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.
Zamir
“Song, nightingale”
Zamir is a Hebrew name derived from the root zamar, meaning to sing, to make music, or to prune. The noun zamir appears in the Hebrew Bible, most beautifully in the Song of Songs where the voice of the singing bird (zamir) heralds the arrival of spring. The nightingale interpretation arises because zamir refers specifically to a songbird, often identified as the nightingale in classical contexts. The name carries a lyrical, poetic character rooted in biblical imagery of seasonal renewal, music, and the joy of creation. It is used in Israel and among Jewish communities worldwide, as well as in some Muslim-majority countries where it is found in Arabic as Zamer.
Zecharia
“God has remembered”
Zecharia means 'God has remembered' in Hebrew, expressing the belief that the divine keeps covenant with humanity. The name carries themes of hope, faithfulness, and divine attentiveness. It has been borne by prophets and kings, lending it a distinguished biblical heritage.
Zechariah
“God remembers”
Zechariah comes from the Hebrew Zekharyah, meaning "God remembers" or "the Lord has remembered." It was borne by one of the twelve minor prophets of the Hebrew Bible, whose visions of restoration and hope encouraged the Jewish people during the rebuilding of the Temple after the Babylonian exile. The name carries a powerful sense of divine faithfulness and enduring promise.
Zehava
“Golden one”
Zehava means 'golden' or 'of gold' in Hebrew, conveying warmth, brightness, and great value. It is the feminine adjectival form of zahav (gold) and is used to describe someone precious and radiant. The name evokes the richness and warmth associated with gold across cultures.
Zehavit
“Little golden one”
Zehavit means 'little golden one' or 'golden' in Hebrew, carrying connotations of preciousness, radiance, and warmth. The diminutive suffix gives the name an endearing, intimate quality. Like its relatives Zahav and Zehava, it evokes the brilliance and value of gold.
Zerubavel
“Seed of Babylon”
Zerubavel means 'seed of Babylon' or 'descendant born in Babylon' in Hebrew, reflecting the experience of the Jewish exile in Babylonia. The name marks a person as one born in or descended from the Babylonian diaspora. It carries historical and redemptive significance as the leader who led Jews back to Israel from exile.
Zev
“Wolf”
Zev is a Hebrew name meaning 'wolf.' In the Torah, the wolf appears in Jacob's blessing of his son Benjamin, symbolising fierceness and tenacity. Short, bold, and powerful, Zev carries a primal energy that has made it increasingly appealing to modern parents.
Zevadya
“Gift of God”
Zevadya means 'God has bestowed' or 'gift of God' in Hebrew, expressing gratitude for divine generosity. The name conveys the idea of a child as a blessing given by God. It reflects the Hebrew theological view that life and children are sacred gifts.
Zevulun
“Dwelling, honour”
Zevulun is the Hebrew form of Zebulun, the tenth son of Jacob and Leah in the Bible. The name has been interpreted as coming from the Hebrew root meaning to dwell, to honour, or to exalt. The tribe of Zevulun occupied a coastal territory in northern Israel and became closely associated with maritime trade and seafaring. The name thus combines the idea of an established home with the breadth of horizons opened by the sea, a compelling pairing of rootedness and enterprise.
Zimra
“Song, melody, praise in song”
Zimra means 'song,' 'melody,' or 'praise in song' in Hebrew, evoking a spirit of joyful musical expression. The name is associated with sacred song and the celebration of God through music. It carries a lyrical, artistic quality that has made it appealing across generations.
Zipporah
“Bird”
Zipporah comes from the Hebrew word 'tsipporah', meaning 'bird', evoking freedom, grace, and the beauty of the natural world.
Zohar
“Radiance, brilliance, splendour”
Zohar means 'radiance,' 'brilliance,' or 'splendor' in Hebrew, evoking a vivid, luminous light. The name suggests someone whose presence brings brightness and clarity to those around them. It also carries profound spiritual connotations as the name of the foundational text of Jewish mysticism.
Zuriel
“God is my rock”
Zuriel means 'God is my rock' or 'my rock is God' in Hebrew, expressing steadfast faith and reliance on divine strength. The name conveys themes of stability, protection, and unshakeable trust in God. It is a name of deep spiritual confidence and fortitude.
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