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.
Eliyahu
“My God is Yahweh”
The original Hebrew form of Elijah, meaning my God is Yahweh or the Lord is my God. Eliyahu is one of the most beloved and mystical figures in Jewish tradition, a prophet of fire who challenged the prophets of Baal and was taken to heaven in a chariot of fire. He is expected to herald the coming of the Messiah.
Elkanah
“God has created”
Elkanah comes from the Hebrew 'El' (God) and 'kanah' (to acquire, create, or possess), meaning 'God has created' or 'God has acquired.' It reflects the idea that the child is a gift possessed and fashioned by God.
Elnatan
“God has given”
Elnatan is a Hebrew name meaning 'God has given,' from 'El' (God) and 'natan' (to give). It is the original Hebrew form of the name Elnathan and shares its root with the name Nathan.
Emetziah
“Truth of God”
Emetziah is a Hebrew feminine name combining emet, meaning truth or faithfulness, with the divine suffix -iah, a shortened form of YHWH, the Hebrew name for God. The word emet is considered one of the most important concepts in Jewish ethics and theology; it is inscribed on the forehead of the Golem of Prague in legend and is a cornerstone of the Jewish value system. Together Emetziah proclaims that God is truth, or that the bearer is a manifestation of divine truth. It is a name of rare spirituality, suggesting unwavering honesty and authentic devotion.
Emunah
“Faith, trust”
Emunah is a Hebrew noun meaning faith, trust, and steadfast reliability. It is one of the most theologically significant words in Jewish thought, appearing throughout the Hebrew Bible and rabbinic literature as a description of the faithful relationship between God and humanity. The root 'aman' also gives rise to the word 'Amen', underscoring how deeply embedded this concept is in Abrahamic religious tradition. As a given name, Emunah carries a weight of spiritual sincerity and moral steadfastness that few other names can match.
Erez
“Cedar tree”
Erez is a Hebrew name meaning cedar tree, derived directly from the Hebrew word erez used throughout the Old Testament. The cedars of Lebanon were among the most prized trees of the ancient world, used by King Solomon to build the First Temple in Jerusalem. In biblical and poetic tradition, the cedar symbolises majesty, permanence, righteousness, and spiritual strength. The name is well used in modern Israel and carries a grounded, natural quality with deep scriptural resonance.
Eshel
“Tamarisk tree”
Eshel is a Hebrew name referring to the tamarisk tree, a resilient desert tree planted by Abraham at Beersheba according to Genesis. The name symbolizes endurance, deep roots, and hospitality.
Eshkol
“Cluster of grapes”
Eshkol is a Hebrew name meaning 'cluster of grapes' or 'a bunch of grapes,' evoking abundance, fertility, and the richness of the Promised Land. It carries connotations of fruitfulness and generosity.
Ester
“Star, hidden”
Ester is the Hebrew and Scandinavian form of Esther, a name with debated origins. It may derive from the Hebrew word for star, or from a root meaning hidden or concealed. Some scholars connect it to the Persian word for star, or to the Babylonian goddess Ishtar. Queen Esther of the Hebrew Bible saved her people through courage and wisdom, and her story is celebrated each year at the festival of Purim.
Esther
“Star”
Esther is most commonly interpreted as deriving from the Persian word 'stara' (star), though some scholars connect it to the Babylonian goddess Ishtar. In either reading, the name evokes radiance, beauty, and a guiding light in darkness.
Eyal
“Strength, power”
Eyal comes from Hebrew and means strength, power, or ram. The ram is a symbol of determination and leadership in Hebrew tradition, making this name both direct and layered with meaning. It is a distinctly modern Israeli name, widely used among sabras (native-born Israelis), and carries a crisp, confident energy that translates well across cultures. The name is short, phonetically clean, and carries no ambiguity in meaning.
Ezekiel
“God strengthens”
Ezekiel comes from the Hebrew 'Yehezkel', meaning 'God strengthens' or 'strengthened by God'. The name conveys divine support, resilience, and the idea that the bearer is upheld by a power greater than themselves. As the name of one of the major prophets of the Hebrew Bible, it carries deep spiritual authority and is associated with extraordinary visions and the promise of national renewal.
Ezra
“Helper”
From the Hebrew ezra, meaning 'help' or 'helper'. In the Hebrew Bible, Ezra was a priestly scribe who led the return of Jewish exiles from Babylon, making the name synonymous with leadership and restoration.
Gadi
“My fortune, my luck”
Gadi is a Hebrew name meaning my fortune or my luck, built from the root gad combined with the first-person possessive suffix. Gad was one of the twelve sons of Jacob and the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel, with Gad itself meaning fortune or luck in Biblical Hebrew. The addition of the personal suffix transforms the tribal name into an intimate expression of joy at a child's birth, as though the child himself is the speaker's great fortune. It is a warm, optimistic name with deep Biblical roots.
Gadiel
“God is my fortune”
Gadiel is a Hebrew name composed of gad, meaning fortune, luck, or a troop, and el, meaning God. The name therefore carries the meaning God is my fortune or fortunate through God, expressing a sense of divine blessing and providential favour. The element gad also recalls the tribe of Gad, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, giving the name a deeply rooted place in Israelite history and scripture.
Gali
“My wave”
Gali is a Hebrew name meaning 'my wave' or 'my spring,' derived from the root 'gal' (wave or mound). It evokes images of flowing water, energy, and the refreshing movement of waves.
Galia
“Wave of God”
Galia derives from the Hebrew word 'gal,' meaning 'wave' or 'rolling hill,' combined with the suffix '-ia' suggesting divine connection, giving the sense of 'God's wave' or 'wave of God.' It evokes imagery of flowing water and natural beauty.
Galil
“Rolling hills, Galilee region”
Galil is the Hebrew name for the Galilee region of northern Israel, derived from the root 'galal,' meaning 'to roll' or 'cylinder,' referring to the rolling hills of the region. It carries strong geographic and historical significance within Jewish tradition.
Galila
“Rolling hills, wave”
Galila is a Hebrew name meaning 'rolling hills' or 'wave', evoking the beautiful undulating landscapes and waters of the Galilee region. It is a name of natural beauty and spiritual significance, connecting the bearer to one of the most storied landscapes in history. The name has a gentle, lyrical quality that mirrors the landscape it describes.
Galit
“Wave, fountain”
Galit is a Hebrew name meaning wave or fountain, evoking the flowing, life-giving quality of water. In Jewish tradition water is a profound symbol of purification, renewal, and divine blessing, lending the name a spiritual dimension beyond its simple natural imagery. The name has a graceful, fluid quality that mirrors the movement it describes.
Gamliel
“God is my reward”
Gamliel is composed of the Hebrew elements 'gamal,' meaning 'to reward' or 'to wean,' and 'El,' meaning 'God,' together conveying 'God is my reward' or 'recompensed by God.' It is an ancient biblical name borne by significant rabbinic figures.
Gavriel
“God is my strength”
The Hebrew form of Gabriel, meaning God is my strength. The archangel Gavriel is a messenger of God in Jewish tradition, delivering divine revelations to prophets. The name combines the Hebrew word 'gabar' (strength) with 'El' (God), expressing total reliance on divine power. A name of heavenly authority and spiritual courage.
Gavriela
“God is my strength”
Gavriela is the feminine form of Gavriel (Gabriel), derived from the Hebrew 'gevurah' (strength) and 'El' (God), meaning 'God is my strength' or 'God's mighty one.' It is the Hebrew equivalent of the name Gabriela.
Gavriella
“God is my strength”
Gavriella is a variant spelling of Gavriela, the feminine form of the Hebrew name Gavriel, meaning 'God is my strength.' The doubled 'l' is a common spelling variation that reflects English orthographic conventions while preserving the Hebrew origin.
Gedaliah
“God has made great”
Gedaliah derives from the Hebrew 'gadal,' meaning 'to be great' or 'to grow,' combined with 'Yah,' a shortened form of the divine name YHWH, giving the full meaning 'God has made great' or 'YHWH is great.' It is an ancient biblical name with deep scriptural roots.
Gedalya
“God has made great”
Gedalya is the modern Hebrew and Sephardic variant of Gedaliah, carrying the same meaning: 'God has made great' or 'YHWH is great,' from the roots 'gadal' (greatness) and 'Yah' (God). The shortened ending reflects the common Israeli pronunciation pattern.
Gefen
“Grapevine”
Gefen is the Hebrew word for grapevine, a plant of immense symbolic importance in Jewish tradition and scripture. The vine represents abundance, joy, and the covenant between God and Israel. Wine made from grapes is central to Jewish ritual life, featuring in Shabbat Kiddush, the Passover Seder, and wedding ceremonies. Naming a child Gefen evokes a heritage of celebration and spiritual rootedness.
Gershon
“Stranger there, sojourner in exile”
Gershon derives from the Hebrew root 'ger,' meaning 'stranger' or 'sojourner,' and 'sham,' meaning 'there,' together interpreted as 'a stranger there' or 'exile.' It reflects the experience of dwelling as a foreigner in a foreign land, echoing the Israelite experience in Egypt.
Gevariah
“God's strength, might of YHWH”
Gevariah is composed of the Hebrew 'gevurah,' meaning 'strength,' 'valor,' or 'might,' combined with 'Yah,' a shortened form of the divine name, giving the meaning 'God's strength' or 'the might of YHWH.' It is a name that emphasises divine power and heroism.
Gideon
“Mighty warrior, feller of trees”
Gideon derives from the Hebrew root meaning 'to hew' or 'to cut down,' giving it the powerful dual sense of a mighty warrior and one who fells trees. It carries connotations of decisive strength and purposeful action.
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