and devotional, this Hebrew name can also be spelled as Emunah. In Jewish tradition, Emunah denotes the principles of faith, and the word amen derives from it. Literally translating to faith or trust in God, Emunah is better described as an innate and fairly held belief and trust in the truth of God. It may be enhanced by study and learning, but exists without this.

A little-known Hebrew name which ranks in the Top 100 in Israel.

A softer, more feminine variation of Abijah.

Subtle choice for a baby born in the early morning.

A stunning Judeo-Italian name that would cross well into other cultures —the built-in nickname Vera is a plus as well.

A Top 100 name in Israel, where it is overwhelmingly feminine. Zohar is currently used equally between girls and boys in the US but is rising far more quickly for boys.

The Hebrew form of Daphne, typically only heard among Jewish families in the US.