Hebrew names carry meaning in every syllable, often naming a hope, a blessing, or a story. Here are popular Hebrew names with their meanings and origins, drawn from the Bible and from modern Israel. Many biblical names are given in their familiar English form alongside the original Hebrew.
Rest and comfort. Borne by the builder of the ark, it has become one of the most popular names of the modern era.
Strong, firm, and enduring. In the Hebrew Bible it describes a person of steady, lasting character.
Happy or blessed. Asher was the eighth son of Jacob and the ancestor of one of the twelve tribes.
Joined or attached. Levi was a son of Jacob, and his descendants, the Levites, served in the Temple.
God is my judge. The prophet Daniel is known for his wisdom and steadfast faith.
God is my strength. Gabriel is one of the angels named in the Hebrew Bible.
Beloved. King David, the shepherd who became Israel's greatest king, gives the name enduring weight.
He will laugh. Yitzchak was named for the laughter of his parents, Abraham and Sarah, at the news of his birth.
Held by the heel, or supplanter. Ya'akov, later named Israel, was father of the twelve tribes.
Son of the right hand. Binyamin was the youngest of Jacob's twelve sons.
Heard by God, or name of God. The prophet Shmuel anointed Israel's first kings.
Ascent or height. Also read as a short form of names meaning my God. Eli was a High Priest at Shiloh.
Lion, a symbol of courage and strength. A popular modern Israeli name, also short for Ariel.
Help. The scribe Ezra led a return from exile and renewed devotion to the Torah.
Man, from the Hebrew for earth or ground, from which the first human was formed.
Dove. The prophet Yonah is remembered for his reluctant mission and the great fish.
Peace, from shalom. King Shlomo was famed for his wisdom and for building the First Temple.
Wolf. A traditional name often paired with the tribe of Benjamin, symbolizing swiftness and strength.
Princess or noblewoman. Sarah was the wife of Abraham and a matriarch of the Jewish people.
Ewe, a female sheep, evoking gentleness. Rachel was a beloved wife of Jacob and a matriarch.
Weary, and by some readings meadow. Leah was a wife of Jacob and mother of six of the tribes.
To bind or join together. Rivka was the wife of Isaac and a matriarch of the Jewish people.
Grace or favor. Chana's heartfelt prayer for a child is a model of sincere devotion.
A name of debated origin, often linked to wished-for child or beloved. Miriam was the prophetess sister of Moses.
Pleasantness or sweetness. Naomi is a central figure in the Book of Ruth.
My father's joy. Avigail is remembered in the Bible for her wisdom and diplomacy.
Myrtle, a fragrant plant. It is the Hebrew name of Queen Esther of the Purim story.
Bee. Devorah was a prophetess and judge who led Israel in a time of crisis.
Life or living. Chava is described as the mother of all living.
Date palm, a tree associated with beauty and uprightness.
Springtime, suggesting freshness and renewal. A cheerful modern Hebrew name.
Dew of God, combining tal, dew, with a name of God. A popular modern name.
Song or poetry, evoking joy and praise. A widely used contemporary Israeli name.
Mountain goat or ibex, nimble and sure-footed. Yael is a heroine in the Book of Judges.
Friendship or companionship. Rut's loyalty makes her one of the Bible's most admired figures.
My light, a warm and hopeful modern Hebrew name.
Lion of God. A poetic biblical name for Jerusalem, now common for boys and girls alike.
Pleasantness or grace, from a word meaning the sweetness of good character.
Friend, colleague, or comrade. A popular unisex name in modern Israel.
Light. A short, luminous name used for all.
My light, closely related to Or and Liora.
Dew, a symbol of gentle blessing and renewal.
Gift. A warm, simple name given to boys and girls.
Delight or paradise, echoing the Garden of Eden.
Want to hear how these names sound and read the letters yourself? Start with Learn Hebrew, spin up ideas with the Jewish name generator, or browse real Jewish names and their stories.