Are you looking for a first name full of history, poetry and a deep symbolic dimension for your future baby? Let yourself be seduced by the richness and timelessness of Hebrew first names.
Whether worn by great historical figures or prancing at the top of modern rankings, first names of Hebrew origin cross generations without ever losing their splendor. Highly appreciated by future parents for the strength of their meaning, they often evoke light, gratitude, nature or joy. Whether you are looking for a great, essential and easy-to-wear classic, or a rarer and contemporary option for your girl or boy, our complete guide invites you to explore the most beautiful trends, their origins and our current favorites to help you make the best choice.
TOP Hebrew first names: the list of the most given in France
Female Hebrew names
The history of the Jewish people is marked by extremely important female figures. To find an idea for a name for a little girl, you can start with name the four matriarchs: Rahel, Rivka, Léa and Sarah. From their names, many derivatives are possible, such as Rachel, Rebecca, Leah,… But they were not the only women in the Torah, far from it. Maybe Ruth, Abigail, Esther or even Dinah can influence your choice for your baby girl? The sister of Moses, also an essential character in history, was called Myriam, the mother of Ephraim and Menacheh, wife of Joseph, bore the first name Osnat, that we can also write Asnat.
Hebrew male names
The Bible also tells the story ofmen of the Jewish people where many inspirations for naming your baby can be found : Yaacov (which can also be written Jacob), Abraham, Moses, Isaac, Gabriel, Raphael and Noah are told in historical accounts. Their ancestors and descendants have first names that can also inspire you to name your baby boy: Jacob’s grandson is called Alan, and his son Acher, when the father of Moses is called Amram. A king has the first name Saul, and his uncle’s first name Avner. Poetic and modern, one of the angels is called Azriel. Of course, many derivatives of these Hebrew male first names can also inspire you: Ariel, Solal, Avraham, Avigdor, Ouriel, Gaby, Yossi, Yoram are other essential references in the library of Hebrew names for little boy.
Hebrew first names with beautiful meanings
For little girls, the magnificent name Chirel celebrates art and joy since it literally means “song of God” (or “poem of God”). In an equally touching register, Ava (or its variant Hava) is an absolute symbol of tenderness and origin, meaning “life” or “giving life” (often associated with original maternal love), while the poetic Shana brings a positive note with her translation of “beautiful” and “splendid”. On the boys’ side, the very popular Nathan remains a sure bet, bringing a notion of deep gratitude with his magnificent meaning of “gift from God”. To accompany him, the warm David, timeless throughout the ages, carries a message of universal affection since it translates as “the beloved”. Finally, to celebrate nature and the earthly paradise, the first name Eden remains an ideal choice, directly referring to the famous “Garden of Eden”, a place of delights, peace and original purity.
What are the rarest Hebrew names?
For a baby boy, if you are aiming for a rare Hebrew name, you can choose Méir, Réouven, Yabhir, Ovadia, Nissim, Eitan, or even Itamar. The Boaz and the Liron are also first names rarely given, the first refers to the idea of speed, the second evokes the idea of a gift, of joy. In the list of original options for naming a boy, we also find Doron, which shares its etymology with Liron.
But among girls too, there are many rare first names of Hebrew origin : Abraham’s niece bears the first name Yiskaevoking an animal, the gazelle, and therefore the idea of speed and freedom. Vered is an original first name for a girl, it means “rose” in Aramaic. Furthermore, Moses had a wife with an unusual first name; Tsipora. Finally, the first names Rina, Shira, Guila, Irit, Dit, Lévona, Nava, or even Ouriella (which means “light of god”), are ways to name your baby girl in a unique way, with Hebrew inspiration.
Mixed Hebrew first name: which one to give to a little girl or a little boy?
In Hebrew first names, we find a magnificent list of mixed options, which you can give to a little girl, as well as to a little boy. There is of course Joanwhich can be written as Johan. Or even Yael, Noa, Noah, Noam, which are very pretty mixed Hebrew names. Jessie (god is watching), Ellie (sun shine), Adriel, Ariel (lion of god), Lior (laurel wreath) are other ways of naming a child without distinction of gender: girl or boy, it works for both!
