13126 Judaism Baby Names To Honor Your Tradition

Jewish names that echo the spirit of tradition.

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Last Updated on Aug 2, 2024

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Judaism baby names are often rooted in Hebrew and have an exotic and timeless appeal. Jewish families follow specific traditions when choosing names for their children, practices that vary widely between different Jewish communities. In the Ashkenazi community of European ancestry, children are named after a deceased relative. They believe that a person’s name and soul are interconnected and that it would bring bad luck to name a child after a living person. Typically, a child is named after the closest deceased relative without a namesake in the immediate family. In contrast, among the Sephardic community of Spanish and Middle Eastern ancestry, it is common to name a child after a living relative, specifically following a traditional order. The first son is usually named after the father’s father, the second son after the mother’s father, the first daughter after the father’s mother, and the second daughter after the mother’s mother. Subsequent children might be named after living siblings or relatives (1) (2). The traditions may differ, but one thing remains common – naming the children after an admired family member. It’s their way of honoring them and keeping their memories alive.

Parents who do not want to name their children after relatives opt for Biblical names. They pick names of characters whose stories and personalities resonate with them. Additionally, a child born during days of significance such as the Passover or Purim might be given names such as Pesach and Ester, respectively.

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to naming a child in Judaism, except one–every child must be given two names, a traditional Hebrew name and a secular name for everyday use. The secular name corresponds to the traditional name and could even be its anglicized version. If you’re looking for a meaningful Judaism name for your child, peruse the list given below. We have both traditional and secular Judaism names for you. These names are not just labels but carry stories and legacies that will enrich your child's identity.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Olivia	Girl	Peace; Olive tree
Liam	Boy	Strong-willed warrior
Oliver	Boy	Olive tree planter
James	Boy	Supplanter
Benjamin	Boy	Son of the right hand; Son of the south
Isabella	Girl	God is my oath
Lucas	Boy	Bringer of light
Mia	Girl	Mine; Dear; Darling
Jack	Boy	God is gracious; Healthy; Supplanter
Levi	Boy	Joined; Attached; United

Jackson	Boy	Son of Jack
Mateo	Boy	God's gift
Michael	Boy	Who is like God
Ethan	Boy	Enduring; Firm; Strong
Penelope	Girl	Weaver
Jacob	Boy	May God protect; Holder of the heel; Supplanter
Asher	Boy	Happy; Blessed; Someone who lived by an ash tree or ash grove
Mila	Girl	Gracious; Dear
Nora	Girl	Light; Bright; Honorable
Joseph	Boy	He will add; Praise

David	Boy	Beloved; Uncle
Ellie	Girl	God is my light; My God is an oath; Torch
Leo	Boy	Lion
Lily	Girl	Lily; Purity; Innocence
Luke	Boy	Bringer of light
Nova	Girl	New star
Grace	Girl	Goodness; Generosity
Matthew	Boy	God's gift
Ezra	Boy	Helper
Isaac	Boy	He will laugh

Luca	Boy	Bringer of light
Hannah	Girl	Grace; Favor; God has favored me
Leah	Girl	Weary; Tired
Maverick	Boy	Independent person who avoids conformity
Josiah	Boy	Jehovah supports
Caleb	Boy	Dog; Brave; Devoted to God; Whole-hearted
Lillian	Girl	Lily; Purity
Miles	Boy	Gracious; Merciful
Naomi	Girl	Pleasantness; Beautiful
Natalie	Girl	Born on Christmas

Nathan	Boy	Gift of God; God has given
Nolan	Boy	One who shouts or howls
Aaliyah	Girl	Ascending; Highborn; Exalted; Sublime; Lofty
Aaron	Boy	Exalted; High mountain
Madelyn	Girl	Of Magdala; Tower
Bella	Girl	Beautiful; God is my oath
Landon	Boy	Long hill
Natalia	Girl	Born on Christmas
Jameson	Boy	Son of James; Supplanter
Nevaeh	Girl	Heaven

Leonardo	Boy	Brave lion
Jose	Boy	God will give; He will add
Lydia	Girl	Woman from Lydia
Nicholas	Boy	People's victory
Eva	Girl	To breathe; To live; Mother of life; Full of life
Parker	Boy	Keeper of the park; Cultivated land
Madeline	Girl	Of Magdala; High Tower
Piper	Girl	Pipe player
Peyton	Girl	Fighting man's estate; Warrior's town
Adam	Boy	Son of the Earth; Formed of earth; Red; One from the soil

Liliana	Girl	Lily; Purity; Innocence
Micah	Boy	Who is like God
Luka	Boy	From Lucania; Light
Evan	Boy	Yahweh is gracious; God is gracious; Youth; Born from the yew tree
Maeve	Girl	One who rules or intoxicates
Milo	Boy	A merciful soldier
Elliana	Girl	My God has answered; Sun; Light of favor
Mary	Girl	Beloved; Exalted; Sea of bitterness; Wished-for child
Nathaniel	Boy	Gift of God
Lorenzo	Boy	From Laurentum

Lucia	Girl	Light
Zachary	Boy	Yahweh has remembered
Adriel	Boy	Flock of God
Norah	Girl	Honor; Respect; Shining light; Sunrays
Maxwell	Boy	Dweller by the great stream
Matteo	Boy	God's gift
Malachi	Boy	My angel; Messenger of God
Elliott	Boy	The Lord is my God
Jesus	Boy	The Christian God; To save; Yahweh is salvation
Ariella	Girl	Lioness of God

Messiah	Boy	Savior; Anointed
Ada	Girl	Noble; First-born girl; Island; Adornment; Ornament;
Olive	Girl	Olive trees
Judah	Boy	Praise; To be praised; Thanksgiving
Molly	Girl	Sea of bitterness; Rebelliousness; Wished-for child
Nicolas	Boy	Victory of the people
Miguel	Boy	Who is like God
Abel	Boy	Breath; Vapor; Son; Noble; Strength; Fortitude
Abraham	Boy	Father of multitudes; Father of nations; High father; Crossing; Passage
Noelle	Girl	Birth

Londyn	Girl	A river that is too wild to cross
Dawson	Boy	Son of David; Beloved; Uncle
Aliyah	Girl	Exalted; Sublime; Ascent
Joel	Boy	Yahweh is God
Patrick	Boy	Nobleman
Peter	Boy	Rock; Stone
Lilly	Girl	Lily; Pure; Innocence
Lila	Girl	Playful; Dark beauty
Oscar	Boy	Deer loving one; Friend of deer
Lukas	Boy	Illumination; Light

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Judaism, a monotheistic religion, has been around for thousands of years and is followed by millions worldwide. Inspired by biblical stories, Talmudic teachings, and modern ideas, Judaism baby names capture hearts and represent Jewish identity. In addition to familial and biblical ties, some names reflect positive qualities or character traits such as strength, wisdom, and gratitude. These names represent the hopes and dreams parents have for their children's futures and also stand as lasting symbols of faith, hope, and community.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do Judaism baby names differ from Hebrew baby names?

Judaism baby names and Hebrew baby names are closely related, but they are not identical. Hebrew baby names are derived from the Hebrew language and are often found in the Hebrew Bible. These names are used explicitly in the religious context and differ from one’s secular name. In contrast, Judaism baby names encompass a broader range of names that may include Hebrew names and also those from other languages and cultures that Jewish communities have adopted over centuries. For instance, Channah, a form of Hannah, meaning ‘favor’ or ‘grace,’ is a common Hebrew name, while Charna, meaning ‘black,’ is a Judaism name with Yiddish origins.

2. Are there any famous historical figures with Jewish baby names?

Numerous renowned historical figures have proudly borne Jewish baby names. For instance, David, which signifies ‘beloved’ or ‘uncle,’ is linked with King David, the eminent ruler of Israel during the 10th century BC. Similarly, Esther, meaning ‘star’ or ‘hidden,’ is famously associated with Queen Esther, the Jewish wife of the king of Persia.

3. What are some Judaism baby names that mean ‘peace?’

Names such as the biblical Absalom and its Polish and French variant Absalon, meaning ‘my father is peace,’ are associated with peace. Another example is the Hebrew name Gaufridus, which means ‘the God of peace.’

4. Are there any literary or mythological Judaism baby names?

Yes, the Hebrew name Judith is associated with the main character of the apocryphal Book of Judith. Another example is the Hebrew name Miriam, which is associated with the prophetess and the sister of Moses and Aaron in the Bible. Miriam is known for introducing the tradition of celebratory singing and dancing in praise of God.

Infographic: Divine-Inspired Jewish Baby Names

Some Judaism baby names have biblical connections and hold spiritual significance. Choosing such a name for your child honors tradition and ensures you imbue a sense of faith and purpose in your child’s life. Explore this infographic to find the perfect name rooted in the Jewish faith.

judaism baby names associated with divinity

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

Jewish Naming Customs.
https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Jewish_Naming_Customs
What to Expect at a Baby Naming.
https://reformjudaism.org/what-expect-baby-naming

Look Up For Many More Names

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