200+ Beautiful Hebrew Baby Girl Names (With Meanings)

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Hebrew is one of the oldest languages still spoken today, and that history shows up directly in its names — most began as ordinary words or phrases long before they were used as names, which is part of why they tend to carry real meaning instead of just a pleasant sound. This list moves from names rooted in the Torah to newer Israeli names that have only recently made their way into English-speaking nurseries. However you’re searching — by sound, by meaning, or by era — you’ll find plenty of options below.

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Popularity below is calculated from Social Security Administration data through 2024, the most recent year on record.

Here’s what’s in store –

Classic Biblical Names That Have Never Gone Out of Style

Soft and Floral: Names That Sound Like Springtime

Strong and Fierce: Names for Girls Who Will Not Be Overlooked

Sweet and Short: Hebrew Names Under Five Letters

Israeli Modern Names: Fresh from Contemporary Hebrew

Names That Mean Light, Sky, or Stars

Names With Deep Spiritual Meaning

Names From the Psalms and Poetry

Names Shared With Other Cultures (Hebrew Roots, Global Reach)

Rare and Underused: Hebrew Gems Worth Rediscovering

What makes Hebrew names so enduring is their specificity. These aren’t vague, impressionistic names. Abigail means “my father’s joy.” Miriam means “sea of bitterness” — and she still led women in song after crossing the Red Sea. Tirzah means “pleasantness” and was a beloved city. The meanings are earned, storied, sometimes complicated. That feels right for a person you’re about to name.

This list spans the full range — soft and floral, bold and warrior-like, short and punchy, long and lyrical. Some are top-ten staples you’ll recognize immediately. Others are rare gems that haven’t made it to most American nurseries yet. All 200+ are real, accurately sourced Hebrew names with correct meanings and origins.

Whether you’re Jewish and want to honor tradition, or you simply love names that mean something, this is a solid place to spend some time.

Classic Biblical Names That Have Never Gone Out of Style

These are the Hebrew names that shaped Western naming culture — names borne by prophets, queens, and matriarchs. They’ve been in continuous use for thousands of years for a reason.

Sarah

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: SAIR-ah · ˈsɛrə
Meaning: lady, princess
Popularity: #95 and falling (#91 → #95, 2024)

The original matriarch; still feels quietly regal without being heavy-handed.

Rachel

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: RAY-chul · ˈreɪtʃəl
Meaning: ewe (female sheep)
Popularity: #247 and rising (#254 → #247, 2024)

Jacob’s beloved wife; sweet, soft, and perpetually fresh.

Rebecca

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: ruh-BEK-uh · rəˈbɛkə
Meaning: to bind or tie firmly
Popularity: #342 and falling (#315 → #342, 2024)

Energetic and determined, just like the biblical Rebecca who ran to water a stranger’s camels.

Leah

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: LEE-ah · ˈliːə
Meaning: uncertain; possibly linked to a Proto-Semitic root for ‘wild cow’; popularly read as ‘weary’
Popularity: #53, holding steady (2024)

Underrated; the honest sibling in an overhyped pair with Rachel.

Miriam

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: MEER-ee-um · ˈmɪriəm
Meaning: bitter (disputed, alt. ‘rebellion’)
Popularity: #251 and falling (#248 → #251, 2024)

Moses’s sister; the first named female prophet in the Bible.

Deborah

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: DEB-ur-ah · ˈdɛbərə
Meaning: bee
Popularity: #852 and rising (#968 → #852, 2024)

Prophetess and military leader; strong without being severe.

Ruth

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: ROOTH · ˈruːθ
Meaning: possibly ‘companion’ (the Hebrew root is uncertain)
Popularity: #172 and rising (#187 → #172, 2024)

The loyalty of Ruth is legendary — still one of the most meaningful names you can give.

Naomi

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: nay-OH-mee · neɪˈoʊmi
Meaning: pleasant, agreeable
Popularity: #44, holding steady (2024)

Ruth’s mother-in-law; climbed back into mainstream use and feels both retro and current.

Esther

Origin: Hebrew (Biblical), root disputed
Pronunciation: ES-ter · ˈɛstər
Meaning: star
Popularity: #131 and rising (#138 → #131, 2024)

The queen who saved her people; mysterious and luminous.

Hannah

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: HAN-ah · ˈhænə
Meaning: favor or grace, from a root meaning ‘to be gracious’
Popularity: #52 and falling (#48 → #52, 2024)

Warm, classic, impossible to dislike.

Abigail

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: AB-ih-gayl · ˈæbɪɡeɪl
Meaning: my father’s joy
Popularity: #32 and falling (#31 → #32, 2024)

A top-ten regular, and for good reason — it’s genuinely beautiful.

Dinah

Origin: Hebrew (Biblical)
Pronunciation: DY-nah · ˈdaɪnə
Meaning: judged or vindicated
Popularity: #3,895 and falling (#3,782 → #3,895, 2024)

One of the lesser-known biblical women; quiet and strong.

Tamar

Origin: Hebrew (biblical)
Pronunciation: TAY-mar · ˈteɪmɑːr
Meaning: date palm / palm tree (from the date fruit)
Popularity: #2,374 and rising (#2,550 → #2,374, 2024)

Twice a heroine in the Bible; graceful and underused in English-speaking homes.

Judith

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: JOO-dith · ˈdʒuːdɪθ
Meaning: woman from Judea (a Jewish woman)
Popularity: #832 and rising (#905 → #832, 2024)

Slew a general to save her city; one of the great warrior names of antiquity.

Bathsheba

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: bath-SHEE-buh · bæθˈʃiːbə
Meaning: daughter of the oath (by wordplay on ‘sheva, ‘ also read as ‘daughter of seven’)
Popularity: #13,700 as of 2023 — not currently in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Unusual but striking; shortened to Sheba for something softer.

Jael

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: JAY-el · ˈdʒeɪəl
Meaning: mountain goat, ibex
Popularity: #1,470 and rising (#1,588 → #1,470, 2024)

Another warrior — drove a tent peg through the enemy general. Bold, earthy, rare.

Zilpah

Origin: Hebrew (biblical)
Pronunciation: ZIL-pə · ˈzɪlpə
Meaning: uncertain; Hebrew root disputed
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

One of the lesser-cited biblical women; unusual and ancient-sounding.

Huldah

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: HUHL-duh · ˈhʌldə
Meaning: weasel (or mole)
Popularity: #14,059 as of 2023 — not currently in the U.S. Social Security rankings

A female prophet in 2 Kings; rarely used today but genuinely historic.

Michal

Origin: Hebrew (biblical name, a distinct spelling from Michael)
Pronunciation: mee-KAHL · miˈkɑːl
Meaning: Who is like God?
Popularity: #3,612 and rising (#3,686 → #3,612, 2024)

Saul’s daughter and David’s wife; sharp, distinctive, used in Israel today.

Mahlah

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: MAH-lah · ˈmɑːlə
Meaning: Sickness, or forgiveness
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

One of the five daughters of Zelophehad who successfully lobbied Moses for inheritance rights.

Noa

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: NOH-ah · ˈnoʊə
Meaning: movement, motion
Popularity: #253 and rising (#298 → #253, 2024)

One of those same five daughters; now a hugely popular Israeli girl’s name.

Tirzah

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: TUR-zah · ˈtɜːrzə
Meaning: pleasant; delightful (biblical: daughter of Zelophehad)
Popularity: #3,939 and rising (#3,974 → #3,939, 2024)

A beloved city in the Bible and a personal name; sounds surprisingly modern.

Puah

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: POO-uh · ˈpuː.ə
Meaning: possibly ‘splendid’ or ‘young woman’ (disputed)
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

One of the two Hebrew midwives who defied Pharaoh; heroic and rare.

Shiphrah

Origin: Hebrew (biblical)
Pronunciation: SHIF-ruh · ˈʃɪfrə
Meaning: beauty; pleasantness
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

The other midwife who defied Pharaoh; almost never used but historically significant.

Athaliah

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: ath-uh-LY-uh · ˌæθəˈlaɪə
Meaning: Yahweh is exalted (exact derivation disputed)
Popularity: #2,657 and rising (#4,755 → #2,657, 2024)

A queen of Judah — polarizing historically, but the name itself is striking.

Soft and Floral: Names That Sound Like Springtime

These Hebrew names have a lighter, airier quality — often ending in vowel sounds, often tied to nature or light. They lean lyrical.

Aviva

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: ah-VEE-vah · ɑːˈviːvə
Meaning: spring, springtime
Popularity: #1,800 and rising (#1,922 → #1,800, 2024)

Joyful and bouncy; enormously popular in Israel and gaining traction in the US.

Nira

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: NEE-ruh · ˈniːrə
Meaning: plowed field, furrow
Popularity: #7,139 and falling (#5,502 → #7,139, 2024)

Simple and radiant; almost unused in the US, well-known in Israel.

Talia

Origin: Hebrew (also used as a variant of Thalia or short form of Natalia)
Pronunciation: TAH-lee-ah · ˈtɑːliə
Meaning: dew from/of God
Popularity: #270 and falling (#264 → #270, 2024)

Lyrical and soft; feels like a name for a poet.

Shira

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: SHEER-ah · ˈʃɪrə
Meaning: song; poetry; singing
Popularity: #2,337 and rising (#2,777 → #2,337, 2024)

Elegant and musical; widely used in Israel, still rare and special in America.

Ora

Origin: Latin (variant of Aura); a distinct Hebrew name Ora/Orah also exists
Pronunciation: OR-uh · ˈɔːrə
Meaning: breeze (as a form of Aura); the separate Hebrew name means ‘light’
Popularity: #3,474 and rising (#3,567 → #3,474, 2024)

Three letters, one syllable, one meaning — pure and luminous.

Orna

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: OR-nuh · ˈɔːrnə
Meaning: likely ‘pine/cedar tree’ (feminine form of Oren)
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Slight variant on Ora; richer in texture.

Liora

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: lee-OR-ah · liˈɔːrə
Meaning: my light
Popularity: #1,638 and rising (#1,829 → #1,638, 2024)

More expansive than Ora; lyrical and warm.

Noga

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: NOH-gah · ˈnoʊɡə
Meaning: brightness; also the Hebrew name for the planet Venus
Popularity: #11,833 and rising (#13,091 → #11,833, 2024)

The name of a celestial body (Noga = Venus in Hebrew); quietly beautiful.

Zahava

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: zah-HAH-vah · zɑːˈhɑːvə
Meaning: golden, gold-colored
Popularity: #3,947 and rising (#5,243 → #3,947, 2024)

Warm, sun-drenched; the Hebrew version of the name Goldie.

Zahavit

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: zah-hah-VEET · zahaˈvit
Meaning: little golden one (diminutive of Zahava)
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

More diminutive and tender than Zahava.

Ilana

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: ih-LAH-nah · ɪˈlɑːnə
Meaning: tree
Popularity: #2,463 and falling (#2,293 → #2,463, 2024)

Strong and graceful at once; used in Israel and scattered through diaspora communities.

Ayla

Origin: Turkish
Pronunciation: AY-lah · ˈeɪlə
Meaning: halo around the moon (moonlight)
Popularity: #69 and rising (#105 → #69, 2024)

Crossed from Israeli Hebrew into wide use; soft and beautiful.

Levana

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: leh-VAH-nuh · ləˈvɑːnə
Meaning: moon (from Hebrew lavan, ‘white’)
Popularity: #7,411 and rising (#7,860 → #7,411, 2024)

Pale, luminous, ancient — one of the loveliest lesser-known Hebrew names.

Nitzah

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: neet-ZAH · niˈtsa
Meaning: blossom, bud
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Fresh and bright; rarely heard outside Israel.

Perach

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: PEH-rahkh · ˈpɛʁaχ
Meaning: flower
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Slightly more formal than Nitzah; botanical and beautiful.

Shoshana

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: shoh-SHAH-nuh · ʃoʊˈʃɑːnə
Meaning: Hebrew word for ‘lily’ (sometimes read as ‘rose’), the same root as the name Susan/Susannah
Popularity: #1,796 and falling (#1,665 → #1,796, 2024)

The original form behind Susanna and Susan; rich and aromatic.

Varda

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: VAR-dah · ˈvaʁ.da
Meaning: rose
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Vardina

Origin: Hebrew (diminutive of Varda)
Pronunciation: var-DEE-nuh · vɑːrˈdiːnə
Meaning: little rose
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Diminutive of Varda; tender and sweet.

Carmela

Origin: Spanish/Galician (form of Carmel)
Pronunciation: kar-MEL-uh · kɑːrˈmɛlə
Meaning: vineyard of God (form of Carmel)
Popularity: #1,155 and rising (#1,453 → #1,155, 2024)

Warm Mediterranean feel; the name of the mountain Carmel in Israel.

Carmel

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: KAR-mel · ˈkɑːrməl
Meaning: vineyard of God
Popularity: #4,782 and rising (#8,570 → #4,782, 2024)

Simpler than Carmela; evocative of rolling Israeli hillsides.

Adina

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: ah-DEE-nah · ɑːˈdiːnə
Meaning: gentle, delicate
Popularity: #1,376 and rising (#1,399 → #1,376, 2024)

Soft and fine-boned; used by men in the Bible but girls in modern times.

Aliza

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: uh-LEE-zuh · əˈliːzə
Meaning: joyful
Popularity: #659 and rising (#661 → #659, 2024)

Bright and energetic; a beautiful alternative to the more common Eliza.

Simcha

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: SIM-khuh
Meaning: joy, gladness
Popularity: #2,050 and rising (#2,269 → #2,050, 2024)

Traditionally gender-neutral; occasionally used as a girl’s name for something genuinely joyful.

Rina

Origin: multiple origins
Pronunciation: REE-nah · ˈriːnə
Meaning: a multi-origin name: ‘song’/’joy’ in Hebrew, ‘melted/dissolved’ in Sanskrit, kanji-dependent in Japanese, and a short form of Katherine-type names (Caterina, Katharina, Ekaterina) in Europe
Popularity: #2,372 and rising (#2,457 → #2,372, 2024)

Short, bright, immediate; common in Israel and occasionally heard in the US.

Ronit

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: roh-NEET · roʊˈniːt
Meaning: song, joy
Popularity: #10,670 and falling (#6,754 → #10,670, 2024)

Israeli feminine form of Ron; musical and modern.

Strong and Fierce: Names for Girls Who Will Not Be Overlooked

Hebrew has a whole tradition of warrior women, prophetesses, and leaders. These names carry that energy.

Devorah

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: deh-VOR-uh · dɪˈvɔːrə
Meaning: Bee
Popularity: #1,416 and rising (#1,535 → #1,416, 2024)

The original spelling of Deborah; the prophetess who led Israel into battle.

Giborah

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: gee-bor-AH · ɡiboˈʁa
Meaning: Strong, heroic woman
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Rarely used as a given name but rooted in the Hebrew word for heroine.

Malkah

Origin: Hebrew (variant spelling of Malka)
Pronunciation: MAHL-kah · ˈmɑːlkə
Meaning: queen (variant spelling of Malka)
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Unapologetically regal; less common than Malka but equally beautiful.

Malka

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: MAHL-kah · ˈmɑːlkə
Meaning: queen
Popularity: #986 and rising (#1,056 → #986, 2024)

Direct and strong; a staple of Ashkenazi communities.

Adira

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: ah-DEER-ah · əˈdɪrə
Meaning: mighty, strong
Popularity: #1,366 and falling (#1,353 → #1,366, 2024)

Powerful without being aggressive; increasingly used in modern nurseries.

Amira

Origin: Arabic
Pronunciation: ah-MEER-ah · əˈmɪərə
Meaning: princess (feminine of amir, ‘prince/commander’)
Popularity: #136 and falling (#131 → #136, 2024)

Soft but authoritative; crossing over from Israeli use to American popularity.

Gevurah

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: geh-voo-RAH · ɡəvuˈʁa
Meaning: Strength, might
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

One of the Kabbalistic sefirot; rarely a given name but deeply resonant.

Yardena

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: yar-DEH-nah · jaʁˈde.na
Meaning: feminine form of Yarden (‘Jordan’); traditionally linked to the root for ‘descend/flow down’
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Flowing and strong; feminine form of Jordan.

Tzipporah

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: tsih-POH-rah · tsɪˈpɔːrə
Meaning: bird
Popularity: #6,352 and rising (#11,089 → #6,352, 2024)

Moses’s wife; bold and unusual, sometimes simplified to Zipporah.

Zipporah

Origin: Hebrew (biblical)
Pronunciation: zih-POR-uh · zɪˈpɔːrə
Meaning: bird
Popularity: #2,916 and falling (#2,644 → #2,916, 2024)

English transliteration of Tzipporah; rare and historically significant.

Aziza

Origin: Arabic/Hebrew
Pronunciation: ah-ZEE-zah · ɑːˈziːzə
Meaning: beloved, precious (feminine form of Aziz)
Popularity: #2,924 and falling (#2,445 → #2,924, 2024)

Warm and strong at once; crossing between cultures.

Chava

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: KHAH-vuh · ˈxɑːvə
Meaning: life, living one
Popularity: #1,415 and rising (#1,712 → #1,415, 2024)

The original form of Eve; powerful in its simplicity.

Channah

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: KHAH-nuh · ˈxɑːnə
Meaning: favor, grace
Popularity: #11,285 and falling (#6,988 → #11,285, 2024)

The original spelling of Hannah; used in traditional Jewish communities.

Nechama

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: neh-KHAH-mah · nəˈxɑːmə
Meaning: comfort, consolation
Popularity: #1,571 and rising (#1,573 → #1,571, 2024)

Given to girls born after loss; profound and tender.

Rivka

Origin: Hebrew/Yiddish
Pronunciation: RIV-kah · ˈrɪvkə
Meaning: to bind or tie together (a variant of Rebecca)
Popularity: #710 and rising (#733 → #710, 2024)

Yocheved

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: yoh-KHEH-ved · joʊˈxɛ.vɛd
Meaning: the LORD is glory
Popularity: #2,398 and rising (#2,672 → #2,398, 2024)

Moses’s mother; rarely used as a given name but deeply historic.

Penina

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: peh-NEE-nuh · pɛˈniːnə
Meaning: pearl
Popularity: #4,619 and rising (#7,170 → #4,619, 2024)

Elkanah’s second wife in Samuel; polished and enduring.

Peninnah

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: peh-NIN-uh · pəˈnɪnə
Meaning: coral or pearl
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Variant spelling; equally lovely.

Atara

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: ah-tah-RAH · əˈtɑːrə
Meaning: crown
Popularity: #3,384 and rising (#3,769 → #3,384, 2024)

Dignified and rare; a beautiful alternative to the more common Tiara.

Keren

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: KEH-ren · ˈkɛrən
Meaning: ray of light (from the Hebrew word for ‘horn’)
Popularity: #2,174 and falling (#1,972 → #2,174, 2024)

Keren literally means “horn” in Hebrew, extended to mean “ray” of light — “strength” isn’t part of the literal meaning.

Keziah

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: kuh-ZY-uh · kəˈzaɪə
Meaning: cassia (a fragrant spice tree)
Popularity: #865 and rising (#1,052 → #865, 2024)

Another of Job’s daughters; aromatic, unusual, striking.

Jemimah

Origin: Hebrew (variant spelling of Jemima)
Pronunciation: juh-MY-muh · dʒəˈmaɪmə
Meaning: dove
Popularity: #4,693 and rising (#5,303 → #4,693, 2024)

Yael

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: yah-ELL · jɑːˈɛl
Meaning: mountain goat, ibex
Popularity: #1,600 and falling (#1,517 → #1,600, 2024)

The woman who slew Sisera; fierce and earthy, growing in popularity.

Netzach

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: NET-sahkh · ˈnɛtsɑːx
Meaning: eternity / victory
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

A Kabbalistic concept; occasionally used as a bold given name.

Sweet and Short: Hebrew Names Under Five Letters

Sometimes the most powerful names are the most minimal. These Hebrew names are short, clean, and completely unforgettable.

Dina

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: DEE-nuh · ˈdiːnə
Meaning: judged, vindicated
Popularity: #1,334 and falling (#1,155 → #1,334, 2024)

Clean English form of Dinah; short and strong.

Leia

Origin: Dual: Hebrew (variant of Leah) / modern coinage (Star Wars)
Pronunciation: LAY-ah · ˈleɪə
Meaning: in some languages a variant of Hebrew Leah (‘weary/languid’); its main modern use in English stems from the Star Wars character, chosen for sound
Popularity: #290 and falling (#211 → #290, 2024)

Ada

Origin: Germanic or Hebrew (dual origin)
Pronunciation: AY-dah · ˈeɪdə
Meaning: noble (or ‘ornament, ‘ dual root)
Popularity: #193 and falling (#178 → #193, 2024)

Also ties to Germanic roots; ancient and minimal.

Tova

Origin: Hebrew (also a Scandinavian variant of Tove)
Pronunciation: TOH-vah · ˈtoʊvə
Meaning: good
Popularity: #2,684 and falling (#2,075 → #2,684, 2024)

Tali

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: TAH-lee · ˈtɑːli
Meaning: my dew (from tal ‘dew’ plus the Hebrew possessive suffix ‘-i’)
Popularity: #3,492 and falling (#2,842 → #3,492, 2024)

Informal diminutive of Talia; short and sweet.

Gal

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: GAHL · ɡɑːl
Meaning: wave
Popularity: #11,401 and falling (#8,629 → #11,401, 2024)

Beautifully minimalist; gender-neutral in Israel, occasionally used for girls.

Bar

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: BAHR · bɑːr
Meaning: a Hebrew word with layered senses — ‘grain,’ ‘pure’ (poetic/biblical), or ‘son (of),’ as in Aramaic-style patronymics
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Rising in Israel as a gender-neutral name; unusual in the US.

Lior

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: LEE-or · ˈliːɔːr
Meaning: my light
Popularity: #5,216 and rising (#6,300 → #5,216, 2024)

Used for both boys and girls; radiant and brief.

Dor

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: DOHR · dɔːr
Meaning: generation
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Rare and spare; one of those names that feels ancient and new at once.

Adi

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: ah-DEE · ɑːˈdiː
Meaning: jewel, ornament
Popularity: #6,616 and falling (#5,751 → #6,616, 2024)

Popular in Israel; sounds like Addie but is fully its own name.

Nili

Origin: Hebrew (acronym)
Pronunciation: NEE-lee · ˈniːli
Meaning: acronym: ‘the Eternal One of Israel will not lie’ (1 Samuel 15:29)
Popularity: #6,311 and rising (#7,941 → #6,311, 2024)

Used as a girl’s name in Israel; charged with meaning.

Gila

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: GEE-lah · ˈɡiːla
Meaning: joy, rejoicing
Popularity: #10,520 and falling (#7,773 → #10,520, 2024)

Simple, warm, occasionally seen in diaspora communities.

Lila

Origin: Arabic, Sanskrit
Pronunciation: LY-lah · ˈlaɪlə
Meaning: night (Arabic, via Layla) or play/charm (Sanskrit līlā), depending on origin
Popularity: #207 and rising (#213 → #207, 2024)

Dova

Origin: Hebrew (feminine form of Dov)
Pronunciation: DOH-vah · ˈdoʊvə
Meaning: bear
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Unusual for girls; the feminine form of Dov.

Pnina

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: pnee-NAH · pniˈna
Meaning: pearl
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Compressed form of Penina; used in Israel and traditional communities.

Alma

Origin: Latin (disputed)
Pronunciation: AL-muh · ˈælmə
Meaning: nourishing, kind
Popularity: #472 and falling (#461 → #472, 2024)

Dual-origin name; the Hebrew meaning is “young woman.”

Rena

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: RAY-nuh
Meaning: joyous song (variant spelling of Rina)
Popularity: #2,705 and falling (#2,045 → #2,705, 2024)

Variant of Rina; equally warm and brief.

Israeli Modern Names: Fresh from Contemporary Hebrew

These names are in active use in Israel today — some have started crossing over to American ears, others are still almost entirely Israeli. All are beautiful.

Shaked

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: shah-KHED · ʃɑːˈxɛd
Meaning: almond (tree)
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Feels botanical and contemporary; a favorite in modern Israeli families.

Maayan

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: MY-ahn · ˈmaɪɑːn
Meaning: spring, fountain
Popularity: #6,523 and rising (#6,822 → #6,523, 2024)

Flowing and natural; occasionally shortened to Maya.

Agam

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: ah-GAHM · ɑːˈɡɑːm
Meaning: lake, pond
Popularity: #8,931 and rising (#12,208 → #8,931, 2024)

Unusual and watery; gender-neutral in Israel, occasionally used for girls.

Inbar

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: een-BAHR · inˈbɑːr
Meaning: amber
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Sapir

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: sah-PEER · saˈpiːʁ
Meaning: sapphire (the gemstone)
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

The gemstone name in Hebrew; richer and more unusual than the English version.

Yarden

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: yar-DEN · jaʁˈden
Meaning: the Jordan River; the river’s name is traditionally linked to the Hebrew root for ‘descend/flow down’
Popularity: #10,763 as of 2023 — not currently in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Israeli feminine form; strong and flowing.

Ofri

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: ohf-REE · ofˈʁi
Meaning: my fawn, my young deer (from Hebrew ofer ‘young deer’)
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Tender and slightly unusual; used in Israel but rare elsewhere.

Libi

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: LEE-bee · ˈliːbi
Meaning: my heart
Popularity: #6,049 and rising (#6,078 → #6,049, 2024)

Intimate and warm; a term of endearment that became a given name.

Rotem

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: ROH-tem · ˈroʊtɛm
Meaning: white broom (a desert shrub)
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

A desert shrub associated with the prophet Elijah; spare and elemental.

Nuphar

Origin: Hebrew (from a word for water lily)
Pronunciation: noo-FAHR · nuːˈfɑːr
Meaning: yellow water lily
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Botanical and beautiful; almost unknown outside Israel.

Einav

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: ay-NAHV · eɪˈnɑːv
Meaning: Grape eye, or grape
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Unusual and sensory; evocative of vineyards.

Dafna

Origin: Hebrew (form of Greek Daphne)
Pronunciation: DAF-nuh · ˈdafnə
Meaning: laurel tree
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Hebrew form of Daphne; more rooted-feeling than the Greek version.

Dalya

Origin: Hebrew (variant spelling of Dalia)
Pronunciation: DAHL-yuh · ˈdɑːljə
Meaning: branch
Popularity: #9,671 and rising (#11,411 → #9,671, 2024)

Botanical and graceful.

Nitzan

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: neet-ZAHN · niˈtsan
Meaning: flower bud, blossom
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

The moment just before a flower opens; hopeful and fresh.

Liron

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: lee-ROHN · liˈroʊn
Meaning: my song, my joy
Popularity: #13,402 and falling (#13,289 → #13,402, 2024)

Gender-neutral in Israel; musical and warm.

Stav

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: STAHV · stɑːv
Meaning: autumn
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

The Hebrew word for autumn as a given name; unusual and evocative.

Anat

Origin: Hebrew / ancient Canaanite (Semitic)
Pronunciation: uh-NAHT · əˈnɑːt
Meaning: name of an ancient Canaanite/Semitic goddess of war and fertility; deeper root uncertain
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Ancient Canaanite goddess name absorbed into Hebrew culture; strong and lyrical.

Dror

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: DROR · drɔːr
Meaning: freedom (also the Hebrew word for sparrow)
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Tehila

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: teh-hee-LAH
Meaning: praise, hymn of praise (from Hebrew halal, ‘to shine, to praise’)
Popularity: #3,740 and falling (#3,265 → #3,740, 2024)

Deeply meaningful; used in religious communities.

Hodaya

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: hoh-dah-YAH · hoʊdɑːˈjɑː
Meaning: Thanksgiving to God
Popularity: #6,231 and rising (#8,214 → #6,231, 2024)

Spiritual and joyful; a favorite in observant Israeli families.

Avigayil

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: ah-vee-GUY-il · ˌɑːviːˈɡaɪɪl
Meaning: father’s joy
Popularity: #5,306 and falling (#5,013 → #5,306, 2024)

Original Hebrew form of Abigail; used in traditional communities.

Names That Mean Light, Sky, or Stars

Hebrew has a rich tradition of luminous names — connected to dawn, stars, radiance, and the divine light. These names feel celestial without being made-up.

Zohar

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: ZOH-hahr · ˈzoʊhɑːr
Meaning: splendor, radiance
Popularity: #12,113 and rising (#15,164 → #12,113, 2024)

Also the name of the central Kabbalistic text; luminous and profound.

Zohara

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: zoh-HAH-ruh · zoʊˈhɑːrə
Meaning: radiant, shining (feminine form of Zohar)
Popularity: #9,515 and falling (#8,047 → #9,515, 2024)

Feminine form of Zohar; equally radiant.

Shachar

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: shah-KHAR · ʃɑːˈxɑːr
Meaning: dawn
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

The first light of morning; gender-neutral but used for girls.

Shacharit

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: shah-khah-REET · ʃɑːxəˈriːt
Meaning: the Jewish morning prayer service
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

More overtly feminine; deeply meaningful in Jewish practice.

Kochava

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: koh-khah-VAH · koʊxəˈvɑː
Meaning: star (feminine form of kochav)
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Direct and celestial; rarely heard in the US.

Ayelet

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: ah-yeh-LET · aɪˈjɛlɛt
Meaning: doe (young female deer)
Popularity: #5,027 and falling (#3,475 → #5,027, 2024)

‘Morning star’ comes from the biblical phrase ‘Ayelet HaShachar’ (‘doe of the dawn,’ Psalm 22), not from the literal meaning of the name Ayelet itself, which is simply ‘doe.’

Tzafra

Origin: Hebrew (from Aramaic)
Pronunciation: tsahf-RAH · tsafrɑː
Meaning: morning
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Rare and dawn-touched.

Ofakim

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: oh-fah-KEEM · ofaˈkim
Meaning: horizons (from Hebrew ofek ‘horizon’)
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Unusual; evokes the edge of the sky.

Nehara

Origin: Aramaic
Pronunciation: neh-hah-RAH · nɛhaˈra
Meaning: light, brightness
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Flowing and luminous.

Barak

Origin: Hebrew (also a transliteration of an Arabic-rooted name)
Pronunciation: buh-RAHK · bəˈrɑːk
Meaning: lightning (Hebrew, biblical); the same spelling also transliterates an unrelated Arabic name meaning ‘blessed’
Popularity: #5,247 and rising (#8,331 → #5,247, 2024)

More commonly a boy’s name; occasionally used for bold girls.

Bareket

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: bah-REH-ket · baˈʁekɛt
Meaning: emerald (gemstone), from a root also connoting flash/lightning
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Gemstone and light at once.

Rakia

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: rah-KEE-uh · rɑːˈkiːə
Meaning: sky, firmament
Popularity: #18,926 as of 2012 — not currently in the U.S. Social Security rankings

The word used in Genesis for the expanse of sky; sweeping and majestic.

Names With Deep Spiritual Meaning

These names are directly tied to Jewish spiritual practice, Kabbalistic ideas, or divine attributes. They carry profound weight.

Emunah

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: eh-moo-NAH · ʔɛmuˈna
Meaning: Faith
Popularity: #4,577 and falling (#3,788 → #4,577, 2024)

One of the most foundational Jewish values as a given name.

Batya

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: BAHT-yah · ˈbɑːtjə
Meaning: God’s daughter
Popularity: #4,895 and rising (#5,991 → #4,895, 2024)

Pharaoh’s daughter who saved Moses; beautiful and deeply meaningful.

Batsheva

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: baht-SHEH-vah · batˈʃɛva
Meaning: daughter of the oath (by wordplay on ‘sheva, ‘ also read as ‘daughter of seven’)
Popularity: #2,097 and rising (#2,176 → #2,097, 2024)

A variant form of Bathsheba; used in observant communities.

Bracha

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: brah-KHAH · braˈχa
Meaning: Blessing
Popularity: #2,009 and rising (#2,109 → #2,009, 2024)

Direct and meaningful; a common traditional name.

Tzivya

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: TSIV-yah · ˈtsɪvjɑː
Meaning: gazelle (feminine form related to Tzvi/Zvi, deer/gazelle)
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Elegant creature; occasionally seen in observant communities.

Tzipora

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: tsih-POH-rah · tsɪˈpɔːrə
Meaning: bird
Popularity: #3,004 and rising (#3,082 → #3,004, 2024)

Alternate spelling of Tzipporah; light and free.

Shabbetai

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: shah-beh-TY · ˌʃɑːbəˈtaɪ
Meaning: of the Sabbath / born on the Sabbath
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Rarely a given name, but occasionally seen; tied to rest and holiness.

Menucha

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: meh-NOO-khuh · məˈnuːxə
Meaning: Rest, tranquility
Popularity: #5,374 and falling (#4,326 → #5,374, 2024)

The peace of Shabbat as a name.

Ahava

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: ah-HAH-vah · ɑːˈhɑːvə
Meaning: love
Popularity: #5,289 and falling (#4,364 → #5,289, 2024)

Chesed

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: KHEH-sed · ˈχɛsɛd
Meaning: loving-kindness
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Tiferet

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: tih-FEH-ret · tiˈfɛrɛt
Meaning: beauty, splendor
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

The central sefirah in Kabbalah; cosmic beauty as a name.

Binah

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: BEE-nuh · ˈbiːnə
Meaning: understanding, insight (also a Kabbalistic concept)
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Chochma

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: KHOKH-mah · ˈxɔːxmɑː
Meaning: wisdom
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

The sefirah of wisdom; profound and rare as a given name.

Rachamim

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: rah-khah-MEEM · ʁaxaˈmim
Meaning: mercy, compassion
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

More commonly used as a boy’s name in Sephardic communities; occasionally given to girls.

Shechinah

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: sheh-khee-NAH · ˌʃɛxiːˈnɑː
Meaning: the dwelling presence of God
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

The indwelling presence of God; rare but deeply resonant.

Tzedakah

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: tseh-dah-KAH
Meaning: righteousness, extended to mean charitable giving
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

A core Jewish value; unusual as a given name but deeply meaningful.

Tovah

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: TOH-vuh · ˈtoʊvə
Meaning: good
Popularity: #6,881 and falling (#6,384 → #6,881, 2024)

Full form of Tova; direct and warm.

Names From the Psalms and Poetry

The Hebrew Bible’s poetry — especially Psalms, Song of Songs, and Proverbs — generated some of the most beautiful names in the language.

Hadas

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: hah-DAHS · hɑːˈdɑːs
Meaning: myrtle (tree)
Popularity: #11,547 as of 2023 — not currently in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Hadassah

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: huh-DASS-ah · həˈdæsə
Meaning: myrtle (tree)
Popularity: #532 and rising (#612 → #532, 2024)

Full form of Hadas; the original name of Esther.

Tirtzah

Origin: Hebrew (variant spelling of Tirzah)
Pronunciation: TEER-tsah · ˈtɪərtsə
Meaning: pleasant; ‘she is my delight’ (same as Tirzah)
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Named in Song of Songs as beautiful as Jerusalem.

Yaffa

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: YAH-fah · ˈja.fa
Meaning: beautiful
Popularity: #10,202 and rising (#12,127 → #10,202, 2024)

Direct translation; used in Israel as a given name.

Nava

Origin: Hebrew/Arabic (also Persian)
Pronunciation: NAH-vuh · ˈnɑːvə
Meaning: beautiful, lovely (Hebrew/Arabic); tune, melody (Persian)
Popularity: #2,677 and falling (#2,347 → #2,677, 2024)

From “nava” in poetic contexts; elegant and rare.

Ahuvah

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: ah-hoo-VAH · ˌɑːhuːˈvɑː
Meaning: beloved
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

From the poetry of love songs; warm and tender.

Dovah

Origin: Hebrew (feminine form of Dov)
Pronunciation: DOH-vah · ˈdoʊvə
Meaning: bear
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Occasionally used; earthy and strong.

Aluma

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: ah-loo-MAH
Meaning: sheaf (of grain)
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

From the Joseph narrative; rare and evocative.

Shirah

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: SHEER-ah · ʃɪərə
Meaning: song
Popularity: #14,851 as of 2020 — not currently in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Zimra

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: ZEEM-ruh · zimˈʁa
Meaning: song, melody
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Musical and rare; occasionally seen in Sephardic families.

Negina

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: neh-gee-NAH · nɛɡiˈna
Meaning: melody, music
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Musical and gentle.

Tefila

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: teh-fee-LAH · təfiˈla
Meaning: prayer
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Deep and spiritual; occasionally used as a name.

Names Shared With Other Cultures (Hebrew Roots, Global Reach)

These are Hebrew names that have traveled — into Arabic, Greek, Latin, and eventually English — while retaining their Hebrew essence.

Susanna

Origin: Hebrew (via Greek Sousanna), ultimately an Egyptian word for the lotus flower
Pronunciation: soo-ZAN-ah · suːˈzænə
Meaning: lily (traditional gloss); root ultimately denotes the lotus flower
Popularity: #1,360 and falling (#1,291 → #1,360, 2024)

The Greek form of Shoshana; elegant and timeless.

Elizabeth

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: ih-LIZ-uh-beth · ɪˈlɪzəbəθ
Meaning: my God is an oath
Popularity: #17 and falling (#15 → #17, 2024)

One of the most traveled Hebrew names in history.

Elisheva

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: el-ih-SHEV-ah · ˌɛlɪˈʃɛvə
Meaning: my God is an oath (Hebrew form of Elizabeth)
Popularity: #2,386 and rising (#2,498 → #2,386, 2024)

The original form of Elizabeth; used in traditional Jewish communities.

Rebekah

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: ri-BEK-ah · rɪˈbɛkə
Meaning: to bind or tie (variant spelling of Rebecca)
Popularity: #877 and rising (#1,005 → #877, 2024)

The more traditional English spelling; weighty and beautiful.

Salome

Origin: Hebrew (via Greek)
Pronunciation: suh-LOH-mee · səˈloʊmi
Meaning: peace
Popularity: #952 and rising (#1,113 → #952, 2024)

Tabitha

Origin: Aramaic
Pronunciation: TAB-i-thuh · ˈtæbɪθə
Meaning: gazelle
Popularity: #1,519 and falling (#1,504 → #1,519, 2024)

From the New Testament; a gentle, unusual choice.

Magdalene

Origin: Hebrew (via Aramaic/Greek Magdala)
Pronunciation: MAG-duh-leen · ˈmæɡdəliːn
Meaning: woman from Magdala (a town whose name means ‘tower’)
Popularity: #1,419 and rising (#1,530 → #1,419, 2024)

Mary Magdalene; the place name became a personal name.

Mara

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: MAR-ah · ˈmɑːrə
Meaning: bitter
Popularity: #588 and falling (#582 → #588, 2024)

Naomi’s chosen name after her losses; raw and honest.

Lilith

Origin: Hebrew/Akkadian (disputed)
Pronunciation: LIL-ith · ˈlɪlɪθ
Meaning: linked to Lilitu, an ancient Mesopotamian night/storm demon
Popularity: #256 and falling (#232 → #256, 2024)

Adam’s legendary first wife; fierce, dark, fully reclaimed.

Eden

Origin: Hebrew (boys’ use sometimes from an unrelated English surname)
Pronunciation: EE-den · ˈiːdən
Meaning: traditionally glossed ‘delight,’ referencing the biblical Garden of Eden; some scholars trace the underlying word to a Sumerian term for ‘steppe/plain’ instead
Popularity: #72 and rising (#77 → #72, 2024)

The garden as a name; soft and universal now.

Ariel

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: AIR-ee-el · ˈɛriəl
Meaning: lion of God
Popularity: #299 and falling (#287 → #299, 2024)

Originally male; completely accepted as a girl’s name now.

Michaela

Origin: Hebrew (Latinate feminine form of Michael, popularized via Portuguese/Spanish Micaela)
Pronunciation: mih-KAY-lah · mɪˈkeɪlə
Meaning: who is like God?
Popularity: #743 and falling (#637 → #743, 2024)

Gabriella

Origin: Hebrew (Italian form)
Pronunciation: gab-ree-EL-ah · ˌɡæbriˈɛlə
Meaning: God is my strength
Popularity: #106 and falling (#89 → #106, 2024)

The feminine of Gabriel; musical and strong.

Raphael/Rafaela

Origin: Hebrew (feminine form of Raphael)
Pronunciation: RAF-ay-el · ˈræfeɪəl
Meaning: healed by God (feminine form of Raphael)
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

More often a boy’s name but used for girls in Spanish-speaking cultures.

Natalia/Natanielle

Origin: Latin/Hebrew (combined entry)
Pronunciation: nuh-TAL-yuh · nəˈtæljə
Meaning: born on Christmas day (Natalia) / God has given (Natanielle) — two distinct names
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Feminine form of Nathaniel.

Daniela

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: dan-YEL-uh · dænˈjɛlə
Meaning: feminine form of Daniel: ‘God is my judge’
Popularity: #279 and falling (#252 → #279, 2024)

Feminine form of Daniel; strong and widely used.

Rare and Underused: Hebrew Gems Worth Rediscovering

These names exist in Hebrew texts and tradition but have almost disappeared from active use. Each one is worth reconsidering.

Ahinoam

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: uh-HIN-oh-am · əˈhɪnoʊæm
Meaning: my brother is pleasant (a Hebrew compound of ‘brother’ and ‘pleasantness’)
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

One of David’s wives; unusual but genuinely beautiful.

Basemath

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: BAS-uh-math · ˈbæsəmæθ
Meaning: fragrance, spice
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Esau’s wife; aromatic and rare.

Iscah

Origin: Hebrew (Biblical)
Pronunciation: IZ-kuh · ˈɪzkə
Meaning: one who looks forth (traditional Hebrew gloss)
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Abraham’s niece; almost never used.

Keturah

Origin: Hebrew (Biblical: Abraham’s second wife)
Pronunciation: kuh-TOOR-uh · kəˈtʊərə
Meaning: incense, fragrance
Popularity: #3,460 and rising (#3,547 → #3,460, 2024)

Abraham’s second wife; fragrant and unusual.

Maacah

Origin: Hebrew (biblical name, precise root disputed)
Pronunciation: MAY-ah-kuh · ˈmeɪəkə
Meaning: Oppression, or land of depression
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Used by several women in the Bible despite the meaning.

Mehetabel

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: meh-HET-uh-bel · mɛˈhɛtəbɛl
Meaning: favored by God
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Milcah

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: MIL-kuh · ˈmɪlkə
Meaning: queen (from the Hebrew root for ‘to rule’)
Popularity: #10,780 and rising (#10,877 → #10,780, 2024)

Abraham’s niece; elegant and rarely used.

Rizpah

Origin: Hebrew (Biblical)
Pronunciation: RIZ-pah · ˈrɪzpə
Meaning: hot stone / coal (also glossed as ‘pavement’)
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

A concubine of Saul; her act of devotion is one of the most moving in the Bible.

Serah

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: SAIR-uh · ˈsɛərə
Meaning: abundance / excess
Popularity: #7,510 and rising (#8,410 → #7,510, 2024)

Asher’s daughter; mentioned as surviving to see the Exodus.

Shelomith

Origin: Hebrew (biblical)
Pronunciation: SHEL-oh-mith · ˈʃɛləmɪθ
Meaning: peace; peaceful one
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

A female leader mentioned in Chronicles.

Shimeath

Origin: Hebrew (biblical)
Pronunciation: SHIM-ee-ath · ˈʃɪmiːæθ
Meaning: fame; renown; report
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Rare and ancient.

Timna

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: TIM-nah · ˈtɪmnə
Meaning: restraint, withholding
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

A princess of Edom; rare and strong.

Zeruah

Origin: Hebrew (biblical)
Pronunciation: zə-ROO-ə · zəˈruːə
Meaning: afflicted, leprous (from a disputed ancient Hebrew root)
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Jeroboam’s mother; rarely used but ancient.

Zeruiah

Origin: Hebrew (biblical)
Pronunciation: zə-ROO-yə · zəˈruːjə
Meaning: uncertain; possibly related to a Hebrew word for balm/resin
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

David’s sister and mother of Joab; fierce by proxy.

Abiah

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: uh-BY-uh · əˈbaɪə
Meaning: God is my father
Popularity: #12,130 and falling (#11,167 → #12,130, 2024)

Used for both sexes in the Bible; rarely heard now.

Achsah

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: AK-suh · ˈæksə
Meaning: Ankle bracelet
Popularity: #10,249 and rising (#13,467 → #10,249, 2024)

Caleb’s daughter who boldly asked for land; rare and spirited.

Bilhah

Origin: Hebrew (biblical)
Pronunciation: BIL-hah · ˈbɪlhɑː
Meaning: traditionally read as ‘timid’ or ‘troubled’ (biblical handmaid of Rachel)
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Rachel’s handmaid; rarely used today.

Helah

Origin: Hebrew (rare biblical name)
Pronunciation: HEE-luh · ˈhiːlə
Meaning: rust, or ornament (traditional biblical-name gloss, root uncertain)
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings

Mentioned in Chronicles; unusual.

Naamah

Origin: Hebrew
Pronunciation: nah-AH-mah · nɑːˈɑːmə
Meaning: pleasant, lovely
Popularity: #10,794 and rising (#13,046 → #10,794, 2024)

Oholibah

Origin: Hebrew (biblical)
Meaning: my tent is in her
Popularity: Not in the U.S. Social Security rankings