Israeli Place Names

An Old Testament name -- he was the eldest son of Joseph -- that's still used in the Jewish community.

Nazareth, used equally for boys and girls, is one of several place names with religious associations -- Galilee, Jericho --that have been rising in use in recent years. The name may relate to branch or to the verb watch or guard, but there are many possible derivations and meanings.

A symbolic name for boys born during a period between Passover and Shavuot.

Similar to but distinct from Samara, this pretty name was chosen for his daughter by rapper LL Cool J.

This Old Testament place name was in the Top 10 fifty years ago, but now Sharon, along with sound-alike Karen, have fallen out of favor.

Tamar is a rich, strong Old Testament name sometimes given to girls born on the holiday of Sukkoth, as palm branches were used to make the roof of the sukkah. In the Bible, there are several Tamars, including a daughter of King David and also Absalom's daughter, who is praised for her 'fair countenance'.

Sounds as if you might have swallowed the middle a in Tamara.

Tyra would be a more modern pick.