11894 Judaism Baby Names To Honor Your Tradition

Jewish names that echo the spirit of tradition.

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Last Updated on Aug 2, 2024

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Judaism baby names are often rooted in Hebrew and have an exotic and timeless appeal. Jewish families follow specific traditions when choosing names for their children, practices that vary widely between different Jewish communities. In the Ashkenazi community of European ancestry, children are named after a deceased relative. They believe that a person’s name and soul are interconnected and that it would bring bad luck to name a child after a living person. Typically, a child is named after the closest deceased relative without a namesake in the immediate family. In contrast, among the Sephardic community of Spanish and Middle Eastern ancestry, it is common to name a child after a living relative, specifically following a traditional order. The first son is usually named after the father’s father, the second son after the mother’s father, the first daughter after the father’s mother, and the second daughter after the mother’s mother. Subsequent children might be named after living siblings or relatives (1) (2). The traditions may differ, but one thing remains common – naming the children after an admired family member. It’s their way of honoring them and keeping their memories alive.

Parents who do not want to name their children after relatives opt for Biblical names. They pick names of characters whose stories and personalities resonate with them. Additionally, a child born during days of significance such as the Passover or Purim might be given names such as Pesach and Ester, respectively.

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to naming a child in Judaism, except one–every child must be given two names, a traditional Hebrew name and a secular name for everyday use. The secular name corresponds to the traditional name and could even be its anglicized version. If you’re looking for a meaningful Judaism name for your child, peruse the list given below. We have both traditional and secular Judaism names for you. These names are not just labels but carry stories and legacies that will enrich your child's identity.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Olivia	Girl	Peace; Olive tree
Liam	Boy	Strong-willed warrior; Protector; Guardian; My nation; My people
James	Boy	Supplanter
Benjamin	Boy	Son of the right hand; Son of the south
Isabella	Girl	God is my oath
Mia	Girl	Mine; Dear; Darling; Wished-for child; Sea of bitterness; Beloved; Rebelliousness
Evelyn	Girl	Life; Hazelnut; Lake; Beauty
Jack	Boy	God is gracious; Healthy; Supplanter
Levi	Boy	Joined; Attached; He will join
Gianna	Girl	God is gracious

Jackson	Boy	Son of Jack
Mateo	Boy	God's gift
Michael	Boy	Who is like God?
Ethan	Boy	Enduring; Firm; Strong
Scarlett	Girl	The color scarlet; Bright red; A person who sold or made clothes made of scarlet
Samuel	Boy	Name of God; God has heard
Jacob	Boy	May God protect; Holder of the heel; Supplanter
Asher	Boy	Happy; Blessed; Someone who lived by an ash tree or ash grove
Nora	Girl	Light; Bright; Honor; Dignity; Victorious
Joseph	Boy	He will add; Praise

David	Boy	Beloved; Uncle
Ellie	Girl	God is my light; My God is an oath; Torch
Matthew	Boy	God's gift
Ezra	Boy	Help
Isaac	Boy	He will laugh; He will rejoice; Laughter
Hannah	Girl	Grace; Favor; God has favored me
Leah	Girl	Weary; Tired; Cow
Josiah	Boy	Jehovah supports
Caleb	Boy	Dog; Brave; Devoted to God; Whole-hearted
Ezekiel	Boy	God will strengthen

Isaiah	Boy	Yahweh is salvation; God saves
Joshua	Boy	God is salvation
Nathan	Boy	Gift of God; God has given; He gave
Aaliyah	Girl	Ascending; Highborn; Exalted; Sublime; Lofty
Aaron	Boy	Exalted; High mountain
Madelyn	Girl	Of Magdala; Tower
Bella	Girl	Beautiful; God is my oath
Landon	Boy	Long hill
Jonathan	Boy	Gift of God
Sadie	Girl	Princess; Noblewoman

Jameson	Boy	Son of James; Supplanter
Jordan	Boy	To descend; To flow down
Jose	Boy	God will give; He will add
Sarah	Girl	Princess; Noblewoman
Eva	Girl	To breathe; To live; Mother of life; Full of life
Madeline	Girl	Of Magdala; High Tower
Adam	Boy	Son of the Earth; Formed of earth; Red; One from the soil
Micah	Boy	Who is like Yahweh?
Lyla	Girl	Night; Night beauty; Delicate; Sport; Drama; From the island
Evan	Boy	Yahweh is gracious; God is gracious; Youth; Born from the yew tree

Myles	Boy	Peaceful; Gracious; Soldier; Mill
Giovanni	Boy	God is gracious
Maeve	Girl	One who rules or intoxicates
Josie	Girl	God will give; God is gracious
Elliana	Girl	My God has answered; Sun; Light of favor
Mary	Girl	Beloved; Exalted; Sea of bitterness; Wished-for child
Nathaniel	Boy	Gift of God; God has given
Ximena	Girl	He has heard; Listening; Son
Jonah	Boy	Dove; Peaceful
Zachary	Boy	Yahweh has remembered; To remember

Isabel	Girl	God is my oath
Adriel	Boy	Flock of God
Juan	Boy	God is gracious; God is merciful; Yahweh is gracious
Matteo	Boy	God's gift
Malachi	Boy	My angel; Messenger of God
Elliott	Boy	The Lord is my God
Jesus	Boy	The Christian God; To save; Yahweh is salvation
Ariella	Girl	Lioness of God
Messiah	Boy	Savior; Anointed
Ada	Girl	Noble; First-born girl; Island; Adornment; Ornament;

Judah	Boy	Praise; To be praised; Thanksgiving
Molly	Girl	Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Wished-for child
Miguel	Boy	Who is like God
Abel	Boy	Breath; Vapor; Son; Noble; Strength; Fortitude
Sara	Girl	Lady; Princess; Noblewoman
Abraham	Boy	Father of multitudes; Father of nations; High father; Crossing; Passage
Dawson	Boy	Son of David; Beloved; Uncle
Aliyah	Girl	Exalted; Sublime; Ascent
Joel	Boy	Yahweh is god
Lilly	Girl	Lily; Pure; Innocence; My God is an oath

Nyla	Girl	Passion; Fury; Hero; Cloud
Annie	Girl	Grace; Favor
Israel	Boy	God contends
Rafael	Boy	God has healed
Rachel	Girl	Ewe; Female sheep
Kaleb	Boy	Devotion to God; Faithfulness; Bold; Whole; Heart
Simon	Boy	Hearing; Listening; Flat-nosed
Mark	Boy	Mars; God of war; Male; Warlike; Hammer; Defender
Kayla	Girl	Crown of laurels; Who is like god
Malia	Girl	Bitter; Star of the sea; A wished for child

Malakai	Boy	My messenger; My angel
Miriam	Girl	Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Beloved; Star of the sea
Maximus	Boy	Greatest; Supreme; Maximum; Eldest
Omar	Boy	Flourishing; Long-lived; Wealthy; Famous; Eloquent; Gifted
Lilith	Girl	Of the night
Annabelle	Girl	Favored grace
Tobias	Boy	Yahweh is good
Gia	Girl	God is gracious
Maggie	Girl	Pearl
Joanna	Girl	God is gracious

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Judaism, a monotheistic religion, has been around for thousands of years and is followed by millions worldwide. Inspired by biblical stories, Talmudic teachings, and modern ideas, Judaism baby names capture hearts and represent Jewish identity. In addition to familial and biblical ties, some names reflect positive qualities or character traits such as strength, wisdom, and gratitude. These names represent the hopes and dreams parents have for their children's futures and also stand as lasting symbols of faith, hope, and community.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do Judaism baby names differ from Hebrew baby names?

Judaism baby names and Hebrew baby names are closely related, but they are not identical. Hebrew baby names are derived from the Hebrew language and are often found in the Hebrew Bible. These names are used explicitly in the religious context and differ from one’s secular name. In contrast, Judaism baby names encompass a broader range of names that may include Hebrew names and also those from other languages and cultures that Jewish communities have adopted over centuries. For instance, Channah, a form of Hannah, meaning ‘favor’ or ‘grace,’ is a common Hebrew name, while Charna, meaning ‘black,’ is a Judaism name with Yiddish origins.

2. Are there any famous historical figures with Jewish baby names?

Numerous renowned historical figures have proudly borne Jewish baby names. For instance, David, which signifies ‘beloved’ or ‘uncle,’ is linked with King David, the eminent ruler of Israel during the 10th century BC. Similarly, Esther, meaning ‘star’ or ‘hidden,’ is famously associated with Queen Esther, the Jewish wife of the king of Persia.

3. What are some Judaism baby names that mean ‘peace?’

Names such as the biblical Absalom and its Polish and French variant Absalon, meaning ‘my father is peace,’ are associated with peace. Another example is the Hebrew name Gaufridus, which means ‘the God of peace.’

4. Are there any literary or mythological Judaism baby names?

Yes, the Hebrew name Judith is associated with the main character of the apocryphal Book of Judith. Another example is the Hebrew name Miriam, which is associated with the prophetess and the sister of Moses and Aaron in the Bible. Miriam is known for introducing the tradition of celebratory singing and dancing in praise of God.

Infographic: Divine-Inspired Jewish Baby Names

Some Judaism baby names have biblical connections and hold spiritual significance. Choosing such a name for your child honors tradition and ensures you imbue a sense of faith and purpose in your child’s life. Explore this infographic to find the perfect name rooted in the Jewish faith.

judaism baby names associated with divinity

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

Jewish Naming Customs.
https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Jewish_Naming_Customs
What to Expect at a Baby Naming.
https://reformjudaism.org/what-expect-baby-naming

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