Hebrew Names from the Bible

The majority of the names in the Bible originate from the Hebrew language. Over half of the 2800 names in the Bible are original personal names. For example, there is only one Abraham in the Bible. Only about 5% of the names found in the Bible are used today. 

Alfred Kolatch, in his book "These are the Names," organizes Biblical names into seven categories:

1. Names describing the characteristics of a person.
2. Names influenced by the experiences of the parents.
3. Names of animals.
4. Names of plants or flowers.
5. Theophoric names with G-d's name either as a prefix or suffix.
6. Conditions or experiences of mankind or the nation.
7. Names which express hope for the future or a desired condition.

Modern Israeli Names

While many Israeli parents give their children names from the Bible, there are also many new and creative modern Hebrew names used in Israel today. Shir means song. Gal means wave. Gil means joy. Aviv means spring. Noam means pleasant. Shai means gift. Jewish parents in the Diaspora might find a Hebrew name for their newborn from among these modern Israeli Hebrew names.

Finding the Right Name for Your Child

So what is the right name for your child? An old name or new name? A popular name or unique name? An English name, a Hebrew name, or both? Only you and your partner can answer this question.

Talk to those around you, but by no means allow others to name your child. Be very up front with the belief that you are merely asking for advice or suggestions.

Listen to the names of other children in your circles, but think about the popularity of the names you are hearing. Do you want your son to be the third or fourth Jacob in his class?

Go to the public library, and check out some name books. Here are some Hebrew Name books:

• Best Baby Names for Jewish Children, by Alfred J. Kolatch
• What to Name Your Jewish Baby, by Anita Diamant

In the end you will have heard many names. While finding the name you want before the birth is a good idea, do not fear if you have not narrowed your choices down to a single name as your due date approaches. Looking in your baby's eyes and getting to know their personality can help you to pick the most fitting name for your child.

Next page > Hebrew Names for Boys > Page 1, 2, 3, 4

~ Lisa Katz and ~ Robin Elise Weiss

Back to Jewish Lifecycle Events

More Articles