Baby Names 50 Hebrew Baby Names Learn the meaning and origins of popular Hebrew baby names By Wendy Rose Gould linkedin Wendy Rose Gould is a lifestyle reporter with over a decade of experience covering health and wellness topics. Learn about our editorial process Wendy Rose Gould Fact checked by Fact checked by Daniella Amato on June 10, 2021 Daniella Amato is a biomedical scientist and fact checker with expertise in pharmaceuticals and clinical research. Learn about our editorial process Daniella Amato Updated on June 14, 2021 Print Getty Images / P Deliss Hebrew is an ancient Semitic language that originated in Israel. It tapered out of use between 200 and 400 CE, though quietly survived via the Jewish liturgy and literature. Interestingly, Hebrew was wholly revived at the end of the 19th century — the first and only language to make such a comeback. While ancient, “pre-modern” Hebrew remains spoken in religious settings, “modern Hebrew” is the official language in Israel, where more than nine million people speak it fluently. Because of its Jewish origins, many Hebrew names are biblical. Popular Hebrew Baby Names for Girls Here are some popular and unique Hebrew baby names for girls along with their meanings, origins, and other interesting information. Abigail Origin: Hebrew Meaning: Source of joy, my father rejoices Alternative Spellings & Variations: Abaigael, Abigale, Abby, Abi, Gail, Gael Famous Namesakes: Abigail Adams (John Adams’ wife), and Abigail Rogers, an American advocate for women's rights and women's education in the 1800s. Peak Popularity: In 2005, approximately 16,000 people in the U.S. were given the name Abigail. Fun Fact: In the Old Testament, Abigail was the name of David's wife. Annalise Origin: Hebrew, Latin Meaning: Grace, devoted to God Alternative Spellings & Variations: Analise, Anneliese, Annalisa, Analicia, Anna, Anne, Annie Famous Namesakes: Annalise Basso, American actress born in 1998 Peak Popularity: Annalise saw its greatest peak in popularity during 2017 when 796 people in the U.S. were given the name. Aviva Origin: Hebrew Meaning: Springlike, dewy and fresh, implies innocence and youth Alternative Spellings & Variations: Aviv Famous Namesakes: Aviva Chomsky, an American academic; Aviva Gileadi, an Israeli nuclear scientist in the 20th century Peak Popularity: Aviva is a unique name that hasn’t been listed in the top 1,000. Danielle Origin: Hebrew Meaning: God is my judge Alternative Spellings & Variations: Danele, Danelle, Daniel Famous Namesakes: Danielle Fishel, a U.S. actress; Danielle Steele, an American bestselling novelist. Peak Popularity: In 1987, 17,006 girls were given the name Danielle in the U.S. Fun fact: Danielle is the feminine form of Daniel. Davina Origin: Hebrew Meaning: Cherished, beloved Alternative Spellings & Variations: Davi, David Famous Namesakes: Davina Rankin, a model; Davina McCall, a TV show host Peak Popularity: Peak popularity occurred in 2018 when 391 girls were given the name. Elizabeth Origin: Hebrew Meaning: My God is an oath, my God is abundance Alternative Spellings & Variations: Elisabeth, Liz, Lizzie, Lizette, Lizbeth, Lizbet, Liza, Lise, Liezel, Liesl, Libby, Eliza, Alisa, Beth, Bethany Famous Namesakes: Queen Elizabeth of England, Elizabeth Taylor, Liza Minelli, Elizabeth Arden Peak Popularity: Elizabeth has yet to fall out of the top 50, and it reached peak popularity in 1990 when 20,723 were given the name. Fun fact: Elizabeth is the feminine name derived from a form of the Hebrew name Elisheva. Esther Origin: Hebrew Meaning: Star Alternative Spellings & Variations: Ester, Hester, Essie Famous Namesakes: American swimmer Esther Williams Peak Popularity: Esther was most popular in 1918, when 6,577 people in the U.S. were given the name. Fun fact: The Old Testament book of Esther tells the story of Queen Esther, the Jewish wife of the king of Persia. Eve Origin: Hebrew, Latin Meaning: Life Alternative Spellings & Variations: Eva, Ava, Evita Famous Namesakes: Argentine First Lady Eva (Evita) Peron, Actress Eva Marie Saint Peak Popularity: In 2011, 529 people in the U.S. were given the name Eve. Gabriella Origin: Hebrew, Italian Meaning: God is my strength Alternative Spellings & Variations: Gabriela, Gabriele, Gabrielle, Gabriel, Gabe Famous Namesakes: Actress Gabriella Wilde, Writer Gabriela Mistral Peak Popularity: In 2010, approximately 6,000 people were named Gabriella in the United States. Hannah Origin: Hebrew Meaning: Favor, grace Alternative Spellings & Variations: Hana, Hanna, Hanah, Hanne Famous Namesakes: Writer Hanna Krall, Mathematician Hanna Neuman Peak Popularity: Hannah reached its peak popularity in 2000, when 23,083 girls in the U.S. were given the name. Iman Origin: Hebrew Meaning: God is with us Alternative Spellings & Variations: Manny, Mannie, Imani, Immanuel, Emmanuel Famous Namesakes: Fashion model Iman, Iman Oubou, scientist and beauty queen Peak Popularity: Iman is a unique name that hasn’t been listed in the top 1,000. Fun fact: Iman is a short version of the masculine name, Immanuel. It can be used for boys or girls. Iris Origin: Greek, Hebrew Meaning: Rainbow, flower Alternative Spellings & Variations: Eris Famous Namesakes: Iris Apfel, interior designer and businesswoman Peak Popularity: Iris has remained steadily common from the early 1900s on. In 2019, it reached peak popularity when 2,179 people were given the name. Jaqueline Origin: Hebrew Meaning: Supplanter Alternative Spellings & Variations: Jacquelyne, Jacqualine, Jaclyn, Jacalyn, Jackie, Jaquelin Famous Namesakes: First lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (Jackie O), Author Jacqueline Wilson Peak Popularity: Jaqueline became a more popular name in the 1990s and saw a spike in popularity in 2000 when 1200 were given the name. Jane Origin: Hebrew, English Meaning: God is gracious Alternative Spellings & Variations: Jayne, Janie, Janee, Jaine Famous Namesakes: Actress and singer Jane Birkin, Author Jane Austen Peak Popularity: Jane was particularly popular from 1910 to 1980. Fun fact: Jane is the feminine version of John. Jordan Origin: Hebrew Meaning: To flow downward Alternative Spellings & Variations: Jordain, Jordy, Jordanne, Jordanna, Jori Famous Namesakes: German model and actress Jordan Carver, Actress Jordan Ladd Peak Popularity: Jordan was particularly popular from 1990 to 2000. Fun fact: The river in Palestine where Jesus was baptized is named Jordan. Leah Origin: Hebrew, English Meaning: Weary Alternative Spellings & Variations: Leia, Lia, Lea Famous Namesakes: Actress Leah Remini, Actress Lea Michele Peak Popularity: Leah became quite popular in the 1980s and has remained so. In 2009, it saw a peak in popularity. Madelaine Origin: Hebrew Meaning: From the tower Alternative Spellings & Variations: Madelena, Madalyn, Madelin, Maddie Famous Namesakes: American politician Madeleine Albright Peak Popularity: The greatest number of people were named Madelaine 1998, when 1423 people in the U.S. were given the name. Nanette Origin: Hebrew, French Meaning: Grace, Favor Alternative Spellings & Variations: Nannette, Nannie, Nanny, Anne Famous Namesakes: American fashion designer Nanette Lepore, American psychiatrist and writer Nanette Gartrell Peak Popularity: Nanette enjoyed peak popularity from 1930 to 1975. Naomi Origin: Hebrew Meaning: Pleasant Alternative Spellings & Variations: Noemi Famous Namesakes: Actress Naomi Campbell, Actress Naomi Watts Peak Popularity: The most people were named Naomi in 2019, when 3,929 people in the U.S. were given the name. Fun fact: In the Old Testament, Ruth's mother-in-law was named Naomi. Odelia Origin: French, German, Greek, Hebrew Meaning: Wealthy, prosperous, melody, praising God Alternative Spellings & Variations: Odila, Odell Peak Popularity: Odelia peaked in 1907 when 29 people were given the name. Rachael Origin: German, Hebrew Meaning: Ewe, one with purity Alternative Spellings & Variations: Rachel, Rashell, Rachele Famous Namesakes: Actress Rachel McAdams, Stylist Rachel Zoe, Chef Rachael Ray Peak Popularity: Rachael saw a peak in popularity from 1970 to 2012. Sarah Origin: Hebrew Meaning: Princess Alternative Spellings & Variations: Sara, Sarita Famous Namesakes: Actress Sarah Jessica Parker, Actress Sarah Michelle Gellar Peak Popularity: Sarah has remained steadily popular since the late 1800s, with notably popularity from 1975 to 2005. Sharon Origin: Hebrew Meaning: A plain; an area of ancient Palestine where roses grew abundantly Alternative Spellings & Variations: None Famous Namesakes: Actress Sharon Stone Peak Popularity: Sharon was particularly popular from 1935 to 1970. Tamara Origin: Hebrew, Russian Meaning: Palm tree Alternative Spellings & Variations: Tamar, Tammy, Tammie, Tami Famous Namesakes: Olympic skier Tamara McKinney, Singer Tamara Johnson-George Peak Popularity: The name Tamara was most popular from 1960 to 1985. Zinnia Origin: Hebrew Meaning: Worthy, to be praised Alternative Spellings & Variations: Zin, Zinny, Zia, Nia Famous Namesakes: Activist Zinnia Jones Peak Popularity: Zinnia is a unique name that hasn’t been listed in the top 1,000. Fun fact: Zinnia is also a type of flower. Popular Hebrew Baby Names for Boys Here are some popular and unique Hebrew baby names for boys along with their meanings, origins, and other interesting information. Aaron Origin: Arabic, Hebrew Meaning: Forest, strength, high mountain, inspired Alternative Spellings & Variations: Aron, Aerin, Erin Famous Namesakes: Composer Aaron Copland, Former Vice President Aaron Burr Peak Popularity: Aaron was especially popular from 1970 to 2010. Abraham Origin: Hebrew Meaning: Father of multitude Alternative Spellings & Variations: Abram, Abe, Abrahim Famous Namesakes: President Abraham Lincoln Peak Popularity: Abraham has been a common boy name throughout history, and has steadily grown in popularity since the 1970s. Fun fact: Abraham was one of the original Old Testament patriarchs. God changed his name from Abram after appointing him the father of the Hebrew nation. Amos Origin: Hebrew Meaning: Burdened, carried Alternative Spellings & Variations: None Famous Namesakes: Philosopher and teacher Amos Bronson Alcott Peak Popularity: The greatest number of people were named Amos in 1922, when 550 people were given the name. Fun fact: Amos is a book of the Bible in the Old Testament. Cain Origin: Hebrew, Irish, Welsh Meaning: Acquired Alternative Spellings & Variations: Cane, Kane Famous Namesakes: Mixed Martial Artist Cain Velasquez Peak Popularity: Cain is a unique name, experiencing peak popularity in 2012 when only 29 people were given the name. Caleb Origin: Hebrew Meaning: Bold Alternative Spellings & Variations: Kaleb Famous Namesakes: Athlete Caleb Sun, Athlete Caleb Johnson Peak Popularity: Caleb began increasing in popularity in 1970, with 11,600 being named Caleb at the top of that peak. Daniel Origin: Hebrew Meaning: God is my judge Alternative Spellings & Variations: Danielle, Danelle, Danny, Dani, Dan Famous Namesakes: Actor Daniel Day-Lewis, Actor Danny DeVito Peak Popularity: Daniel has been an extremely popular boy name since the 1930s. In 1985—at the top of the peak—38,500 boys were given the name in the U.S. David Origin: Hebrew Meaning: Dearly loved Alternative Spellings & Variations: Dave, Davy, Davie Famous Namesakes: Musician David Bowie, TV Host David Letterman, Frontiersman Davy Crockett Peak Popularity: David has been an extremely popular boy name since the 1910s. In 1955—at the top of the peak—86,000 boys were given the name in the U.S. Elijah Origin: Hebrew Meaning: The Lord is my God Alternative Spellings & Variations: Eli, Iliya, Ellis, Elija, Elias, Elia Famous Namesakes: Actor Elijah Wood, Religious leader Elijah Muhammad Peak Popularity: Few boys were named Elijah from 1880 until 1988, but the name has been spiking in popularity since the '90s. Ezekiel Origin: Hebrew Meaning: God strengthens Alternative Spellings & Variations: Esequiel, Ezequiel, Ezra, Zeke Famous Namesakes: Ezekiel the Poet, a Jewish dramatist from the 2nd century BCE Peak Popularity: Ezekiel has experienced a small surge in popularity from 1990 to today. Fun fact: Ezekiel is a book in the Bible’s Old Testament containing his prophecies. Gabriel Origin: Hebrew, Spanish Meaning: God is my strength Alternative Spellings & Variations: Gabriella, Gabrielle, Gabriela, Gabby, Gabe Famous Namesakes: Colombian author Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Irish actor Gabriel Byrne Peak Popularity: The greatest number of people were named Gabriel in 2008 when 12,848 people in the U.S. were given the name. Hiram Origin: Hebrew Meaning: Exalted, noble Alternative Spellings & Variations: Hyrum, Hirim Famous Namesakes: Kings Hiram I and Hiram II of Tyrus, Hiram Revels, the first African-American to serve in the US Senate Peak Popularity: Hiram was a particularly popular boy’s name from 1880 to 1980. Isaac Origin: Hebrew Meaning: He laughs Alternative Spellings & Variations: Izak, Issac, Isaak, Ike Famous Namesakes: Physicist Sir Isaac Newton, American Designer Isaac Mizrahi Peak Popularity: Isaac has remained steadily common, experiencing a peak in popularity in the last three decades. Israel Origin: Hebrew Meaning: Prince of God, he who wrestles with God Alternative Spellings & Variations: Izrael Famous Namesakes: Composer Israel Baline, Playwright Israel Zangwill Peak Popularity: The greatest number of people were given this name in 2007, when 1900 were given the name. Jacob Origin: Hebrew Meaning: Supplanter Alternative Spellings & Variations: Jakob, Jaccob, Jacobe, Jacoba, Jake Famous Namesakes: Athlete Jacob Bell, Actor Jacob Young Peak Popularity: Jacob was a particularly popular name from 1970 to 2010. Jared Origin: Hebrew Meaning: Descending; a pre-flood biblical name related to Jordan Alternative Spellings & Variations: Jarrod Famous Namesakes: Actor Jared Leto Peak Popularity: Jared was a particularly popular name from 1975 to 2010. Jeremiah Origin: Hebrew Meaning: The Lord exalts Alternative Spellings & Variations: Jeremy, Jeremie, Jere, Geremia Famous Namesakes: Football player Jeremiah Cockheran, Pastor Jeremiah Wright Peak Popularity: In 2010, 7,645 boys were given the name Jeremiah and the name has remained popular. Levi Origin: Hebrew Meaning: Joined, attached Alternative Spellings & Variations: Lev, Leevi Famous Namesakes: Levi Strauss of the eponymous jeans brand Peak Popularity: Levi has been surging in popularity since 1975. Micah Origin: Hebrew Meaning: Who is like the Lord Alternative Spellings & Variations: Mica Famous Namesakes: Composer and Poet Micah Hawkins Peak Popularity: The greatest number of people were given this name in 2012, when 3,713 boys were named Micah. Fun fact: Micah was a Biblical prophet and has his own book in the New Testament. Michael Origin: Hebrew Meaning: Who is like God Alternative Spellings & Variations: Michal, Michel, Mikel Famous Namesakes: Singer Michael Jackson, Basketball player Michael Jordan Peak Popularity: Michael was an especially popular boy name from 1940 to 2000. Nathan Origin: Hebrew Meaning: Gift from God Alternative Spellings & Variations: Nathanial, Nathanael, Nate, Nat Famous Namesakes: Actor Nathan Lane, Revolutionary Nathan Hale Peak Popularity: Nathan was an especially popular boys name from 1970 to 2010 Noah Origin: Hebrew Meaning: To Comfort Alternative Spellings & Variations: Noa, Noe Famous Namesakes: Actor Noah Wyle Peak Popularity: Noah has seen a surge in popularity from the 1990s to now. In 2017, 17,000 boys were given the name. Oren Origin: Gaelic, Hebrew Meaning: pale-skinned, pine tree Alternative Spellings & Variations: Orene, Orin, Oran, Orrin Famous Namesakes: Senator Orrin Hatch Peak Popularity: Oren was particularly popular from 1910 to 1950. Saul Origin: Hebrew, Spanish Meaning: Swedish Inquired of God Alternative Spellings & Variations: None Famous Namesakes: Author Saul Bellow Peak Popularity: This name hit peak popularity in 2005 when 1,106 people in the U.S. were given the name. Fun fact: Saul was the name of the first king of Israel. Simon Origin: English, Greek, Hebrew Meaning: Hearkening, listening Alternative Spellings & Variations: Symon, Simona, Simone Famous Namesakes: Musician Paul Simon, Playwright Neil Simon Peak Popularity: Simon has remained steadily popular since the late 1800s, and has especially grown in popularity since 1990. Zachery Origin: Hebrew Meaning: The Lord remembered Alternative Spellings & Variations: Zackery, Zac, Zack Famous Namesakes: Actor Zachary Scott, President Zachary Taylor, Peak Popularity: Zachery was particularly popular from 1975 to 2000. Loading shell for quizzesApp1 vue props component in Globe. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get diet and wellness tips to help your kids stay healthy and happy. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Bensadoun, D. This week in history: Revival of the Hebrew language. The Jerusalem Post. Published October 15, 2010. Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Hebrew Language Day: The revival of the language of the Bible. Published January 19, 2017. Additional Reading Social Security Administration (SSA). Popular Baby Names.