At a Glance
- Meaning
- Soul, living being, self
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- NEH-fesh
Nephesh is a Hebrew name meaning “soul, living being, self”. It appears in our list of 150+ Baby Names That Mean Life — Vibrant, Vital, and Full of Energy.
Meaning & Origin of Nephesh
Meaning: Soul, living being, self.
Origin: Hebrew.
A common claim: Living soul, breath Actually: Nephesh means 'soul/living being,' not literally 'breath' -- 'breath' more precisely translates ruach or neshamah, related but distinct Hebrew words.
How to Pronounce Nephesh
NEH-feshIPA /ˈnɛfɛʃ/
Popularity of Nephesh
Nephesh doesn’t appear in U.S. Social Security birth records, which include every name given to at least five babies in a year — so it’s rare in the U.S.
Lists That Include Nephesh
Similar Names
Caoimhe · Ruach · Spirit · Pneuma · Beathag · Atma
