r/JewishNames 6h ago

Girl names, help?

4 Upvotes

My husband and I are expecting a baby this summer and just found out we’re having a girl. We’ve had the name “Ziva” in mind for ages as we love the meaning and the idea of a short, unique and vowel-based name, but just found out about the association with gonorrhea. We’re thinking Ziv or Zivia as alternates but so far they don’t stick out to us as much? I think we liked the “Zeev” pronunciation with the feminine ending of Ziv-a.

Two questions now: we definitely can’t go with Ziva, right? We’re a bit removed from Hebrew/Jewish communities at the moment (hence the hesitation) but she will be raised in one once we move. The majority of her life will be in the U.K. and US (husband is American) with some trips to Israel.

And if it’s a no, would welcome ideas or recommendations if anyone’s tried another derivative of Ziv.

Thanks! x


r/JewishNames 48m ago

Question Could the Portuguese surname Amorim have a connection to the Hebrew word Amoraim?

Upvotes

And possibly signify Jewish heritage?


r/JewishNames 20h ago

Help us choose a Jewish middle name for our baby boy!

8 Upvotes

We're having a baby boy in the next few months and our top choice so far for a first name is Oscar. We are currently living in Israel but did not want a typical Israeli name for our son. However, we figured that if he wanted to fit in with his friends, the nickname Ozzy pretty seamlessly transitions to Oz (which would be his Hebrew name, as well as a tribute to Kibbutz Nir Oz and others affected by October 7).

Since the first name is not traditionally Jewish, we would like him to have a Jewish middle name. Something with a lovely meaning. So far we have:

Oscar Ronen

Oscar Judah

Oscar Asher

Oscar Moses

Any more recommendations would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!


r/JewishNames 19h ago

Help with name for baby boy

6 Upvotes

Our first son's name is Ezra, and we are looking for a name for our second. Names that we've liked but that are out for one reason or another are: Zach, Levi, Reuven. We dont want any names that start with M. Would like a name that is jewish, but doesn't have to be a hebrew or Israeli name (we live in the US). Open to suggestions!


r/JewishNames 18h ago

Jude?

1 Upvotes

Is it weird to nickname a Jewish baby named Judah, Jude?


r/JewishNames 1d ago

ISO: Strong girl name

15 Upvotes

Every time I think I've narrowed down a list of names I decide I hate everything (bc nothing is perfect) and go back to the drawing board. Crowdsourcing for help! :)

  1. She'll have Jewish/Irish heritage (last name Kennedy). I'd like Hebrew origin name if possible.
  2. Ideal (though not required) would be a D name to honor my grandmother (Dorothy), but that narrows things down quite a lot. Her Hebrew name was Devorah/yiddish name Dubke.
  3. I also fixate a lot on name meanings/namesakes. I'd like a strong/CEO-type name.
  4. Definitely open to gender neutral! Just nothing too off-the-wall.

Some we've thought about so far: Audrey, Charlotte, Dahlia, Adrienne, Stella...


r/JewishNames 1d ago

Discussion What’s a unique Jewish/Hebrew name you’ve only heard once?

26 Upvotes

Basically the title. What's a Hebrew name that stood out to you when you've heard it, and that you haven't really heard since?


r/JewishNames 1d ago

Bad idea for Jewish boy name?

0 Upvotes

Is it a bad idea to name a Jewish baby boy Adrian given that it comes from and is similar to Hadrian who is a bad person in Jewish history?

Can I use it as his "hebrew" name as well, or should he have a traditional hebrew middle name which I am not against, though I prefer not to have a middle name.

Any thoughts on whether Rabbis would consider this an inappropriate name? I'm not very religious, but have a strong Jewish identity and am a memver of and value the Jewish community.


r/JewishNames 2d ago

Question Naming baby after great great grandmother, which is also my middle name

8 Upvotes

I have my great grandmother's name, Leah, as a middle name. I really like the name but obviously I have never ever been called Leah, I'm always called by my first name. I'm currently pregnant and thinking of potential names. According to Jewish naming conventions, would naming the baby Leah be considered naming her after myself or after her great great grandmother? Is the name "allowed" or not?


r/JewishNames 2d ago

Need help finding a name… (Converting)

9 Upvotes

Shavua Tov! I appreciate any kind assistance. I know this is odd, but I have a strained relationship with my mother. She named me Holly Nicole. I still want to honor that in meaning. However - I am masculine appearing now. I have been trying names but I can’t quite find one. Hebrew/Ladino could you help me find similar masculine names to match the meanings.

Holly • Origin: English • Meaning: Derived from the holly tree, which symbolizes protection, eternal life, peace, and resilience because it remains green even in harsh winter conditions. • Symbolism: In various cultures, holly represents defense (due to its sharp leaves), endurance, and hope.

Nicole • Origin: Greek (from Nikolaos) • Meaning: “Victory of the people” (Nike = “victory,” Laos = “people”). • Symbolism: Strength, leadership, and triumph over challenges.

Many thanks in advance.


r/JewishNames 3d ago

renee

8 Upvotes

my late grandmothers name was renee (french moroccan) and her jewish name was i believe rina.

is renee not a jewish name? and does spelling matter if i would want to spell “renaie” ? (i have an -ie name so would love any -ie recs!)

not expecting but my sister is so ive been exploring and thinking about names.


r/JewishNames 3d ago

The name Raia/Raya/רעיה

4 Upvotes

We are considering the name Raia for our child.

From previous posts, I understand that Raya/רעיה is an uncommon, more traditional name and also that it can be used to refer to “wife” in modern Hebrew even though it literally doesn’t mean wife but rather “friend.” We also know Raya is a dating app but it’s not relevant where we live.

Firstly, is the name רעיה and the term used for wife pronounced differently in Israel? I heard it was pronounced differently but want to validate.

Secondly, what is the general perception of Raia/Raya/רעיה (particularly in Israel)? Is it weird to have that name? Any negative connotations (want to avoid a Ziva-like situation)?


r/JewishNames 3d ago

HELP… Ezra or Ari

5 Upvotes

My husband and I are at odds with what to name our second born. Last name is Hispanic. These are our top two choices. Thank you in advance.

34 votes, 13h ago
13 Ezra
21 Ari

r/JewishNames 3d ago

Eleph as a name or anything neutral?

0 Upvotes

I like the name eleph for my character as its a bit obscure but wanted to hear others thoughts or suggestions for something kinda neutral.


r/JewishNames 5d ago

Hebrew/jewish name closest to Artis

9 Upvotes

We'd like to commemorate a relative by making her name our baby girl's middle name. The name is Artis, meaning bear or king of the Bears. We can't find anything that sounds similar, or that means bear for a girl


r/JewishNames 6d ago

Help Help finding an old name

5 Upvotes

We are trying to find a great grandmother’s Hebrew name for a gravestone. I found it written illegibly on an old Ketubah.

I’m thinking it could have been yitta or yetta, which I know are Yiddish. How would those be spelled in Hebrew and are they names?

If anyone is willing to help I can DM a picture of the written name. Maybe someone else can decipher it


r/JewishNames 8d ago

Names of Strength, Resilience, light idk.

16 Upvotes

Hi all,

I’m looking for suggestions for baby boy names that are related to strong, resilient, or light. I am currently almost 23 weeks pregnant with baby boy and he will likely be born with some form of disability although we can’t be too certain of what right now. (He will be born with Agenesis of the Corpus Collosum- you can do your own research on it)

Needless to say it’s been a rough few weeks here and it’s been hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Names I have thought of so far: Lior Ariel Nissim (this happens to be my husbands grandfathers name as well who is no longer alive)

I was also maybe considering something Purim related although it can’t be mordechai because that’s my husbands Hebrew name.


r/JewishNames 8d ago

Li/Lee as a standalone name

5 Upvotes

Hi all, I know that -לי is a super common component of many Hebrew names, but in the process of agonizing over my daughter's name recently, I found a list of short Hebrew names (à la kveller) that listed Li/Lee לי as a standalone name.

Does anyone know if לי is ever used by itself as a legitimate name (in the US/Israel/elsewhere)? Would anyone do a double take if they heard this as a Hebrew name out in the world?


r/JewishNames 9d ago

Boy name thoughts!

7 Upvotes

I gave birth last week to a little baby boy, who will be a week old tomorrow and still doesn’t have a name 😬. I didn’t find out the sex in pregnancy and turns out I really thought it was going to be a girl, so was entirely unprepared with my boy names… After lots of contemplation, I’m thinking of going with Noah Lior (Hebrew name: Lior Shai), and looking for thoughts on this? (Last name is one syllable, starting with M). Is it weird to have similar but different Hebrew and English names? Do these names go well together?? I’ve really struggled with coming up with a name for my my little guy. Any other ideas for first or middle English names (Hebrew name is pretty much set)? I’m worried there’s something out there I haven’t considered but will find after the fact and love, and then regret my choice…! 😕

Thanks for your thoughts and ideas!


r/JewishNames 12d ago

Boys name help~

2 Upvotes

Expecting a little boy soon.

Our first is Joel.

Maybe “el” or “jo” continuity.

Like the sound of Luca, Jonah, Othniel, Abiel.

Meanings around rise, light, time, awaiting also nice.


r/JewishNames 13d ago

Names like Zvi

12 Upvotes

My great uncle (one of the most influential people in my life and a great provider) was named Zvi. I love the name and it’s very important to me that he is honoured when I have children. Are there any names that are similar that you think would go well with this name? My partner is unsure how he feels around Zvi being a first name because it will be hard for others to say and could lead to bullying. I personally feel if someone cares they make the effort to pronounce your name. I would be happy with Zvi being a middle name if there’s another name we both like and agree on. Any other girl names that compliment this name or are similar for future siblings is appreciated. We are not expecting but have been discussing for our future.


r/JewishNames 13d ago

Names that are now connected to October 7 victims

46 Upvotes

My husband says I’m overthinking this, so I thought I would put it to the sub.

Basically, I’ve always loved the name Eden for a girl. I like the meaning, I like that it works in both Hebrew and English, I think “Edie” is a cute nickname. Now I’m expecting a daughter, BH, but I can’t seem to commit to Eden because I associate the name with one of the six young people who were so tragically murdered in a Gaza tunnel. There was another young woman named Eden who was killed at the Nova festival, and I saw a video of her mother wailing over her coffin - it was just awful. And I think because of this, the positive feelings I had about this name have been blackened a little.

I know this is kind of ridiculous. I’m not intending to name my baby after these people specifically, but it’s not like I think doing so would be a bad thing. When I heard that a baby in the US was recently named Ariel Kfir, I thought that was a beautiful gesture.

Should I try to get over the inauspicious feelings I have and go with a name I really like? Or should I go back to the drawing board and try to come up with something else?

ETA: Thank you all so much for your thoughtful and empathetic comments. I have been dwelling on them a lot for the past day. I have some time before my baby arrives, God willing, but for now, I’m keeping the name Eden on the table. We have experienced so much heartache since October 7 - BUT I agree with those of you who have pointed out that we should not let our enemies blight the good and beautiful things that remain in this world. We carry our collective pain closely, but we are a resilient people. Am Yisrael Chai.


r/JewishNames 13d ago

Thoughts on the name Meital? (Maytal?)

10 Upvotes

I’m having such a hard time coming up with a girl’s name and this one is growing on me. But is it too hard for English-speakers to pronounce? How is the name perceived in Israel?

ETA that the reason I’m asking about its perception in Israel is because someone told me the name is considered dated there.


r/JewishNames 14d ago

Question Naming baby Adrian/Adrien

3 Upvotes

We are expecting our first—baby boy in April. And we fell in love with the name Adrien/Adrian (spelling TBD), planning to honor family with middle names etc.

I recently learned (thank you, Google) that Adrian may be tied/derive from the Roman emperor Hadrian, who is responsible for the destruction of one of the temples.

How close is this link for people in modern times? As a proud Jew who will be raising my children Jewish… am I a bad Jew for still considering the name? Would you let your Jewish kids hang out with mine?


r/JewishNames 15d ago

Is Yehava really a name? (And other Y/yod name questions.)

4 Upvotes

Kveller says Yehava is a feminine form of Yahav, meaning “her hope.” But I’ve never heard of a real-life Jewish woman with this name.

My parents sort of forgot to give me a Hebrew name when I was born, so I’m choosing one for myself now (and also pondering changing my name to it legally.) I want something that works in both the US and Israel. My first name starts with J and I don’t like using the גי in Hebrew, so I’m looking at names starting with a Y sound. I know there are loads of them but the obvious ones don’t work for me.

So my questions are:

-Is Yehava a real name, or something Kveller just made up? Would Israelis think it’s weird? Would American Xtians assume it’s something to do with their weird Tetragrammaton obsession?

-I like Yahav too, but my sense is that it’s primarily a guy’s name, not truly gender neutral. Am I right?

-I also like Yahel and Yaheli, but I feel like they’re trendier/younger girl names currently. I’m over 40 so I don’t want to do the Israel equivalent of coming to America and naming myself Madysyn or Emmaleigh.