Hebrew baby names are frequently used by Jewish and Christian families across the globe, and sometimes even in Islamic contexts, when names appear in both Jewish and Islamic holy texts. Hebrew names are often taken from the Torah or other sacred writings. The Torah is also holy in Christianity, because it is the first five books of the Old Testament. This means that many Christian baby names taken from the Old Testament are also Hebrew baby names.
Hebrew names often show adoration to God by adding the suffix –el (or a similar sound) or the suffix –iah (often –ias, as well). Names that show this adoration to God include Michael (like the Lord), Gabriel (God is my strength), Samuel (asked of God), Tobias (God is good), and Jeremiah (appointed by God). Other Hebrew baby names that exalt God include Jonathan (gift of God), Joel (God is willing), Josiah (God heals), and Matthew (gift of God). Some Hebrew baby names for girls that exalt the Lord include Adalia (God is my refuge), Adiel (ornament of God), Ariella (God’s lioness), Beth (the house of God), and Raphaella (healed by God, or divine healer).
Many names that come to English through Hebrew have been translated through other languages, including Greek, Latin, and Arabic. This is because the Bible was translated through these languages, and not translated directly from Hebrew to English, historically. This accounts for the colorful spelling and flavor of many Hebrew baby names.
Hebrew baby names that come from the Torah are associated with religious namesakes, such as Moses, Jacob, or Abraham. These names can also have more metaphorical meanings as well. For instance, Aaron is the name of Moses’ brother, but the name Aaron also means “exalted one.” David means “beloved one” but is also the name of the famous Israeli King in the Bible. Efrem, one of Joseph’s sons, means “fruitful.” Joshua means “God is salvation,” and is another famous religious Hebrew figure. Ruth, also a Hebrew historical figure, has a name that means “beautiful and compassionate.”
There are some unisex Hebrew baby names that would suit either baby girls or baby boys. Some examples of these unisex Hebrew baby names include Atarah (a crown), Yael (a wild goat or to ascend), Emmanuel (God is with us), Jesse (God’s gift), or Elisha (God is my salvation). Other names have both feminine and masculine equivalents, like Daniel/Danielle, which means God is my judge. The female form of David (the beloved one), is Davina. Joel (God is willing) becomes Joelle when it becomes a baby girl name.
The very popular girl’s name Mary has its origins in the Hebrew name Mara. Mara means bitter, as in bitterly wanted child. Though Mary is an English and Hebrew version of Mara, there are other Hebrew variations, including Mariah, Maria, Maree, Marla, Miriam, and Mariasha. In Jewish culture, however, the name Mary is not associated with the Virgin Mary as she is a Christian saint.
Sarah, another popular baby girl name, also comes from Hebrew, which means “a princess.” There are various Hebrew forms of the name Sarah, including Saria and Sariah. Watch your spelling, however, because Sarai means quarrelsome!
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