Hebrew Baby Names
Explore 553 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.
Reuven
“Behold, a son”
Reuven is the original Hebrew form of Reuben, meaning behold, a son. In the Torah, it was the name given by Leah to her firstborn with Jacob, expressing her profound joy and relief at bearing a son. The name carries a sense of wonder and gratitude that remains deeply moving.
Revital
“Saturated with dew”
Revital (רְבִיטַל) is a modern Hebrew compound name combining 'revi' (fourth, or saturated with) and 'tal' (dew), meaning something like 'saturated with dew' or 'abundant dew.' It evokes freshness, morning renewal, and life-giving moisture.
Rina
“Joy, singing”
Rina comes from the Hebrew root 'r-n-n', meaning to sing, to shout for joy, or to exult. The noun 'rinah' appears throughout the Hebrew Bible as an expression of joyful, exuberant praise. In Jewish tradition, song and rejoicing are woven into worship, the Sabbath, and celebration, making Rina a name that carries both musical and spiritual resonance. It is bright, simple, and full of energy.
Rinah
“Joyful song”
Rinah is a Hebrew name meaning 'joyful song' or 'exultation'. It derives from the Hebrew root 'ranan', denoting jubilant singing and crying out in joy. The name appears in the Old Testament as a symbol of praise and celebration, carrying the sense of a melody lifted in gratitude. Rinah overflows with musical joy and spiritual brightness, making it a name that feels both ancient and beautifully expressive.
Rinat
“My song, song of joy”
Rinat (רִינַת) derives from the Hebrew root 'rina' (רִינָה), meaning joyful song, singing, or a cry of joy. The name literally suggests 'my song' or 'song of joy,' and carries a sense of melodious happiness and celebration.
Rivka
“To bind, captivating”
Rivka is the original Hebrew form of the name Rebecca, rooted in the verb meaning to bind, tie, or ensnare with beauty. The name carries connotations of someone whose grace and character draws others close. In Jewish tradition, Rivka (Rebecca) is one of the four matriarchs of the Jewish people, wife of Isaac and mother of Jacob and Esau. Her story in the Torah portrays her as a woman of exceptional kindness, discernment, and spiritual courage, qualities the name has carried for millennia.
Roee
“My shepherd”
Roee is a modern Hebrew name derived from 'ro'eh', meaning shepherd. The possessive suffix turns this into my shepherd, evoking the famous opening of Psalm 23: 'The Lord is my shepherd'. The name carries a deeply pastoral and spiritual quality, conjuring images of care, guidance, protection, and intimate relationship with God as described throughout the Hebrew scriptures.
Ronen
“Song, joy”
Ronen is a Hebrew name derived from the root 'ron', meaning joyful song or singing out loud with delight. It belongs to a family of Hebrew names that celebrate music, happiness and vocal praise. The name suggests a spirit that naturally expresses joy through song, and carries a sense of exuberance and celebration that is deeply embedded in Hebrew culture and liturgy.
Roni
“My song, my joy”
Roni derives from the Hebrew root ranan, meaning to sing, to shout for joy, or to rejoice. The first-person possessive suffix gives the name the intimate sense of my song or my joy, making it a deeply personal expression of happiness. In the Hebrew tradition, song and joy are intertwined, with music being a primary mode of religious celebration and communal expression. Roni is used for both boys and girls in Israel, making it a natural gender-neutral choice. It is a name that feels cheerful, celebratory, and spiritually connected.
Ronit
“My song, joyful song”
Ronit is a Hebrew name derived from the root ranan, meaning to sing or to rejoice. It is typically understood to mean my song or joyful song, evoking the deep tradition of song and prayer at the heart of Jewish life. Music and the human voice have been central to Jewish worship since biblical times, and a name meaning song places a child within this ancient, vibrant tradition. Ronit is elegant in its brevity, carrying significant meaning in just two syllables.
Rotem
“Broom plant”
Rotem comes from the Hebrew word for the white broom plant, a desert shrub native to the Sinai and Negev regions. The plant appears in the Hebrew Bible when the prophet Elijah, exhausted and despairing, rested under its shade before an angel revived him for his onward journey. Rotem therefore carries connotations of renewal, resilience, and divine sustenance. As a nature name with direct biblical resonance, it is popular in modern Israel for both boys and girls.
Rut
“Friend, vision”
Rut is the original Hebrew form of the name anglicised as Ruth. The meaning of the name is debated among scholars, with the most widely accepted interpretations being friend, companion, or vision of beauty. The biblical Rut is one of the most admired figures in Jewish scripture, a Moabite woman whose declaration of loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi, 'wherever you go I will go', is regarded as one of the most profound expressions of love and faithfulness in all of ancient literature.
Ruth
“Friend, companion”
From the Hebrew re'ut, meaning 'friend' or 'companion'. Ruth is one of the most beloved figures in the Hebrew Bible, whose story of loyalty and devotion has made the name synonymous with faithfulness.
Saadya
“God is my support”
Saadya (סַעַדְיָה) comes from the Aramaic and Hebrew roots meaning 'God is my support' or 'supported by God,' from 'sa'ad' (support, help) combined with 'Yah' (God). It conveys divine sustenance and the assurance of heavenly backing.
Sally
“Princess”
Sally is a traditional English short form of Sarah, from the Hebrew Sarah meaning princess. It was widely used as a given name in its own right from the eighteenth century onwards, reaching peak popularity in the mid-twentieth century before stepping quietly out of fashion. It now feels like a warm vintage choice ripe for revival alongside other retro favourites. The two-syllable flow is cheerful and unpretentious, and the soft l sound gives it a gentle bounce.
Samuel
“God has heard, asked of God”
Samuel derives from the Hebrew 'Shemu'el,' meaning 'God has heard' or 'asked of God.' In the biblical narrative, his mother Hannah named him Samuel because she had prayed fervently for a child, and God heard her prayers. The name thus carries a profound sense of answered devotion and divine attentiveness.
Sapir
“Sapphire”
Sapir is a Hebrew name meaning sapphire, the precious blue gemstone that held deep significance in ancient Jewish tradition. The sapphire, or 'sapir' in Hebrew, was one of the twelve stones set into the breastplate of the High Priest as described in the Book of Exodus, each stone representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The name therefore carries both the beauty of a precious gem and the sacred weight of biblical tradition. It has a clear, pure sound and an understated elegance, making it a name of both spiritual and aesthetic appeal.
Sarai
“My princess”
Sarai is a Hebrew name meaning 'my princess', the original name of the biblical Sarah before God changed it to reflect her destiny as the mother of nations. It is an intimate, personal form that feels more tender than its more widely known successor. The possessive 'my' gives the name a warmth and closeness that Sarah, meaning simply 'princess', does not quite capture.
Sarit
“Princess or noblewoman”
Sarit is a Hebrew feminine name derived from the root 'sar,' meaning 'princess' or 'noblewoman,' making it a variant of Sarah. It carries connotations of dignity, leadership, and royalty.
Segev
“Glory, grandeur, sublimity”
Segev is a modern Hebrew name meaning 'glory,' 'grandeur,' or 'exaltedness,' conveying a sense of elevated stature and majesty. It is drawn from the Hebrew root meaning to be high or sublime.
Serach
“Abundance, overflow, she who extends”
Serach (also spelled Serah) is an ancient Hebrew name possibly meaning 'abundance,' 'overflow,' or 'the one who extends.' She appears in the Bible as the daughter of Asher and granddaughter of Jacob, making this one of the oldest recorded Hebrew feminine names.
Seth
“Appointed, placed”
Seth is a Hebrew name meaning "appointed" or "placed", expressing the idea that a child has been divinely appointed or granted as a replacement and continuation. In the Bible, Seth was the third son of Adam and Eve, born after Abel's death at the hands of Cain. Through Seth, the righteous line of humanity continued, making the name a symbol of renewal, hope, and divine purpose. Its clean, single-syllable sound gives it a modern directness that belies its ancient origins.
Shachar
“Dawn, morning”
Shachar is a Hebrew name meaning dawn or morning, capturing the beauty and promise of the first light breaking over the horizon. It is a unisex name that has been embraced in modern Israel for its poetic simplicity. The name evokes renewal, hope and the beginning of something new.
Shai
“Gift, present”
Shai comes from the Hebrew word shai, meaning gift or present. The word appears in the Hebrew Bible to describe offerings brought to God or to a great leader. As a given name it beautifully expresses the idea of a child as a precious gift, a sentiment universal to all parents. Short, distinctive, and warmly meaningful, Shai has been popular in Israel for both boys and girls and is finding growing favour internationally as its simple sound and profound meaning become more widely known.
Shaked
“Almond tree”
Shaked comes from the Hebrew word for almond tree, one of the most symbolically significant trees in Jewish tradition. The almond is the first tree to blossom in Israel, emerging in late winter as a sign that renewal is coming, which is why the Hebrew root 'sh-k-d' also carries the meaning of watchfulness and diligence. The menorah of the Tabernacle was crafted in the shape of an almond blossom, connecting Shaked to the heart of biblical worship and identity.
Shalem
“Complete, peaceful”
Shalem is a Hebrew name derived from the root sh-l-m, one of the most significant roots in the Semitic language family, conveying notions of completeness, wholeness, and peace. This root also underlies shalom, the Hebrew word for peace, as well as the name Jerusalem, traditionally interpreted as city of peace or foundation of peace. Shalem thus carries the full weight of one of the most spiritually resonant words in the Hebrew tradition, suggesting a person who is whole in themselves and at peace with the world.
Shalev
“Peaceful, tranquil, serene”
Shalev is a modern Hebrew name meaning 'peaceful,' 'tranquil,' or 'serene,' derived from the root 'shalov,' which relates to a state of calm and contentment. It expresses the desire for a peaceful and harmonious life.
Shalhevet
“Flame, tongue of fire”
Shalhevet is a Hebrew feminine name meaning 'flame' or 'tongue of fire,' evoking passion, light, and spiritual intensity. It is drawn from classical Hebrew poetic language and carries a vivid, luminous quality.
Shallum
“Retribution, recompense, reward”
Shallum is an ancient biblical Hebrew name meaning 'retribution,' 'recompense,' or 'the one who is rewarded,' derived from the root 'shalem,' meaning completeness or repayment. It is borne by multiple figures in the Hebrew Bible.
Shalva
“Peace, tranquillity”
Shalva is a Hebrew name meaning peace or tranquillity, closely related to the word shalom. It embodies the Jewish aspiration for peace in all its dimensions, from inner serenity to harmony between people. The name has a calm, meditative quality that feels both spiritual and modern.
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