Hebrew Names

Biblical family with 323 children. That's a lot of eggs.

Hillbilly twang.

Hebrew name not often heard in this country, but would have no trouble fitting in.

Avdel is an obscure Old Testament name with a straightforward feel and sound and the fashionable A initial. One to consider if you want a highly unusual yet not difficult Hebrew or Biblical name.

Erelah (and Erela and Erella) are feminine forms of the Hebrew unisex name Erel, which may be derived from Ariel.

This strong name and its variations are well used in Israel.

With Katya catching on, this sound-related name could too, though there is the Batgirl association. Basha, Basya, Batyah, Bitya, Peshe, Pessel (Yiddish).

Tyra would be a more modern pick.

A pleasant and adaptable place name for a part of Tel Aviv.

Hebrew name with a bright sheen.

Unlike other place names, this one might be tied too tightly to a single locale -- the Maryland suburb of D. C. -- to work as a first name.

Though this Biblical place name is found among early American settlers, usually as a male name, today it sounds completely feminine. As a place name, its gender is mutable in any case. An unusual and intriguing Biblical option, albeit one with an unhappy meaning.

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

Delicate embellishment of Rani.

This one may well be an undiscovered choice for many parents - it has a fabulous meaning, a sturdy surname-name appeal that is very on trend right now and several great namesakes including the Bartlett pear and the tome of quotations. Despite that third T, it could also be a favorite of The West Wing fans wanting to evoke fictional president Jed Bartlet.

Worldly choice that translates well.

Heard more in Israel than the U. S.

Another, more feminine, female form of Jacob sometimes heard in Scotland.