Meital
may-TAHL
Meital is a modern Hebrew name composed of the elements mei (waters of) and tal (dew), meaning dew drops or waters of the dew. Dew carries deep symbolic resonance in biblical Hebrew poetry, representing divine blessing, renewal, and life-giving grace in an arid land. The name has a delicate, poetic quality and a soft sound that suits its imagery, making it a cherished choice in Israel.
At a glance
A poetic modern Hebrew name meaning dew drops, drawing on biblical imagery of divine blessing. Popular in Israel and increasingly appreciated in the diaspora.
Etymology & History
Meital is a compound Hebrew name, formed from mei, the construct form of mayim (water, waters of) and tal (dew). Tal alone is a common Hebrew name, and its combination with mei creates a more lyrical, compound form. The name emerged in 20th-century Israel as part of a broader movement to create distinctly Hebrew names drawn from the landscape and natural imagery of biblical texts.
Cultural Significance
In Hebrew scripture and poetry, dew is a recurring metaphor for blessing and rejuvenation. The phrase tal hashamayim (dew of the heavens) appears in blessings and prayers as a symbol of hope and renewal. By naming a daughter Meital, parents invoke this rich symbolic tradition. The name is firmly modern Israeli in character, born of the Zionist project of reviving Hebrew as a living language, and it carries both an ancient resonance and a contemporary Israeli identity.
Famous people named Meital
Meital Dohan
Israeli actress and singer known for her role in the television series Ramzor and for her international music career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Names like Meital
Liron
“My song, my joy”
Liron is a modern Hebrew name formed from 'li', meaning 'to me' or 'my', and 'ron', meaning song, joy, or exultation. Together the name expresses a deeply personal sense of delight: my song, my joy. It is a distinctly Israeli name that emerged in the 20th century as Hebrew was revived as a living language. The name's musicality and gender-neutral quality make it appealing to parents seeking something both meaningful and contemporary.
Tal
“Dew, rain”
Tal comes from the Hebrew word for dew, one of nature's most delicate and precious phenomena in the arid climate of the Middle East. In the Torah, dew is a symbol of divine blessing and abundance: Isaac's blessing invokes the dew of heaven, and the manna in the desert is described as appearing with the dew. The prayer for dew, Tefilat Tal, is one of the most poetic liturgical prayers in Judaism, recited on the first day of Passover. Tal is a simple, refreshing name that works for any gender and carries a quiet natural beauty.
Tali
“My dew”
A short and sweet Hebrew name meaning 'my dew' or 'dew of the morning,' from the root 'tal' (dew) with the possessive suffix '-i.' It symbolizes freshness, youth, and divine grace.
Where you'll find Meital
Meital shows up in these curated collections across Namekin.