Popular Jewish (Hebrew) Boy Names

08/03/2018 Popular Jewish (Hebrew) Boy Names - Lifecycle Events
Popular Jewish (Hebrew) Boy Names

Jewish names are the hallmark of Jewish identity. This list aggregates common Jewish
names from Biblical, Talmudic and post-Talmudic eras. Jewish parents name their children for
(departed) loved ones, for special events, or choose any Jewish name that they find beautiful.
A Jewish baby boy’s name is given at his circumcision, and a baby girl’s name is traditionally
conferred at the Torah reading shortly after her birth.
Boys' Names | Girls' Names
NAME HEBREW GENDER LANGUAGE DEFINITION VARIATIONS
Abba ‫אבא‬ Male Hebrew "Father"
It usually comes in conjunction with the name Abraham and secondary to it: "Avrohom Abba."
The relationship between the two names is obvious: Abraham was the father of our nation (Gen.
17:5) . But it may also be used as an only name. Has been used since Talmudic times. Many
great sages went by that name such as the Amora Rav, whose name was Abba Aricha; Rabbi
Abba; Abba Uman and Abba Shaul.
Adam ‫אדם‬ Male Hebrew "Earth" Odom
Biblical. Genesis 1:27; refers to the first man G‑d created. With great wisdom, Adam named all
the animals (The Midrash, Bereishit Raba 17:4).
Aron, Arik, Oren,

Ore, Arel, Arele,
"Light;
Orel, Arke,
Aharon ‫אהרון‬ Male Hebrew Teaching;
Orkeu, Arush,
Enlightening"
Orush, Arushka,
Arushke
The Biblical name of Moses’ brother, Aaron (Exodus 4:14; 6:20). Derived from the Hebrew word
for light, ohr. Also from the Hebrew word for teaching; enlightening. Aharon was known for
encouraging peace. He was the first High Priest and his descendants remain priests.
Aleksender,
Aliksender,
Alexander, "Helper of man;
‫אלקסנדר‬ Male Old Greek Sender, Sander,
Aleksander defender"
Sandor, Sender,
Sendush
Very often coupled with Ziskind. First used in Jewish circles in gratitude to Alexander the Great
for his kindness to the Jewish nation during his battles to conquer the world. This form was so
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close to the non-Jewish family name that many Jews whose father's and grandfather's name was
Sander, simply adopted the surnames Sanders or Saunders after migrating to English-speaking
countries. Alexander also became a family name.
Alter, Altir,
Alter ‫אלטר‬ Male Yiddish "Old one"
Altmann
In Yiddish, an "old man." One of the amuletic names. This is one of the amuletic names. Often
given to a newborn after another child in the family died at a young age. The name symbolizes a
prayer for longevity. If a male child died soon after birth or very young, the next born male child
was sometimes given the name Alter alone, or in combination with another name. The parents, in
giving the name, expressed their prayer that the newborn child should live to be an old man. See
also Alte. The family name Alter is a derivative. (Not to be confused with the family name Altar
which has a completely different etymological origin. Altar was a small island in a river in
medieval France. After a local pogrom, some Jews who escaped adopted the name of their place
of birth as their family name.)
Leib, Leibel,
Leibele, Leibish,
Aryeh, Leibush, Lev,
‫ארי'ה לייב‬ Male Hebrew "Lion"
Aryeih Leib Levke, Aryeh, Ari,
Arik, Artze, Artzi,
Arke, Arel
The symbol of the Tribe of Judah, indicating strength and fearlessness. Often paired with its
Yiddish translation, Leib. Yehudah took the lion as the symbol of his Tribe, and as Jerusalem
became the capital of the Kingdom of Yehudah, the lion is the symbol of the City of Jerusalem.
Biblical. Bereishit, 49:9. Leib is Yiddish for "lion," and as the symbol of the Tribe of Judah is a lion,
Leib is used also together with the name Yehudah. See also Yehudah Leib. The family name
Leibler derives from this form. From the early Yiddish forms Lowe and Lobl, there were derived
the names Loew and Loebel—Lobel. In certain countries, Jews with the name Aryeh or Yehudah
used other translations such as Leon and Leo. From these translations there developed the
family names Leeman and Lehman. Not to be confused with the family name Leiman, a
derivative of Lemu'eil.
Osher, Osherel,
Osher'l, Asherel,
Anshel (Anschel),
Anshil (Anschil),
Anselm, Anzel,
Asher ‫אשר‬ Male Hebrew "Happy one" Anzil, Enzel,
Enzil, Enzlin,
Henzel, Henzil,
Zeligl, Zelikl,
Zeligmanl,
Zelikman, Zelle
Son of Jacob and father of one of the 12 tribes. Named, “Because of my good fortune, for women
have declared me fortunate.” Often paired with its Yiddish equivalent, Zelig. On Asher's birth
Lei'ah proclaimed, "For my happiness; for daughters will call me happy. And she called his name
Asher." Father of the Tribe carrying his name. It usually comes in conjunction with the name
Abraham and secondary to it: "Avrohom Abba." The relationship between the two names is
obvious: Abraham was the father of our nation (Gen. 17:5) . But it may also be used as an only
name. Has been used since Talmudic times. Many great sages went by that name such as the
Amora Rav, whose name was Abba Aricha; Rabbi Abba; Abba Uman and Abba Shaul.
Avraham ‫אברהם‬ Male Hebrew "Exalted father" Abraham, Avram,

Avrom, Avremel,
Avremele,
Avremka,
Avremke
The Biblical name of the Jewish patriarch Abraham. Originally named Abram (ibid. 11:26),
indicating that he was the “spiritual” father of his native land of Aram, G‑d added the Hebrew
letter hei, changing his name to Abraham. His new name established him as the leader of the
entire world, the “father of a multitude of nations” (see the commentary of Rashi on ibid 17:5).
Abraham was known particularly for his hospitality. Biblical. Bereishit, 17:5. Avraham Eiver is a
two name combination which is still in use. The diminutive of Eiver is Eivril, and hence we get
Avraham Eivril. See also Eiver. Care must be taken not to confuse the diminutive Avril from
Avraham; nor the diminutive Evril from Efraiyim.
Ezriel, Esriel,
Azriel ‫עזריאל‬ Male Hebrew "My help is G‑d"
Ezzy,
Biblical. Chronicles I, 27:19. Azriel was also one of the leaders of the tribe of Menasseh who was
taken into exile by the kings of Assyria.
Boruch, Boruch,
Baruch,
‫ברוך‬ Male Hebrew "Blessed one" Bendet, Bendet'l,
(Benedikt)
Bendit, Benedikt
Biblical. Jeremiah, 32:12. Baruch was a priest (“Kohen”) and a prophets (The Talmud, Megillah
14b). He was a trustworthy assistant to Jeremiah. Baruch transcribed many of the prophesies of
Jeremiah (ibid 36:4). When G‑d told Jeremiah to purchase a piece of land, he entrusted Baruch
with the deed (ibid 32:12). The Jewish family name Benedikt is derived from the Latin translation
of Barukh.
Bentzion, Bentze,
Bentziyon Bentch, Bentzel,
‫בנציון‬ Male Hebrew "Son of Zion"
(Benzion) Bentzil, Benchel,
Benchil
Non Biblical. An expression of pining for the Jewish nation to return to its homeland, Israel, and
especially Jerusalem, which is referred to as Zion in the Bible (II Samuel 5:7; I Kings 8:1). Can be
written as one word or as two words, but only in Hebrew. In English it is normally written as one
word.
Birach, Birech,
"Blessed of the
Berekhyah ‫ברכיה‬ Male Hebrew Beirach, Beirech,
L-rd"
Beirich
Biblical. Zecharyah, 1:7. Father of the Prophet Zecharyah.
Betzaleil, Tzalel,
Zalel, Zale,
"In the shade of
Betzalel ‫בצלאל‬ Male Hebrew Tzalke, Tzali,
the Lord"
Zalke, Tzalka,
Zalka
Biblical, Exodus, 31:2. The biblical Betzalel was endowed with super artistic talents by the
Almighty. He was the lead architect in charge of building the travelling Tabernacle (the “Mishkan”).
The name refers to his immense wisdom (Brachot 55a). G‑d rewarded his dedication to the task
by recording the details of the building in great detail (The Midrash, Shemot Rabah 50:3).
Benyamin,
"Son of the right
Binyamin Benyomin,
‫בנימין‬ Male Hebrew (hand); Son of
(Benjamin) Beinush, Beinis,
old age"
Bnis, Benji, Ben
A translation of the Hebrew male name Shem Tov. Biblical, Genesis 35:18. The youngest son of
Jacob and Rachel. Benjamin looked like his mother who died during his birth (Zohar 1:202b). “He
did not slander with his tongue, (Psalms15:3),” refers to Benjamin (The Midrash, Shocher Tov
15:6). Father of the tribe carrying his name.
Bunim, Bunem,
Bunim ‫בונים‬ Male Hebrew "Good name" Bonim, Bonem,
Binim, Binem
Very often combined with the name Simhah (Simhah Bunim).Reason unknown. Some authorities
claim that the name derives from the French bon homme (a good man). It is this author's
contention that the name Shem Tov was very popular in pre-expulsion Spain; and this opinion is
based on the dozens of Rabbis of pre-expulsion Spain who carried the Hebrew name Shem
Tov.During the emigration to France, the name was translated to French. During the following
centuries of wandering from country to country the two words bon nomme became contracted to
one word. Finally, the pronunciation was influenced by local phonetics.I have yet to discover at
any time in history, a Jew with the Hebrew name Ish Tov—a Good Man. A Yiddish name Gutman
did eventually evolve independently. Gutmann (Gutman) also became a family name (and in
English, Goodman). Bueno (Spanish: good) was a popular name amongst Jews of the Iberian
Peninsula:* It is this name that eventually became the Yiddish Gutman. The Gut meaning good,
and the man, either the Old German diminutive suffix, or simply the word for a man—meaning a
good man. For the female equivalent, see Buna.
Hanokh, Henikh,
"Dedicated; Henich, Henel,
Chanoch ‫חנוך‬ Male Hebrew Educated and Henli, Hendl,
raised correctly" Hendel, Hendil,
Enikh, Einikh
Biblical. Genesis, 5:18,21,24. A seventh-generation descendant of Adam known for his

righteousness, “And Enoch walked with G‑d.” (ibid. 5:24) Son of Yered and father of Metushelah,
the oldest human that ever lived—969 years. Hanokh was the great-grandfather of Noah. The
Torah records that he did not die, but was taken alive to G‑d on account of righteousness. A
seventh-generation descendant of Adam known for his righteousness, “And Enoch walked with
G‑d.” (ibid. 5:24)
Chayim ‫חיים‬ Male Hebrew "Life, "Living" Chai, Hai,

(Chaim) Heiman,
Cheyman,
Chayyimel,
Chayyimka,
Cheikel, Vital,
Vidal, Feitel, Veis,

Feis, Feist
Hebrew. Non-biblical. In Judaism, life is highly valued. In fact, it takes precedence over all but
three commandments. The name Chaim is sometimes added to a very sick person’s name, to
help ensure recovery.
"Strengthened
Hizkiyahu,
by the L-rd; My
Chizkiyahu ‫חיזקיהו‬ Male Hebrew Hezekiah, Hiz,
strength is the
Hess
L-rd"
Biblical. Kings II, 18:1. The Biblical name of the righteous King of Judah, Hezekiah. Hezekiah was
given this name because G‑d strengthened him, and he in turn strengthened the Jewish nation’s
service of their Creator (The Talmud, Sanhedrin 94a). Characterized by his humility (The Midrash,
Midrash Hagadol, Vayikra 14)
Betzaleil, Tzalel,
Zalel, Zale,
Dan ‫דן‬ Male Hebrew "To judge" Tzalke, Tzali,
Zalke, Tzalka,
Zalka
The son of Jacob. Of Biblical origin, Genesis 30:6. It is said of his descendants that they are
"energetic, astute and innumerable” (The Midrash, Targum Yonatan Breishit 46:23).
Dan'l, Denel,
"G‑d is my
Daniel ‫דניאל‬ Male Hebrew Dan, Dani, Dany,
Judge" Danny
Biblical, Daniel 1:6-7. A prophet who authored the Book of Daniel, lived in Babylon and
prophesied about the Messianic era. Much beloved, he spent his time assisting the poor, bringing
joy to brides and escorting the deceased on their final journeys (Avot D'Rabbi Nathan 4:5). Daniel
and Moses are considered the two defenders of the Jewish nation before G‑d (The Midrash,
Shemot Rabah 43:1). Dan was an independent name even before the name Daniel. One of the
sons of the Patriarch Yakov (Jacob) was named Dan, and hence the progenitor of the Tribe
carrying his name.
Dovid, Dovid'l,
Dovidka,
David ‫דויד‬ Male Hebrew "Friend" Dovidke, Devel,
Dewil, Tevel,
Tevil, Tevele
Biblical, Ruth, 4:13-21. The Biblical name of King David (Samuel I 16:13). Originally a kind and
innovative shepherd (The Midrash, Shemot Raba 2:2), when he became king he cared for the
Jewish nation in a similar manner. (The Midrash, Breishit Raba 59:5). Known for his sweet voice,
constant praise of G‑d, and for authoring the Book of Psalms (The Midrash, Shocher Tov 18:2).
Devel evolved by the elision of the second `T and the adding of the Germanic diminutive el—
Davel became Devel. The v-sounding consonant in Tevel can be expressed with either the 11 of
Yiddish or the (Ashkenazi, pronunciation veis). This form Tevel in writing is not to be confused
with the Yiddish diminutive Tevia-Tevel of Tuviah, nor with the female names Teibel and Teibil.
Dov (Dov ‫דב בער‬ Male Hebrew "A bear" Dover, Duber,
Ber) Ber, Bere, Berel,
Berele, Berelein,
Berelin, Berlin,
Berke, Berko,
Berek, Berik,
Berish, Berush,
Hebrew, non-Biblical. Dov and Ber share the same letters at the end of Dov and the beginning of
Ber. Phonetically it was inevitable that they should contract together to make one name. From
Berko there developed amongst Slavic-speaking Jews, the family name Berkowitz and its variant
spellings. One of the male animal names. In German, hence in Yiddish, Ber. While adult bears
are huge and heavy, cubs usually weigh just a few pounds. It is with extensive care, love and
nurturing that the cub becomes a large bear. Proverbs describes a bear whose cub is lost, “May a
bereaving bear encounter a person rather than a fool with his folly” (17:12). The closer a parent
and child, the most painful it is when they are separated. The name is many times paired with its
Yiddish translation, Ber; sometimes considered a single name Dovber.
Efroimke,
Efroimka, Efroike,
Efroika, Efroimel,
Efrayim ‫אפרים‬ Male Hebrew "Fruitful"
Froim, Froimke,
Froimka, Froimel,
Evril,
From the root "Peri." The name is in the plural form. Biblical. Genesis, 41:52.37. The son of
Joseph. He was born in Egypt and Joseph proclaimed. “G‑d has made me fruitful in the land of
my affliction” (ibid). Efrayim was humble and spent time studying with his grandfather, Jacob (The
Midrash, Tanchuma Vayechi 6).
Eliyahu, Eliyohu,
Eliyahu Elya, Elye, Eli,
‫אליהו‬ Male Hebrew "My G‑d is L-rd"
(Elijah) Elik, Elinke,
Elinka
Biblical. I Kings, 17:1. The Biblical name for Elijah the Prophet (Kings I 17:1). It is said that Elijah
attends every ritual circumcision, and will herald the coming of the Messianic era.
Eivril, Eiver,
Ever (Eber) ‫עבר‬ Male Hebrew "To go over"
Eiverman
Root of the word Ivri (a Hebrew). Note the structure of the non-Hebrew word "over" which in
Hebrew would imply went or came over. Biblical. Exodus, 10:21-22. Noah’s grandchild Eber was
Abraham’s spiritual mentor, and part of the reason Abraham was called Ivri, a derivative of Eber
(The Midrash, Breishit Raba 42:8). According to the Midrash, when the inhabitants of the world
wished to do evil, G‑d gave them two strong leaders, Shem and Eber (ibid. 52:11). Later, when
Jacob was fleeing from his brother Esau he hid for fourteen years at the ""Academy of Shem and
Eber"", where he studied Torah (The Talmud, Megillah 17a).
Elozor, Elozer,
Elazar "G‑d has
‫אלעזר‬ Male Hebrew Lozor, Lozer,
(Lazarus) helped" Lozir
Biblical. Exodus, 6:23. 44. Often confused with Eliezer. They have since old been two distinct
names, notwithstanding that they are etymologically identical. The son of the High Priest Aaron.
Elazar succeeded his father as the High Priest and worked with Joshua on dividing and
conquering the Land of Israel (Isaiah 14:1).
Elhonon,
Elchonon,
"G‑d has
Elchanan ‫אלחנן‬ Male Hebrew Hanan, Chanan,
graced" Honon, Choni,
Chone, Chona,
Biblical. Samuel II, 23:24. Chronicles I, 11:26. Was a member of the family that wove the curtains
in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. He was one of the “mighty warriors” of King David’s army
(Chronicles I 11:26).
Leizer, Leizir,
Eliezer ‫אליעזר‬ Male Hebrew "My G‑d helps" Leizerel,
Leizerke, Lazer.
Biblical. Genesis, 15:2. Abraham’s servant. Most known for his involvement in being Abraham’s
emissary to find a wife for Isaac (Genesis ch. 24), he hailed from Damascus and was influenced
by Abraham to embrace a life of monotheism. After mastering Abraham’s teachings, he taught
others (The Talmud, Yoma 28b).
Melekh, Melech,
Elimelech
‫אלימלך‬ Male Hebrew "My G‑d is king" Melikh, Meilekh,
(Elimelekh)
Meilikh, Meilech
Biblical. Ruth, 1:2. Of Biblical origin (Biblical. Ruth 1:2); the husband of Naomi, and father-in-law
of Ruth who was the great-grandmother of King David. He was considered a role model in his
generation (The Midrash, Avot D'Rabbi Nathan 37), and a man of great strength (The Midrash,
Tanchuma Shemini 9). Many exemplary Hassidic leaders have been given this name, including
the well known Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk.
Elokim, Elaykum,
"G‑d will
Elyakim ‫אליקים‬ Male Hebrew Elyokum, Yokim,
Establish" Yokum, Yoki
Biblical. Melakhim 11, 18:18. 51. The Biblical spelling is Elyakim with a ' (i), but there developed a
form with the spelling Elyakum with a 1 (u), also. The meaning remains the same. An officer in
the royal court of King Hezekiah, king of Judah. Eliakim did not call himself a servant of G‑d, so
G‑d gave him his name (Isaiah 22:20), “I will call My servant Eliakim” (The Midrash, Targum
Yonatan, Bamidbar 11:26).
Fish, Feish,
Fishel, Fishil,
Fishel ‫פישל‬ Male Yiddish "Fish"
Feishel, Feishil,
Vish'l
The name represents the blessing Jacob gave to his grandchildren (Genesis 48:16), “May they
multiply abundantly like fish, in the midst of the land.” Many bless their children with these same
words on the eve of Shabbat. For this reason Fishel is often paired with Efrayim. Efrayim was one
of Jacob’s children, whose children were numerous
Fish, Feish,
Fishel, Fishil,
Feivish ‫פייויש‬ Male Yiddish "Light"
Feishel, Feishil,
Vish'l
In Judaism, light is often related to spirituality and G‑dliness. Light is also used to bring warmth
and happiness to Shabbat, festivals, and joyous occasions – where we make sure to light
candles to make the house brighter. Ecclesiastes says, “And I saw that wisdom has an advantage
over folly, as the advantage of light over darkness” (2:13), the Hassidic masters explain, that “a
little bit of light dispels much darkness” (The Tanya ch. 13).
Fish, Feish,
"Fortune, Fishel, Fishil,
Gad ‫גד‬ Male hebrew
success, troop" Feishel, Feishil,
Vish'l
Biblical. Genesis 30:11. The son of Jacob. When he was born his mother Leah said, “Luck has
come.” She called him luck. He was born circumcised (Rashi ibid.).
Gavriel
‫גבריאל‬ Male Hebrew "G‑d's man" Gaby, Gavi, Gavri
(Gabriel)
Of Biblical origin (Daniel 8:16); refers to a particular angel.
Gedalyah, Godul,
Gedaliah ‫גדליה‬ Male Hebrew "G‑d is great" Godel, Godil,
Godol
Of Biblical origin Jeremiah 40:7. Gedaliah was appointed governor over the Land of Judah after
the first holy Temple was destroyed in 423 BCE. A good and just leader, he encouraged the Jews
to live peacefully under Babylonian rule. Under his guidance, Jewish teachings prospered once
again in the Land of Israel and Jews began returning from exile in Babylonia. Jeremiah
prophesied that if the people followed Gedaliah, life would improve (Jeremiah ch. 40). Paternal
grandfather of Tzefanyah the Prophet.
Gedalyah, Godul,
Gershom ‫גרשם‬ Male Hebrew "Stranger there" Godel, Godil,
Godol
Of Biblical origin, Exodus 2:22. Moses’ eldest son. His mother Zipporah called him Gershom
because, "I was a stranger in a foreign land." (ibid.), so that the name would remind him that he is
‘there’ away from other Jews, in a strange land. Rabbeinu Gershom Mehor Hagola was a famous
sage by that name.
Emanuel,
Manuel, Meni,
Immanuel ‫עמנואל‬ Male Hebrew "G‑d is with us" Moni, Monye,
Monya, Manya,
Monel, Monoil
Biblical. Isaiah 7:14. Refers to the son of the Prophet Isaiah. Ahaz prophesied that the Kingdom
of Judah would be victorious against its adversaries, and promised that as a sign, G‑d would
bless Isaiah’s wife with an infant, and “she shall call his name Immanuel,”- “G‑d is with us” (ibid.)
Kalon Kolonymus,
—"beautiful;" Kalman,
Kalonymus ‫קלונימוס‬ Male Old Greek
Nymus Kalmenka,
—"name" Kalmenke
In Ecclesiastes (7:1) we read, “A [good] name is better than good oil.” Good oil is temporary, but a
good name is eternal (Rashi ad loc). Rabbi Shimon used to say, “There are three crowns: the
crown of Torah, the crown of priesthood and the crown of sovereignty, but the crown of a good
name surmounts them all” (Ethics of Our Fathers 4:13).
Kooni, Kuna,
Kuni ‫קוני‬ Male Old Spanish "Childish" Kune, Kunya,
Kunye
Children are pure and without sin. We guide them and help mold them into responsible adults. As
we mature, we should try to remain pure and sinless, like a child.
Lemueil, Lemoel,
Leme, Lemel,
Lemla, Lemle,
Lemke, Lemki,
"Belonging to Lemken, Lemkin,
Lemuel ‫למואל‬ Male Hebrew Lemlein, Lemlin,
G‑d"
Lam, Lamlin
Lima, Leima,
Liman, Leiman,
Lemekhel,
Lemekhil
Lemu/Lemo plus Eil. A contraction of both words. Biblical. Proverbs, 31:2-9. Refers to King
Solomon. He is called Lemuel in reference to one of his prophesies that he said, “for [the sake of]
G‑d” (Rashi ad loc). Also called Lemuel because he dedicated his life to serving G‑d. The
opening passage of Proverbs, 31:1 can be read in two ways, with two results. If the comma is
placed after the word melekh (king), then it refers to King Shlomoh, and it then means that he is
counselling with his mother's advice, and he was also called Lemueil (belonging to G‑d), as one
dedicating his life to serving G‑d. Other authorities claim that the comma should be after the next
word Massa, and that the counsel is the words of the mother of Lemueil, King of Massa. The
passage would then be a general advice to all kings, with Lemueil used as the negative example
of a foolish king.
"Attached to
Levi ‫לוי‬ Male Hebrew Levik
me"
Of Biblical origin, Genesis 29:34; the third son of Leah and Jacob. With the birth of her third, Leah
had more children than any of Jacob’s other wives, so she felt, “my husband will be attached to
me” (ibid.)
Lieber ‫ליבער‬ Male Yiddish "Loved one; Liber, Liber'l,

Beloved" Liberman,
Lieberman,
Liebman, Lippa,
Lippe, Lipa, Lipe,

Lipman,
Lippman,
Lippmann, Lipka,
Lipke,
A name of endearment. Used in Yiddish. It is possible that the name Lieber is a breakaway from
the full name Gottlieb and became detached due to the Jewish sensitivity of uttering G‑d's name
in vain.
Acronym for
Maharam ‫מהרם‬ Male Hebrew Meir of
Rothenburg
The name Maharam is an acronym for Rabbi Meir of Rothenburg of Germany who was
universally acknowledged as the leading authority on Jewish law in his generation. Known as
“Rabbi of Rabbis” and “Light of the Exile”, he was so beloved by his followers that many of them
named their sons Maharam in his honor. There were other sages who had the same first name
such as the Maharam of Lublin and Maharam Shif.
Meyer, Mayer,
Meirel, Meiril,
Meirke,
Maharam,
Meir ‫מאיר‬ Male Hebrew "To give light"
Maram, Marem,
Marim, Marum,
Meiram,
Maieram,
Hebrew, non-Biblical. The name of the Mishnaic Sage, Rabbi Meir, who gathered and recorded
all of the teachings that had been passed down orally for generations. Rabbi Meir undertook this
task when the Romans forbade the study of Torah, for he realized writing it down was the only
way to ensure its perpetuation. Rabbi Meir was successful in his task, and the book of the
Mishnah was born. The Talmud testifies that his intellect was so keen, his sagacious colleagues
were unable to plumb the depths of his ideas (Eruvin 13a).
Menacheim,
Menahem, Mann,
Mannele,
"Comforter", To Mannkhen,
Menachem ‫מנחם‬ Male Hebrew
comfort" Menke, Mendel,
Mendil, Mendl,
Munczia, Menni,
Meni, Menkhin
Biblical. Kings II, 15:14. Sixteenth king of Yisrael. A name common amongst the sages of the
Talmudic era. The family name Mendelbaum presumably derives from the name Mandelbaum,
the a having been replaced with the e because of the common use of Mendel as a personal
name. Menahem Mendel is a common combination.
Menashe ‫מנשה‬ Male Hebrew "To make Manasseh,

(Menasseh) forget" Manish, Monish,
Monash,
Mannes, Mannis,
Manis, Monnis
Of Biblical origin. Genesis 41:51. The elder son of Joseph and Asnat. “Joseph named the
firstborn Manasseh, for ‘G‑d has caused me to forget all my toil and my father's house’” (ibid).
Father of the half-tribe carrying his name. At least one Jewish family adopted the name Monash,
a diminutive, as a family name, the celebrated General Sir John Monash of Melbourne, Australia.
His mother was a sister of the more famous Jewish historian, Heinrich Graetz. The diminutive
form Mannes also became a family name.
Mendl, Mendil,
Mendel ‫מענדל‬ Male Hebrew "Comforter"
Mendy, Meni
Is a derivative of the name Menachem and often used in tandem. Many great sages had the
name Menachem Mendel such as Rabbi Menachem Mendel Horodoker, teacher of Rabbi
Schneur Zalman of Liadi, Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Lubavitch, fourth Chabad Rebbe, Rabbi
Menachem Mendel Schneerson, seventh Chabad Rebbe as well as Menachem Mendel of
Rimonov.
Meshulom,
"Paid for", Shulam, Shil'm,
Meshulam ‫משולם‬ Male Hebrew
Perfect" Shalom, Sholom,
Shulman
Of Biblical origin (see for example Kings II 22:3: Nehemiah 8:4). The Prophet Zechariah was also
called Meshulam because he was perfect in his deeds (The Talmud, Megillah 23a)
"Who is like
Michael ‫מיכאל‬ Male Hebrew
G‑d?"
(Who can be compared to G‑d?) Biblical. Daniel, 12:1. Refers to an angel whose task is to
express that no one can be compared to G‑d. Name of the second Angel, after Gavri'eil, who
appeared to Dani'eil in his Prophetic vision, to reassure him with good counsel and the protection
of the Jewish People. Mikhal became a family name. Possibly also from the female name Miklah.
Ikhal Mikhal is an uncommon form derived from phonetic playfulness. See also Yehi'eil, which
together with Mikhal is a popular combination of names. This rare form Ikhal Mikhal became so
entrenched that it was used even for one whose name was Mikhal only.
Mordekhai,
Mordel, Mordush,
Motta, Motte,
Mordechai "The head of
‫מרדכי‬ Male Aramaic Motti, Motka,
(Mordecai) the fragrance"
Motke, Moddel,
Mottel, Morkl,
Morkel, Morkil
Biblical. Esther, 2:5. Refers to the leader of the Jewish nation during the story of Purim.
Mordechai was of the Tribe of Binyamin. He authored the Megillat Ester, read on Purim. The
verse in Ecclesiastes (2:26), “To the man who pleases Him He has given wisdom, knowledge and
joy,” refers to Mordechai (The Talmud, Megillah 10b). Mordechai is a combination of the Aramaic
words mira dachia, meaning “head of the fragrance” (Exodus 30:23). The implication is that he
will lead the Jewish nation and the righteous of his generation (Chulin 139b; see Rashi ad loc).
Moshe ‫משה‬ Male Hebrew "To withdraw" Moshka, Moshke,

(Moses) Moishe, Meisha,
Meishe, Meishel,
Meishele,
Meishil, Meshel,
Meshil
Biblical. Exodus 2:10. Biblical name for Moses who led the Israelites out of Egypt and through the
desert for forty tumultuous years until they reached the Land of Israel. During that time, he
ascended to Heaven to bring down two sets of Tablets and learned the Torah directly from G‑d,
and yet we know that “The man Moses was exceedingly humble, more than any man on the face
of the earth” (Numbers 12:3). One of his primary roles was defending the Jewish nation and their
wrongdoings in the desert (The Talmud, Brachot 32a). Before Moses was born, Pharaoh had
decreed that all Jewish male infants should be thrown into the water to die. Moses parents tried
to save him by placing him inside a protective basket in the Nile river. Pharaoh’s daughter, Batya,
rescued him and raised him in Pharaoh’s palace. “She named him Moses, ""For I drew him from
the water” (Exodus 2:10).
"I bonded; I
Naftoli, Tolli, Tali,
Naftali prayed; I
‫נפתלי‬ Male Hebrew Tully, Tuli, Natti,
(Naphtali) stubbornly
Naftoli Hertz
(pleaded)".
There are a number of possible meanings of this name. It depends on how one extracts the root
of the word. It can be from Petil, a "bond," here meaning a bond with G‑d. It can also be from the
root Nafal, "to fall (prostate) in prayer." Another root could be Naftul, "to wrestle with"—hand to
hand combat. Biblical. Genesis, 30:8. the son of Bilhah (Rachel’s maidservant) and Jacob.
Known for his swiftness and likened to a deer (The Talmud, Sotah 13a), Naftali honored his father
greatly by fulfilling many of his missions (The Midrash, Bamidbar Raba 14:11). Because of his
swiftness, he was selected to bring the good news that Joseph was still alive to his father Jacob
(Genesis 45:26). Rachel named him because, “With divine bonds I have been joined to my sister”
(ibid 30:8). Although she did not yet have a child of her own, her maidservant’s child helped bond
her with her sister Leah who had many. Naftali is considered G‑d’s response to Rachel’s prayers
for a child she could call her own (see Rashi ad loc).
Nosson, Nosson
Notta, Nosson
Notte, Nossel,
Natan Notta, Notte,
‫נתן‬ Male Hebrew "He (G‑d) gave"
(Nathan) Nottel, Nottele,
Notkal, Notke,
Notinka, Notinke,
Nussun, Nussy
Biblical. Samuel II, 12:1, 5:14. One of the early prophets from King David’s era. Also the name of
King David’s son (ibid. 5:14). The family name Notkin and Natkin derive from the diminutive form,
Notke.
Natanel, Nati,
Netanel ‫נתנאל‬ Male Hebrew "G‑d has given" Naty, Nesanel,
Sanel, Sanne
Biblical. Numbers, 1:8. The name of the “prince” (leader) of the tribe of Issachar when the Jews
were travelling through the desert after the Exodus. Known for his scholarliness (The Midrash,
Bamidbar Raba 13:17).
Noach
‫נח‬ Male Hebrew "Rested"
(Noah)
Biblical. Genesis 5:29. The Biblical name for Noah, who was born into a tumultuous world; a time
of violence and self-absorption (ibid. 6:5). When Noah was born his father said, “This one will give
us rest from our work.” We know that Noah was righteous, “But Noah found favor in the eyes of
the G‑d... Noah was a righteous man he was perfect in his generation; Noah walked with G‑d”
(ibid. 6:8-9). Noah is most known for building the ark where his family and the animals were
sheltered from the flood which destroyed the world. (ibid. ch. 7).
Pinhas, Pinhas'l,
Pinchas "Compassionate Pinna, Pinne,
‫פנחס‬ Male Hebrew
(Phineas) face" Pinya, Pinye,
Pini, Pinnel
Biblical. Exodus, 6:25. The grandson of the first High Priest, Aaron. He led several wars and is
most known for protesting the public desecration of the G‑d’s name. The name is usually broken
into two Hebrew words: pi(mouth), andnahash(snake). It is difficult to understand why parents
would give such a name to their son. Notwithstanding that in proper names the Hebrew letters 0,
V), and tD are interchanged, the Hebrew word for snake is written with a 0, and the name Pinhas
is written with a 0. It seems to me that another breakdown of the name is also possible.Pin(face)
andhas(compassion). It makes more sense to call a child the one with the ""compassionate
face."" Angered by the desecration of the name of G‑d, he rose in the defense of the Almighty's
honour and slew Zimri, a chief of the Tribe of Shimon who had brazenly brought a Midianite
woman into the Jewish camp and had relations with her during a session of Torah that was being
held by Moshe and all the chiefs of all the Tribes of Yisrael. The name is the symbol of one who
defends the honour of G‑d.
Rafael, Rafi,
Refael "G‑d has Raffy, Fol, Folle,
‫רפאל‬ Male Hebrew
(Rephael) healed" Follk, Follik,
Folka, Folke
Biblical. Chronicles I, 26:7. The name of the angel who came to heal Abraham three days after
his circumcision. One of the Jews who went up to the Holy Land from the Babylonian exile.
Shabetai, Shabsi,
Shabsil, Shabsel,
"Born on
Shabtil, Shabtel,
Shabtai ‫שבתי‬ Male Hebrew Shabbat,
Shebtil, Shebtel,
Sabbatical"
Shepsil, Shepsel,
Sheptil, Sheptel,
Of Biblical origin, Nehemiah 8:7. Often given when a child is born on Shabbat, the Jewish
Sabbath. One of the head Levites of those that returned to the Holy Land from the Babylonian
exile.
Shachna ‫שכנא‬ Male Hebrew "To dwell" Shakhna,

Shachne,
Shechna,
Shechne, Shalom
Shachna, Sholom
Shachna
Biblical. Ezra, 10:2, Nehemiyah, 6:18, 12:3, Chronicles I, 3:21, 24:11, Chronicles II,
31:15.Probably a shortened form (diminutive) of the full name Shekhanyah—""in the presence of
G‑d."" Six biblical personalities carried this name. The combination Shalom Shachna is very
common and the reason therefore is to be found in the Babylonian Talmud, Tractate Shabbat,
Folio 12a-12b. The name of a Talmudic scholar who made a point of greeting sick people with the
word “shalom,” peace (The Talmud, Shabbat 12b, see the Tosofot ad loc). For this reason, the
name Shachna is often paired with the name Shalom.
Sholom, Shulom,
"Peace,a man
Shalom ‫שלום‬ Male Hebrew Shulem, Sholly,
of peace"
Sholom'ke
Hebrew, non-Biblical. A tombstone inscription in the German colony, a suburb of Jerusalem,

carries the names Shalom and Mattyah, her sons, Shlomtzion and Dostam. The name Shalom,
here inscribed, refers to a woman. The grave and its tombstone antedates 1500 CE.
Saul, Sholikeh,
Shaul "Asked for;
‫שאול‬ Male Hebrew Shaoil, Shoi'el,
(Saul) borrowed"
Shoi'l
Biblical. Samuel I, 9:1-2. The first Jewish king in the Land of Israel. Saul displayed exemplary
kindness (The Talmud, Moed Katan, 16b) and is said to have never tasted sin (The Talmud, Yoma
22b). He spent his personal money freely, but made sure to protect public money. He willingly ate
ordinary food and treated his servants with as much honor as he showed his sons (The Midrash,
Bamidbar Raba 10:1).
Sheptayah,
"G‑d is the Shephatyah,
Shefatyah ‫שפטיה‬ Male Hebrew
judge" Sheptel, Sheptil,
Shept'l
Biblical. Samuel II, 3:4. The son of King David and Avital. The name expresses G‑d’s
omnipresence, adopted from the verse (Genesis 18:25), “Judge of the entire earth.” Sheptel,
should not be confused with the diminutive Sheptel which is derived from Shabtai.
Simon, Simeon,
Shimonel,
Shimonka,
Shimon "[G‑d] heard
‫שמעון‬ Male Hebrew Shimonke,
(Simon) me" Shimmy, Sheima,
Sheime, Zimmel,
Zimmil Zammul
Biblical. Genesis, 29:33. The son of Jacob and Leah. Jacob loved his wife Rachel more than his
wife Leah (ibid 29:30). Leah prayed to G‑d and after she gave birth, she said (ibid 29:33), “Since
G‑d has heard that I am hated, He gave me this one too.”Together with his brother Levi, they took
revenge on Shekhem for having outraged their sister Dinah. Father of the Tribe carrying his
name.
Shlomo ‫שלמה‬ Male Hebrew "G‑d gives Solomon,

(Solomon) peace" Shloimy,
Shloimah,
Shlomka,
Shlomke,
Shlomel, Shloy,
Zalman, Zaman'l,
Zalmanka,
Zalmanke,
Zelman, Zelmen,
Zalmina,
Zelmina, Shlomo
Zalman
Biblical. Samuel II, 5:14, Chronicles I, 22:9. The Biblical name of Solomon, the fourth King of
Israel, son of King David (Samuel II 5:14) and his wife Batsheva. Solomon built the first Holy
Temple in Jerusalem. Solomon is known as the wisest of all people (Kings I, 5:11). He ruled for 40
years. The Prophet Natan called him also Yedidyah. Author of Proverbs, Song of Songs and
Kohelet.
"At peace with Shlomiel,

Shlumiel ‫שלומיאל‬ Male Hebrew
G‑d" Shlemiel
Biblical. Numbers, 1:6. Son of Tzurishadai and a chief of the Tribe of Shimon. . In Yiddish, it has
become a popular name for a fool or incompetent. [A clever wit wanted to describe the difference
between a Shlemiel and a Shlimazal—German: Shlim (bad), Hebrew: Mazal (luck). He described
it thus: The Shlemiel is the one that spills hot soup all over the Shlimazal.] There is a masculine
German slang word schlamassel which describes one who has gotten himself into a scrap, fix,
mess or jam. See Cassell's German/English, English/German Dictionary, London, 1968.
Notwithstanding that there is also a masculine German word schlamm which means ""slime"" or
""mud,"" the above slang word schlamassel is a good example of a reverse borrowing—from
Yiddish.
Shemariah,
Shmaryah,
Shmaryohu,
"G‑d protects
Shmaryahu ‫שמריהו‬ Male Hebrew Shmer'l, Shmerel,
us" Shmeril,
Shmerlin,
Shmerlein
Biblical. Chronicles I, 12:5. A particular person in the group of men from the Tribe of Benjamin
who protected King David from Saul’s men (see ibid.)
Samuel, Sam,
Sammy, Shmulik,
Shmuel Shmelke,
‫שמואל‬ Male Hebrew "G‑d has heard"
(Samuel) Shmelka,
Shmulik, Zanvil,
Zavel, Mulka
Biblical. Samuel 1:2. The Biblical name of the prophet Samuel. Son of Elkanah the Levite and his
wife Hannah. His mother, Hannah was barren and she travelled to the Tabernacle to pray to G‑d
for a child. She promised to dedicate the child’s life to G‑d if she could just give birth. G‑d
answered her prayers, she was blessed with a son and she followed through with her promise.
She brought Samuel to Shiloh to study under the tutelage of the High Priest Eli. Later, when he
became a prophet, Samuel did not set himself up in any one city; instead he travelled from city to
city to meet the people and take care of their needs (The Talmud, Shabbat 56a. See Samuel
7:16). He authored the two volumes that carry his name, Samuel I and Samuel II.
Shner, Schneur,
Shneur ‫שניאור‬ Male Hebrew "Two lights" Shneior Zalman,
Schneur Zalman
Contraction of two words: 'shnei' (two), and 'or' (light). In his Responsa, Rabbi Shlomoh Luria
(71510–1574) relates the following: One of his forebearers had a son and he wanted to call him
Mei'ir after his father but his wife, the child's mother, wanted to call her son Yair after her father.
Both names have their roots in the Hebrew word 11tt (light), and so the parents compromised and
called the child Shnei'or (Two lights). (This is not to prove that this was the first time such a
compromise was made; it is the earliest record of such.)
Feivish, Feivel,
Shraga ‫שרגא‬ Male Aramaic "Lamp; lantern" Feivil, Feivul,
Veibush, Veibish
Shraga is the Aramaic word for light, and as a name it is akin to the Hebrew Uriand Mei'ir.Some
who wanted a Hebrew name, also, are know as Uri Shraga Feivel—Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek.
Often associated with the name Feivish. In Judaism, light is often related to spirituality and
G‑dliness. Light is also used to bring warmth and happiness to Shabbat, festivals, and joyous
occasions – where we make sure to light candles to make the house brighter. Ecclesiastes says,
“And I saw that wisdom has an advantage over folly, as the advantage of light over darkness”
(2:13), the Hassidic masters explain, that “a little bit of light dispels much darkness” (The Tanya
ch. 13).
Todras, Todres,
Todros ‫תודרוס‬ Male Greek "G‑d's gift"
Todris
A combination of the Greek words “theos,” G‑d, and “doro,” gift. A variation of the Greek name
Theodore and the Hebrew name Netanel.
Tuviyah, Tuvyah,
Teve, Tevel,
Toviyah Tevele, Tevil,
‫טוביה‬ Male Hebrew "G‑d is good"
(Tobias) Tevya, Tevye,
Tev, Bueno,
Gutman
Biblical. Zechariah, 6:10. Refers to one of the priests during the time of the prophet Zechariah.
Also one of Moses’ names (The Midrash, Vayikrah Raba 1:3).
Tzvi ‫צבי‬ Male Hebrew "A deer" Hirsch, Hersch,

(Hirsch) Hirschel,
Herschel,
Herschil, Hertz,
Hirtz, Hertzl,
Hertzel, Hertzge,
Gershel, Zvi
Non-biblical. One of the male animal names. In German, hence in Yiddish, Hirsch. In the Bible,
the deer is used to denote swiftness, “Asahel was as light of foot as one of the deer which are in
the field” (Samuel II 2:18). In Ethics of Our Fathers it says, “run like a deer” (5:20), in reference to
fulfilling G‑d’s commandments (Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 1:3).
Ure, Urele, Orlik,

Uri ‫אורי‬ Male Hebrew "My light"
Orcze
Biblical, Exodus, 31:2. Uri’s son Betzalel was one of the chief architects responsible for building
the Tabernacle, the travelling sanctuary in the desert
Yakov,
Yakovman,
Yakovka, Yokel,
Yokil, Yekel,
Yekil, Yankel,
Yaakov Yankele, Kuba,
‫יעקב‬ Male Hebrew "The heal"
(Jacob) Kube, Kovel,
Kuvel, Kovi, Kuli,
Culi, Kule, Gulka,
Gulke, Koppel,
Koppil, Koppul,
Kerpel
Biblical. Genesis, 25:26. The son of Isaac and Rebecca, and righteous brother of the wicked
Esau. When they were born, Jacob came out of the womb holding onto Esau’s heel, which is why
he was named Yaakov. Jacob was the father of the twelve tribes, and according to the Midrash,
although G‑d selected Jacob for this role, Jacob became close with G‑d through his own deeds
(The Midrash, Bamidbar Raba 3:2). Jacob was the only one of the three patriarchs who merited
children who were all righteous.
Chatche,
Chatzkel,
Yechezkel "G‑d should Chezkel, Chezi,
‫יחזקאל‬ Male Hebrew
(Ezekiel) strengthen" Chezki, Chezky,
Haskel, Heskel,
Hezkel
Biblical, Ezekiel 1:3. Yechezkel ben Buzzi the Kohen was a Prophet of G‑d to the Jewish People
in the Babylonian Diaspora. His prophecy started about seven years before the destruction of the
First Holy Temple in Jerusalem. He prophesied secrets of the spiritual heavens and the third Holy
Temple which will be built in Messianic times.
Chiel, Chilik, Hiel,

Yechiel ‫יחיאל‬ Male Hebrew "G‑d lives"
Ichel, Ichil
Biblical. Chronicles I, 15:18. One of the seconds in command of the Levites, of those who were
the keepers of the Gates of the Sanctuary. Was a common name during Biblical times, and the
name of one of the children of Jehoshaphat, King of Judah.
Yedidyah ‫ידידיה‬ Male Hebrew "Beloved of Yedidiah, Didya,

(Jedidiah) G‑d" Didye, Didi
Biblical. Samuel II, 12:24—25. Referring to King Solomon. King David asked Nathan the prophet
to bless his newborn child (Solomon), “and he called his name Jedidiah for G‑d's sake.
Yefet "Wonder;
‫יפת‬ Male Hebrew
(Japheth) affluent"
Biblical. Genesis 9:27. is of Aramaic origin and translated ""May G d enlarge (the land of) Yefeth.
Yefeth is mentioned as the third son of Noah, though he was the oldest. The order of the three
sons, Shem, Ham and Yefeth, was reversed in tribute to Shem, the most worthy of Noah's sons
and the ancestor of our Patriarch Abraham. No other Biblical person is mentioned by the name of
Yefeth, and it has seldom been used since. One person by that name was the father of the Amora
Rav Binyomin bar Yefeth, and possibly an Amora himself. The other was Rabbi Yefeth, a disciple
of the great Rabbi Chayim Vital. The latter is probably the Rabbi Yefeth Halevi mentioned in
Seder Hadoroth as the author of important Rabbinic works.
Heishel, Heishek,
Heishik, Heshel,
Heshell, Heshke,
Yehoshua
‫יהושע‬ Male Hebrew "G‑d will save" Heishke, Hessel,
(Joshua)
Hessil, Shia,
Shie, Shua,
Yehoshua Folk
Biblical. Numbers, 13:8, 16. Biblical name for Joshua, Moses’ successor as leader of the Jewish
nation. Chosen as one of the twelve spies sent to scout out the Land of Israel, before he left,
Moses added the Hebrew letter “yud” to his original name, Hosea. His new name, Joshua, means
“G‑d will save.” Moses blessed him, “May G‑d save you from the counsel of the spies.” (The
Talmud, Sotah 34b). G‑d called Joshua a “man of spirit” (Numbers 27:18), someone able to
understand and relate to each person’s unique personality and needs (The Midrash, Sifrei
Pinchas 23).
Yuda, Yude,
Yudel, Yudke,
Yehudah Yiddel, Iddel,
‫יהודה‬ Male Hebrew "Thank G‑d"
(Judah) Yutka, Yutke,
Yehuda Yudel,
Yehuda Leib
Biblical. Genesis, 29-35 The fourth son of Leah born to Jacob. refers to the fourth son of Jacob
and Leah. Judah merited kingship over Israel because he was honest about his misdoings and
he stood up to his brothers who wanted to kill their brother Joseph (The Talmud, Sotah 4:16;
Tosefta, Brachot 4:16). After giving birth Leah said, “‘This time, I will thank G‑d!’ Therefore, she
named him Judah,” (Genesis ibid.). Some say that the Hebrew word for Jew, “Yehudi,” comes
from Judah’s name (The Midrash, Breishit Raba 98:6). King David was a direct male descendant
of Yehudah. The Almighty blessed Judah that the Jewish kingship should eternally be of the Tribe
that he progenited. The lion is the symbol of this Tribe.
Yekutiel ‫יקותיאל‬ Male Hebrew "G‑d gathers; Yekusiel, Kozel,

(Jekutiel) Kosman,
Faith in G‑d" Kozman, Kuske,
Kushe, Kuti,
Yiksil
Biblical. Chronicles I, 4:18. Yekutiel was from the tribe of Judah, and perhaps he was named after
the town of Joktheel (Joshua 15:38), situated at the Judean foothills. Also one of the Moses’
names, because G‑d gathered Moses, reuniting him with his mother even after she placed him on
the Nile river (The Midrash, Yalkut Shimoni, Shemot 166). Moses also led the Jews to place their
“faith in G‑d” (The Midrash, Vayikra Rab 1:3).
Yeshaya,
Yeshayahu Yishaya, Shaia,
‫ישעיהו‬ Male Hebrew "G‑d saves"
(Isaiah) Shaya, Shaika,
Shaike
Biblical. Isaiah 1:1. The Biblical name of the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 1:1). Isaiah prophesied at a
time when most of the Jews had been exiled from Israel, and the remainder were straying from
G‑d’s ways. Isaiah castigated the Jews for their sinful ways, but simultaneously defended them
before G‑d, Who said, “No one loves My children more than Isaiah” (The Midrash, Yakul
Hamechiri, Proverbs 30:10). Isaiah accepted G‑d’s mission willingly and more joyfully than any
other prophet, and he was rewarded with prophesies about the Messianic era (The Midrash, Tana
Dbei Elyahu Raba 16). His father Amotz was a brother of Amatzyah, King of Yehudah. He
authored the book carrying his name.
Yiftach "G‑d will Open"

‫יפתח‬ Male Hebrew Jephtah
(Jephthah) [His hand]
Biblical. Judges 11,12. Yiftach the Gileadite was one of the Judges who led the Jewish people to
victory over the Ammonites.
Yisroel, Yisrol,
Isser, Isserel,
"Nobly Isserlin, Srol,
contended with Sroli, Srolik,
Yisrael
‫ישראל‬ Male Hebrew G‑d and Srolka, Srolke,
(Israel)
prevailed; Srul, Sruli,
Divine Master" Srulish, Srulik,
Srulka, Srulke,
Ulli
Contraction of two Hebrew words: Yasor—Nobly contended with and prevailed, Eil—G‑d. Biblical.
Genesis, 32:25—29. The Biblical name Israel, given to Jacob after his triumphant struggle with
the angel of his wicked brother Esau, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel,
because you have commanding power with [an angel of] G‑d and with men, and you have
prevailed” (Genesis 32:29). From that time on, Jabob’s descendants were called “the children of
Israel” (ibid. 33), and the land promised to the Jewish nation became known as “the Land of
Israel.”
Yissachar ‫יששכר‬ Male Hebrew Contraction of Yisochor, Isokhar,

(Issachar) two Hebrew Yisochor Ber,
words: Yisa Yisochor Berman
—"carry,"
Sekhar—"The
rewarded one."
Biblical. Genesis, 30:14-18. Fifth son of Jacob born of Leah. The non-pronounced second letter
samech in the Hebrew spelling, has no parallel in the whole of the Jewish Bible. Father of the
Tribe carrying his name. Upon his birth, Issachar’s mother said, “G‑d has given [me] my reward
for I have given my maidservant to my husband” (ibid.). His descendants were renowned
scholarly sages (The Midrash, Targum Yonatan, Breishit 46:13). ""Biblical. Genesis, 30:14-18.
Fifth son of Jacob born of Leah. The non-pronounced second letter samech in the Hebrew
spelling, has no parallel in the whole of the Jewish Bible. Father of the Tribe carrying his name.
Upon his birth, Issachar’s mother said, “G‑d has given [me] my reward for I have given my
maidservant to my husband” (ibid.). His descendants were renowned scholarly sages (The
Midrash, Targum Yonatan, Breishit 46:13).
Yitzhak, Yitzhok,
Itche, Itchel,
Itchil, Itzig, Itzik,
Yitzchak
‫יצחק‬ Male Hebrew "Rejoiced" Aizik, Aizikmann,
(Isaac)
Aizike, Zekel,
Sekel, Aizlin,
Aizman
Biblical. Genesis, 21:3, 6. The Biblical name of Isaac, son of Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 21:3).
Named for the joy he brought to Abraham, “[G‑d said] ‘I will bless her, and I will give you a son
from her, and I will bless her, and she will become [a mother of] nations; kings of nations will be
from her.’ And Abraham fell on his face and rejoiced…” (ibid. 17:16-17). G‑d told Isaac, “I will
bless you” (Genesis 25:5), Isaac did not wait for the blessing to fruition on its own; rather he toiled
and invested, creating a vessel for G‑d’s blessings. “Isaac sowed in that land” (Genesis 26:12)
(Tosefta, Brachot 6:13).
"Will light up;

Yitzhar ‫יצהר‬ Male Hebrew
Oil"
Biblical. Exodus 6:18, Zechariah 4:14. The word also means "oil" (which was used also for
lamps), and is mentioned in the second section of the Shema. The name was used also as a title
for the king and kohen godol because both were anointed with oil. The only Biblical person who
had this name was Yitzhar the son of Kehath, and grandson of Levi.
Yoav ‫יואב‬ Male Hebrew "G‑d is father" Joab
Biblical. I Chron. 4:14, Ezra 2:6; Neh. 7:11. Yoav ben Tzeruyah was the famed commander in
chief of King David's army. He was a nephew of the king, the son of David's sister Tzeruyah and
accomplished great things for his king and his people. A colorful yet tragic figure. Another Yoav,
ben Serayah, headed a settlement of craftsmen. It is also the name of a family who returned to
Jerusalem with Zerubabel, from the Babyilonian Exile.
Yoel ‫יואל‬ Male Hebrew "G‑d is E-l" Joel, Yoeli, Yoli
Biblical. I Samuel 8:2. Joel. I Chronicles 8:7 and 11:38, 27:20. Name of Samuel the Prophet's
oldest son. Yoel ben Petuel was one of the twelve minor prophets whose prophesies are
recorded in the Tanach in books bearing their names. The Book of Joel is the second of twelve.
Many other people bearing that name are mentioned in the Bible, one was a prominent Levite,
chief of the family of Gershon, who with 130 fellow Levites participated in the solemn procession
accompanying the Holy Ark into Jerusalem. Another man named Joel was one of David's chief
warriors. Joel ben Pedahya was governor of half the Tribe of Menashe on the western side of the
Jordan. Several tribes (Shimeon, Gad, Issachar) had princes or chieftains bearing the name Joel.
Rabbi Yoel Sirkes was the famed Rabbi of Cracow who wrote the celebrated Bayith Chadash
(BaCh) on the Turim. Rabbi Yoel Baal Shem (ben Rabbi Yitzchak Airik) Heilprin was a saintly
Rabbi and Kabbalist.
Yohanan,
Yohonon,
Yochanan ‫יוחנן‬ Male Hebrew "G‑d graced" Chanan, Chonon,
Chona, Chone,
Choni
Biblical. Chronicles I, 3:15. Son of Koreah, one of the chiefs of the warriors of the sons of Judah
after the conquest of the Holy Land by the Chaldeans. Also, first born son of Josiah, son of
Amon, King of Judah. The Biblical name for Johanan. Johanan was also the name of one of the
five Maccabee brothers who led the Jewish army in the Chanukah story. It was also the name of
the greatest Talmudic authority and main compiler of the Jerusalem Talmud name. A common
among sages of the Mishnaic and Talmudic times.
"Happy Day;
Yom Tov ‫יום טוב‬ Male Hebrew Bondi
Festival"
Non Biblical. The name Yom Tov has been used for many centuries, and dates back to the time of
the Geonim. Rav Yom Tov Kahana bar Mar Rav Yaakov was one of the last Geonim. Sometimes
it comes coupled with the name Bondi (the French equivalent of "Good Day"), or, more often, with
Bendet (though the latter is more closely related to Benedict, corresponding to the Hebrew
Baruch, "blessed") or Lippman. Rabbi Yom Tov ben Yitxchak of Joigny, called "Hakadosh"
("Martyr"), belonged to the French school of Tosafists. Rabbi Yom Tov Lipman Heller (1579-
1654), was the famed author of Tosfoth Yom Tov on the Mishnah and other great works. Among
other prominent rabbis bearing the name Yom Tov were: Rabbi Yom Tov ben Yisrael Algazi, rabbi
in Jerusalem and author of Shaaloth uTeshuvoth Simchath Yom Tov (Smyrna, 1794), and Rabbi
Yom Tov Alanaqua, author of Shaaloth uTeshuvoth on the four Turim and commentaries on the
Talmud (Saloniki, 1788).
Yozpa, Yozpe,
Yuzpa, Yossel,
Yosef Yessil, Yoska,
‫יוסף‬ Male Hebrew "May G‑d add"
(Joseph) Yoshka, Yoske,
Yoshke, Yosef
Yoske
Biblical. Genesis, 30:23-24. Biblical name for Joseph, son of Jacob and Rachel. For many years
Rachel was the only one of Jacob’s wives who did not bear children. When she finally gave birth
to Joseph, she exclaimed, “May G‑d grant me yet another son” (ibid.), and later she had another
child, Benjamin. Joseph is famous for interpreting the dreams of the Egyptian royal baker, butler,
as well as king Pharaoh himself. He later became the viceroy of Egypt. His brothers sold him into
slavery but he forgave them, recognizing that they were only messengers in G‑d’s plan. “And G‑d
sent me before you to make for you a remnant in the land, and to preserve [it] for you for a great
deliverance” (ibid. 45:7).
Yotam ‫יותם‬ Male Hebrew "G‑d Perfect"

(Jotham)
Biblical. Judges 9. Yotham was the youngest son of Gideon the Judge. Yotham the son of Uzziah
was the thirteenth king of David's dynasty in Judah. He reigned for sixteen years (3167 3183),
and was one of the good and G‑d fearing kings of Judah.
Zev, Zevi, Wolf,

Wulf, Vulf, Volvel,
Ze’ev ‫זאב‬ Male Hebrew ”A wolf“ Velvel, Velvele,
Velka, Velke,
Ze'ev Wolf
Non-biblical. One of the male animal names. In Yiddish, Wolf—Velvel. Wolf is Yiddish (read
Judeo-German). It also is a very common family name. When blessing his youngest son,
Benjamin, Jacob likened him to a wolf, “Benjamin is a wolf, he will prey; in the morning he will
devour plunder, and in the evening he will divide the spoil” (Genesis 49:27). The blessing refers
to Benjamin’s descendant King Saul who successfully won numerous wars for the Jewish nation
(see Samuel 1 14:47; The Midrash, Breishit Raba 98:3). Also refers his descendants, Mordechai
and Esther of the Purim story, who succeeded in defeating the evil Haman. Later, Mordechai
received all of Haman’s valuable possessions (“the spoil”). (See Esther 8:7; The Midrash Esther
Rabbah 10:13)
Zeligman,
Zelig ‫זעליג‬ Male German "Happy One" Zelikman, Zelik,
Zelle
The name implies a happy, blessed child. Very similar to the Hebrew name Asher, and often
paired with it.
"Sonny Zundel, Zundil,

Zundel ‫זונדל‬ Male Yiddish
boy;Small boy" Zundul
The name insinuates that the person should remain as pure as a small child throughout his life.
Often paired with the Hebrew name Chanoch, meaning educated, “educate the child” (Proverbs,
22:6). Derived from the German word “sohn” for a small child, similar to the English nickname
“sonny boy.”
Zussye, Zussa,
Zusse, Zissa,
Zissel, Zusha,
Zussya ‫זוסיא‬ Male Yiddish "Sweet one" Zushe, Zushel,
Zushya, Zushye,
Zussman,
Zusskind, Ziskind
Carried over into the Yiddish. We read in Proverbs, “Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet
to the soul…” (16:24). Wisdom is also referred to as sweet (Proverbs 24:13, see Rashi ad loc), as
are the teachings on the Torah, “And the light is sweet” (Ecclesiastes 11:7, see Rashi ad loc).
Some of the names on this list have been excerpted from Talks and Tales by Kehot Publication
Society
Many of the names listed are excerpted with permission from the book "Jewish Personal
Names" by Rabbi Shmuel Gorr obm.
© Copyright, all rights reserved. If you enjoyed this article, we encourage you to distribute it further, provided that you
comply with Chabad.org's copyright policy.

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08/03/2018 Popular Jewish (Hebrew) Boy Names - Lifecycle Events

Boys' Names | Girls' Names

NAME HEBREW GENDER LANGUAGE DEFINITION VARIATIONS

Abba ‫אבא‬ Male Hebrew "Father"

Adam ‫אדם‬ Male Hebrew "Earth" Odom

Aron, Arik, Oren,

Avraham ‫אברהם‬ Male Hebrew "Exalted father" Abraham, Avram,

Biblical. Zecharyah, 1:7. Father of the Prophet Zecharyah.

Biblical. Genesis, 5:18,21,24. A seventh-generation descendant of Adam known for his

Chayim ‫חיים‬ Male Hebrew "Life, "Living" Chai, Hai,

Vidal, Feitel, Veis,

Of Biblical origin (Daniel 8:16); refers to a particular angel.

Lieber ‫ליבער‬ Male Yiddish "Loved one; Liber, Liber'l,

Lippe, Lipa, Lipe,

Menashe ‫מנשה‬ Male Hebrew "To make Manasseh,

Moshe ‫משה‬ Male Hebrew "To withdraw" Moshka, Moshke,

Shachna ‫שכנא‬ Male Hebrew "To dwell" Shakhna,

Hebrew, non-Biblical. A tombstone inscription in the German colony, a suburb of Jerusalem,

Shlomo ‫שלמה‬ Male Hebrew "G‑d gives Solomon,

"At peace with Shlomiel,

Tzvi ‫צבי‬ Male Hebrew "A deer" Hirsch, Hersch,

Ure, Urele, Orlik,

Chiel, Chilik, Hiel,

Yedidyah ‫ידידיה‬ Male Hebrew "Beloved of Yedidiah, Didya,

Yekutiel ‫יקותיאל‬ Male Hebrew "G‑d gathers; Yekusiel, Kozel,

Yiftach "G‑d will Open"

Yissachar ‫יששכר‬ Male Hebrew Contraction of Yisochor, Isokhar,

"Will light up;

Yoav ‫יואב‬ Male Hebrew "G‑d is father" Joab

Yoel ‫יואל‬ Male Hebrew "G‑d is E-l" Joel, Yoeli, Yoli

Yotam ‫יותם‬ Male Hebrew "G‑d Perfect"

Zev, Zevi, Wolf,

"Sonny Zundel, Zundil,

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