PREGNANCY

30 Timeless Hebrew Baby Names

Hebrew baby names have the dual impact of being both steeped in history and easy on the ears.

Written by

Jenny Studenroth Gerson

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Hebrew baby names have the dual impact of being both steeped in history and easy on the ears. Whether you’re looking for something that’s biblical or just plain pretty, our list of both popular and rare Hebrew baby names for boys and girls should spark plenty of inspiration! If you are Jewish and hitting up the Hebrew baby name list for old school ideas, remember that you can honor deceased family members with any name that shares simply their first initial, leaving lots of room for personal preference in your search for the perfect name. But Hebrew baby names are for everyone, so all parents-to-be can enjoy shopping from our top Hebrew baby name picks here.

Hebrew Boy Names

Avi: This sweet Hebrew boys’ name means “father.” Fans of the hit TV show Ray Donovan will have a point of modern reference for this one, but even if you haven't heard it lately, it’s a solid one to consider.

Caleb: A beautiful Hebrew name for boys, it means “devotion to God.” Caleb is still a relatively unique Hebrew baby name, but your little Caleb will still be in good company, as the name actually hit #52 for US boys last year.

Elias: A little edgier than Elliot or Elijah, it’s a great “E” name from the Hebrew meaning “Yahweh is God.” Yahweh was the biblical god of Israel.

Gabriel: We love this traditional Hebrew baby name translating to, “God is my strength.”

Gavi: If you’re loving Avi and Gabriel, consider this mashup that’s really a diminutive of the latter, with the same meaning—“God is my strength”—and an extra unique sound.

Israel: The Hebrew place baby name is a cool choice on its own. You might not know that in addition to being the biblical Holy Land, the name has the additional translation, “he who struggles with God,” after the Old Testament story where Jacob wrestles with an angel and is renamed by God. The layers of meaning make this one extra interesting.

Jacob: A biblical baby name meaning “the supplanter,” that’s enjoyed wide popularity in recent years and is currently in the top 20 baby names for boys in the States.

Jonah: He’s the “dove,” for a baby name that is gentle in both sound and meaning.

Levi: There’s the obvious jeans connotation, which only lends more cool-kid cred to this cool Hebrew boy name. In Hebrew it means, “joined, attached.”

Noah: The well-known biblical story of Noah and the arc brings resourcefulness, peace, and a love of animals to mind. A study in contrasts, Noah means both “rest” and “motion” in Hebrew.

Oren: One of the more unique Hebrew baby names on our list, this one is a nature name, translating to “laurel or pine tree.”

Shai: We love a stand-alone name that is short and sweet enough to be a nickname, but is doing its own thing. Shai, an effortlessly chic boys’ name from the Hebrew, means “gift,” making it a beautiful choice for a new son.

Hebrew Girl Names

Abigail: A very sweet little girl name that translates to, “my father is joyful.” Abby is a common—and cute—nickname.

Aviva: This fun Hebrew baby name for girls isn’t heard as much today, but we’re vying for a comeback. It means “springlike, fresh, dewy” and has a similar feeling to its sound as well.

Ayla: While Isla is having a major moment right now, this similar name from the Hebrew is less popular and just as pretty. Ayla has multiple ethereal meanings: “oak tree, halo, moonlight” for a multidimensional name pick your little girl will love growing into.

Daphna: Daphne is adorable, but swap in an “a” and you get this truly profound baby girl name. In Hebrew, it means “victory,” making this choice as strong as it is pretty.

Eve: It’s the oldest story in The Book—and a classic Hebrew baby name for girls. Eve means “life.”

Hannah (or Chanah): The popular Hebrew baby name can be spelled and pronounced in the Americanized or traditional way; both versions mean “grace.”

Ilana: Another nature name for our Hebrew baby name list, Ilana means “oak tree.”

Isabel: One of the more popular Hebrew baby names on our list, Isabel is loved the world over and easily shortened to sweet nicknames Izzy, Bella, or Belle. Its meaning is “pledged to God.”

Leah: She’s one of the most revered matriarchs in the Bible, and though the direct translation of this name—“weary”—probably won’t be what charms you about it, the pretty sound and simple spelling earn it high marks. Leah was in the top 50 names for girls last year in the States.

Lila: This unique Hebrew baby name for girls translates to “night” in Semitic Hebrew, and has the associated meaning “dark beauty” from its Sanskrit and Arabic roots. (See more Arabic baby names here!)

Sadie: If you love Sarah but want something slightly more contemporary, this precious diminutive of the common name is one to consider; Sadie and Sarah share the meaning “princess,” making them both perfect choices for yours!

Seraphina: The lyrical Hewrew baby name means “ardent, fiery.”

Talia (or Atalia): More popular in Israel than stateside, you can’t go wrong with either version of this stunning Hebrew baby name meaning “gentle dew from heaven; by the water.”

Gender-Neutral Hebrew Baby Names

Ariel: It’s used more widely for girls, but this gender-neutral Hebrew baby name is a solid one to consider for a little boy as well. Ariel means “lion of God,” and for a boy it can also be shortened to Ari.

Asher: It means “fortunate, blessed, happy one,” and while Asher is technically a gender-neutral Hebrew baby name, we see it much more often for little boys.

Jordan: This popular Hebrew baby name is in the top 100 for boys and top 400 for girls, with a place-inspired feel and the direct meaning, “flowing down.”

Mayaan: More rare than many on the list, this gender-neutral baby name choice means “natural spring of water” in Hebrew. It also has the Sanskrit meaning “God is love.”

Zohar: We love this rare Z name which means “light, brilliance” in Hebrew. While it’s used as is for both boys and girls in Israel, you can also feminize it by adding an “a” at the end for a little girl to give little Zohara a more feminine sound to English-speaking ears.

Beyond Hebrew Baby Names…

And once you pick out the perfect baby name...don't forget to pick out the perfect baby bed! Learn more about SNOO.

Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.

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