50 Hebrew Baby Names

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 seven 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 2003, approximately 16,000 people in the U.S. were given the name Abigail. 

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 2012 when 594 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, 16,993 girls were given the name Danielle in the U.S.

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: Davina has historically been a less common name. Peak popularity occurred in 1979 when 201 people 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. 

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. 

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 Mistal
• 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 was a particularly common name from 1990 and 2012, reaching its peak popularity in 2000, when 23,040 people 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.

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 2012, it reached peak popularity when 1122 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.

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.

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 2012, when 3,384 people in the U.S. were given the name. 

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, especially a fruitful one
• Alternative Spellings & Variations: Tamar, Tammy, Tammie, Tami
• Famous Namesakes: Olympic skier Tamara McKinney, Actress Tamara Mowry
• 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.

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. 

Amos

• Origin: Hebrew
• Meaning: Burden 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.

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.

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, 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. 

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. 

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.