Hebrew Baby Names
Explore 535 hebrew names, each with its own meaning, history, and pronunciation. Find one that carries the stories you want your child to grow up with.
Hebrew names underpin a surprising proportion of English and European naming. David, John, Mary, Daniel, Sarah, Elizabeth, Samuel, Rachel, and Rebecca are all Hebrew. The newer Hebrew names travelling internationally (Eliana, Ezra, Noam, Asher) return directly to those ancient roots.
A short history
Hebrew naming is one of the oldest continuous traditions on earth. The Hebrew Bible records names used 3,000 years ago that are still in active use today. Hebrew names fall into several types: theophoric (naming God, as in Daniel, 'God is my judge'), nature-based (Jonah, 'dove'), and virtue-based (Asher, 'happy').
Naming traditions
Ashkenazi Jewish families traditionally name children after deceased relatives (a first letter, a name, or the full name). Sephardi Jewish families often name after living relatives. Israeli naming has added a strong modern Hebrew layer: Liora, Amit, Ori, Shai.
Sound and style
Hebrew names tend to stress the final syllable in the original but are often anglicised to stress the first. The guttural 'ch' of names like Chaim or Chanukah is almost always softened in international use.
Merav
“Increase, abundance”
Merav is a Hebrew name meaning increase or abundance, derived from the root rav, meaning many or much. It conveys the idea of generous overflow, of something growing beyond measure. In the Hebrew Bible, Merav was the eldest daughter of King Saul, described as beautiful, and she was promised in marriage to David before being given to another. The name carries both biblical gravitas and a sense of generous flourishing.
Meshulam
“At peace, reconciled”
Meshulam is a Hebrew name derived from 'shalem,' meaning 'peace' or 'complete,' with the prefix indicating 'one who is at peace' or 'the reconciled one.' It is related to the root 'shalom.'
Mibtachiah
“Trust in God, God is my security”
Mibtachiah comes from the Hebrew root 'bitachon,' meaning 'trust' or 'confidence,' combined with 'Yah' (God). The name means 'trust in God' or 'God is my security.'
Micah
“Who is like God?”
From the Hebrew Mikhayahu, meaning 'who is like God?'. The name is a rhetorical question implying that no one compares to God, expressing humility and reverence rather than comparison.
Micha
“Who is like God?”
Micha is a variant of Micah, derived from the Hebrew 'Mikhayahu,' meaning 'Who is like God?' or 'Who is like Yahweh?' It is a rhetorical question implying that no one compares to God.
Michael
“Who is like God”
Michael comes from the Hebrew Mikha'el, a rhetorical question meaning who is like God, implying that no one is comparable to the divine. In Jewish, Christian and Islamic tradition, Michael is the archangel who serves as God's greatest warrior and defender. It is one of the most universally beloved and enduring names in human history.
Michaela
“Who is like God?”
Michaela is the feminine form of Michael, from the Hebrew 'Mikha'el,' meaning 'Who is like God?', a rhetorical question affirming God's incomparability. It passed through Greek and Latin before becoming widespread in European languages.
Michal
“Who is like God”
Michal is the Hebrew feminine form sharing the same root as Michael, asking the rhetorical question 'who is like God', implying that no one can compare to the divine. In the Hebrew Bible, Michal was the daughter of King Saul and became the first wife of King David. Her story is one of the most psychologically complex in scripture: she loved David, helped him escape her father's wrath by lowering him from a window, yet was later given to another man and ultimately became estranged from David in a painful confrontation. Her name carries both royal dignity and a sense of tragic depth.
Mika
“Who is like God?”
Mika is a Finnish and Scandinavian short form of Mikael, the Nordic form of Michael, meaning who is like God. This rhetorical question, implying no one is God's equal, has ancient Hebrew origins and was borne by the archangel Michael. In Finland and across the Nordic countries, Mika is used for both boys and girls, giving it a comfortable gender-neutral status. The name is warm, approachable, and international in its reach, recognised across Europe, Japan (where it is a feminine name of different origin), and increasingly in English-speaking countries.
Miriam
“Wished-for child, sea of bitterness”
The original Hebrew form of Mary, Miriam's meaning has been debated for centuries. Leading theories include 'wished-for child', 'sea of bitterness', and 'rebellion'. As the oldest form of the world's most widespread female name, Miriam carries extraordinary depth.
Moriah
“Chosen by God”
Moriah is a Hebrew name meaning 'chosen by God' or 'seen by God', carrying deep biblical significance. Mount Moriah is the site where Abraham was prepared to sacrifice Isaac and where Solomon later built the Temple in Jerusalem. The name blends spiritual weight with a gentle, melodic sound.
Moriel
“Myrrh of God”
Moriel is a Hebrew name combining 'mor' (myrrh, a precious aromatic resin) with 'El' (God), meaning 'God is my myrrh' or 'myrrh of God.' Myrrh symbolizes preciousness, sacrifice, and devotion in biblical tradition.
Moriya
“Taught by God”
Moriya is a variant of the Hebrew name Moriah, composed of the elements 'mor' relating to myrrh or bitterness and 'Yah', a shortened form of the divine name. The most common interpretation is taught by God or seen by God, reflecting the deep biblical significance of Mount Moriah, the site where Abraham was asked to sacrifice Isaac and where Solomon later built the First Temple in Jerusalem. The name carries profound spiritual weight within the Abrahamic traditions and connects the bearer to one of the most sacred locations in all of religious history.
Moshe
“Drawn from water”
Moshe is the Hebrew form of Moses, one of the most significant figures in the entire Hebrew Bible. The name is explained in the Torah as meaning drawn from water, because Pharaoh's daughter drew the infant Moses from the Nile. Some scholars also see connections to the Egyptian word mes, meaning child or son, as in the pharaonic names Thutmose and Rameses. Moshe led the Israelites out of Egypt, received the Torah at Mount Sinai, and is revered in Judaism as the greatest prophet who ever lived.
Naama
“Pleasant, beautiful”
Naama is a Hebrew name derived from the root 'n-a-m', meaning pleasantness, beauty, and agreeableness. It shares its root with the more widely known name Naomi and with the Hebrew word 'naim', meaning pleasant or delightful. The name appears twice in the Hebrew Bible: once as a daughter of Lamech and Zillah in the line of Cain, and once as an Ammonite princess who became a wife of King Solomon and mother of King Rehoboam. Its gentle, lyrical sound perfectly mirrors its meaning.
Naamah
“Pleasant, beautiful, delightful”
Naamah derives from the Hebrew root 'na'im,' meaning 'pleasant,' 'beautiful,' or 'delightful.' It is the feminine form of Naaman and shares its root with the name Naomi.
Nachbi
“Hidden or sheltered by God”
Nachbi (נַחְבִּי) derives from the Hebrew root meaning 'hidden' or 'concealed.' The name suggests one who is sheltered or kept safe by God.
Nachshon
“Bold diviner, serpent-like foresight”
Nachshon (נַחְשׁוֹן) is derived from the Hebrew word 'nachash,' meaning 'serpent' or 'divination,' and may also relate to the word for bronze. It carries connotations of boldness and foresight.
Nachum
“Comforter, consoler”
Nachum comes from the Hebrew root nacham, meaning to comfort or console, and is the name of one of the twelve minor prophets of the Hebrew Bible. The prophet Nachum's book contains powerful poetic visions of justice and the downfall of oppression, lending the name both gentleness and moral weight. It is a name that conveys empathy, solace, and spiritual depth.
Nadav
“Generous, noble”
Nadav is a Hebrew name derived from the root n-d-v, meaning to give freely, to be generous, or to volunteer. The name carries connotations of open-handed generosity, nobility of spirit, and willingness to give of oneself. In the Torah, Nadav was the eldest son of Aaron, the brother of Moses. The name has been used in the Jewish tradition for millennia and has seen a notable revival in modern Israel, where it is considered a strong, attractive Hebrew name.
Naftali
“Wrestling, my struggle”
Naftali comes from the Hebrew root pathal, meaning to wrestle or to struggle, with the possessive suffix li, making it my wrestling or my struggle. It is the name of the sixth son of Jacob and the patriarch of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The name carries connotations of tenacity, determination, and the spiritual depth that comes from striving. In Jewish tradition it speaks to the nobility of perseverance.
Nahum
“Comfort or consolation”
Nahum (נַחוּם) comes from the Hebrew root 'nacham,' meaning 'comfort' or 'consolation.' The name expresses the idea of being comforted or bringing comfort to others.
Naomi
“Pleasantness”
Naomi derives from the Hebrew word 'na'omi,' meaning 'my pleasantness,' 'my delight,' or 'my sweetness.' It is a name that radiates warmth and gentle joy, expressing the happiness a child brings into the lives of those around them.
Naor
“Enlightened or luminous”
Naor (נָאוֹר) comes from the Hebrew root meaning 'enlightened' or 'illuminated.' It conveys the sense of someone who brings light, wisdom, and clarity.
Natan
“He gave”
The Hebrew form of Nathan, meaning he gave or God has given. The prophet Natan served in the court of King David and became famous for his moral courage in rebuking the king directly after his transgression with Bathsheba. He used a powerful parable to pierce the king's conscience. A name that embodies truth-telling and principled standing.
Nathan
“He gave”
Nathan is a Hebrew name meaning he gave, expressing the idea of a divine gift. It has deep biblical roots through Nathan the prophet, who served as a moral counsellor to King David. The name has achieved remarkable international success, becoming particularly popular in France while remaining well-loved across the English-speaking world. Its combination of ancient significance and modern simplicity makes it an enduring classic.
Nathaniel
“Gift of God”
Nathaniel comes from the Hebrew Netan'el, meaning God has given or gift of God. It is an expression of profound gratitude, framing a child's arrival as a divine blessing bestowed upon the family. The name carries a timeless spiritual weight that has made it cherished across many cultures and centuries.
Nava
“Beautiful, pleasant”
Nava comes from the Hebrew word meaning beautiful or pleasant, appearing in the Hebrew Bible in the Song of Songs where the beloved is described as 'navah'. The name carries a simple, natural beauty rooted in one of the most celebrated love poems in ancient literature. It suggests loveliness that is genuine and unadorned, beauty that is inherent rather than ornamental.
Navit
“Beautiful or pleasant”
Navit (נָבִית) is derived from the Hebrew word 'nava,' meaning 'beautiful' or 'pleasant.' It reflects grace, loveliness, and natural beauty.
Nechama
“Comfort, consolation”
Nechama is a Hebrew name meaning comfort or consolation, derived from the root nacham, which carries the sense of being deeply moved to compassion and offering solace. The word appears throughout the Hebrew Bible in some of its most poetic and comforting passages, most notably in the Book of Isaiah where the prophet calls out nachamu, nachamu ami, meaning comfort, comfort my people. The name is given as a memorial or honour name in Jewish tradition and carries profound emotional weight.
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