Hebrew Names

All too likely to be confused with the ultratrendy Nevaeh.

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.

Rarely heard in this country.

You might want to abbreviate this from one of the Biblical originals or use it as a name all on its own, an update of Sam or Finn. Sim is a Scottish Gaelic form of Simon.

Outlook in this country: paltry.

More manageable than the Jebediahs and Jedidiahs, this name of several biblical characters would make an interesting, undiscovered Old Testament choice.

Shmuel is a Modern Hebrew variation of Samuel used almost exclusively by Orthodox Jewish families. Very popular in Israel, Shmuel also appeared on the US Top 1000 list in 2017, 2022, and 2023 and is given to around 240 boys each year.

Unlikely to catch on the way the male original has, though it may appeal to some parents as a more formal version of Nina.

A biblical name that was used in colonial times, but which has an unpleasant sound to the modern ear.

With more parents turning to biblical names like Ezekiel and Isaiah, this could prove a quasi-unique alternative in a similar -- if more Orthodox -- vein.

An energetic and distinctive choice.

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

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

Most modern parents outside Israel would prefer Aaron.

A possible alternative to the better-known Shoshona.

Gently appealing, a floral choice in Japanese.

Belshazzar was a Babylonian prince, a real historical figure who stars in a fictionalized tale Belshazzar's Feast, in the Book of Daniel

Lovely Hebrew name with distinctive double a's, but beware of possible "banana" teasing.

A modern version of the dated Betty. You might want to consider varying Elizabeth, too, to the Italian Elisabetta.