Rav Shraga Simmons
Aaron
Aaron was the first high priest, the brother of Moses. He is famous for "loving the world and striving for peace." Aaron in translation means “luminous”.
Abba
Abba means dad in Hebrew. This name gained popularity in the era of the Talmud. The most famous Abba is a Torah scholar who lived in the 4th century in Babylon. (Talmud. Berakhot, 24b).
Abraham
Abraham is the first forefather of the Jewish people. He devoted his life to spreading the knowledge of G-d on earth. Abraham is famous for his kindness. The meaning of his name is "father of many nations" (Genesis 17:5).
Adam
Adam is the first man. Adam had such wisdom that he could give names to animals, seeing the essence of each of them. "Adam saw from one end of the earth to the other."
Akiva
The famous Rabbi Akiva lived during the destruction of the Second Temple. He was a 40-year-old shepherd who did not even know the Hebrew alphabet. Once he saw a stone in which a gap had formed from the constant pressure of water. He thought: “If ordinary water can break through a stone, then even more so Torah - fire - can kindle my heart. Rabbi Akiva devoted his life to the study of Torah and became the greatest sage of his generation, who had 24,000 students.
Alexander
Jewish boys are named after Alexander the Great. The Talmud describes the meeting of the emperor with the high priest of the Jerusalem Temple Shimon. Seeing Shimon the high priest, Alexander the Great dismounted from his horse and bowed low. Later, Alexander the Great explained that before each battle he saw the image of Shimon, the high priest, whom he considered his guardian angel. After this episode, the Jewish sages decided that all babies born in this year (333 BC) should be given the name Alexander. Until now, this name remains quite popular among Jews.
Alter
Alter means "old" in Yiddish. Often a sick child was given such a name, wishing that he would live to old age.
Amos
Amos is one of the 12 minor prophets in the Tanakh. Amos is translated as "filled", meaning "filled with wisdom".
Amram
Amram is the father of Moshe, the leader of the Jewish people in the period before the Exodus from Egypt.
Ariel
"The Lion of the Most High" (Isaiah 29:1). Ariel is also another name for Jerusalem. It is also the name of an angel whose mission is to achieve peace. (Isaiah 33:7).
Arie
Arye is a lion, the king of beasts. It symbolizes perseverance and perseverance in fulfilling the commandments of the Almighty. Lion - a symbol of the tribe "Yehuda" - a symbol of the kingdom (Bereshit 49:9).
Asher
Asher - "happy", "blessed". Asher is one of the 12 sons of Jacob (Genesis 30:13).
Avi
Avi means "my father". Avi is short for Abraham, the first forefather of the Jewish people (Genesis 17:5).
Avigdor
Avigdor means "father of the one who set the boundaries" for the Jewish people. Avigdor is one of the names of Moses. It is mentioned in Chronicles 1 4:4.
Avner
Avner - "my father is light." Abner is King Shaul's uncle and military commander (1 Samuel 14:50).
Azriel
Azriel is the name of an angel, meaning "helper of the Almighty." Azriel in the Tanakh is the father of the head of the tribe of Naftali (1 Book of Chronicles 27:19).
Baruch
Baruch means "blessed". Baruch appears in the Torah as an assistant to the prophet Jeremiah.
Bezalel
Bezalel means "in the shadow of the Almighty." Bezalel in the Tanakh - the builder of the Mishkan - a portable Temple, which accompanied the Jews for 40 years in Upstyn.
Benjamin
Benjamin - "son of my right hand." Symbolizes strength. Benjamin is the youngest of the 12 sons of the forefather Jacob (Genesis 35:19).
Benzion
Benzion is the son of Zion. The name Benzion is mentioned in the Talmud.
Berel
Berel - "bear" from Yiddish. It also symbolizes strength and echoes the Hebrew counterpart - the name Dov (bear).
Boaz
Boaz is the husband of Ruth, great-grandfather of King David. Means "swiftness".
Velvl
Velvl - "wolf" in Yiddish. Most often associated with the tribe of Benjamin, whose symbol was the wolf. The Jerusalem Temple was located in the allotment of the tribe of Benjamin.
Gad
Gad means good luck. Gad is one of the 12 sons of Jacob (Genesis 30:11).
Gamliel
Gamliel means "God is my reward." Gamliel in the Tanakh is the leader of the tribe of Menashe (Bamidbar 1:10).
Gavriel
Gabriel - "God is my strength." Gabriel is the angel who predicts Yitzhak's birth (Genesis 18:10). He also destroys Sodom and appears to Daniel (Daniel 8:16). This angel stands to our left when we sleep.
Gedalya
Gedalya means "Great is the Almighty." Gedalya is the leader of the Jewish people who was killed by a Jew. In honor of this tragic event, we celebrate the fast of Gedaliah.
Gershom
Gershom is a stranger. Gershom is the eldest son of Moshe. (Shemot 2:22).
Dan
Dan means "judge". Dan is the fifth son of the forefather Jacob (Genesis 30:6).
Daniel
Daniel - "The Almighty is my judge." It symbolizes the harmony of mercy and the judgment of the Most High. Daniel lived during the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel was thrown into a fiery furnace and into a cage with lions, and was miraculously saved by the Almighty. All the events of Daniel's life are described in the book Daniel.
David
David means "beloved." David is the second king of Israel, all the future kings of Israel will descend from him, including Mashiach (1 Shmuel 17:12).
Zalman
Zalman is the Yiddish equivalent of the name Solomon. Solomon is the son of King David, the wisest of people who built the First Temple in Jerusalem.
Zecharya
Zecharya - "remembering G-d." Zechariah is one of the 12 minor prophets in the Tanakh.
Zeev
Zeev means wolf in Hebrew. Traditionally associated with the tribe of Benjamin, whose symbol was the wolf.
Zvulun
Zvulun means "respect". Zvulun is one of the 12 sons of the forefather Jacob (Genesis 30:20).
Itamar
Itamar means "island of palm trees". Itamar in the Tanakh younger son high priest Aaron. (Shemot 6:23).
Yitzhak
Yitzhak means "he will laugh" (Bereshit 21:6). Yitzhak is the second patriarch of the Jewish people. In Kabbalah Yitzhak means the ability to control and manage the physical world.
Yisroel
Yisroel means "those who fought with God." Yisroel is the second name of the forefather Jacob, from whom the 12 tribes of Israel came.
isachar
Isachar means "there is a reward." Isachar is one of the 12 sons of Jacob. (Genesis 30:18).
Ishayahu
Ishayahu means "God is salvation." Isaiah - a prophet in the era of the First Jerusalem Temple (8th century BC).
Yechezkel
Yehezkel means "God will strengthen." Yechezkel is a prophet who predicted that Jerusalem would be rebuilt. This is described in the book of the prophet Yechezkel.
Yedidya
Yedidya means "beloved by God". So God called King Solomon (2 Shmuel 12:25).
Yehoshua
Yehoshua means "God is salvation." Yehoshua is the first disciple of Moshe and the leader of the Jewish people after Moshe's death. Yehoshua reclaimed the land of Israel. All these events are described in detail in the book of Yehoshua.
Yehuda
Yehuda means "God will be praised." Yehuda is the fourth son of the forefather Jacob, from whom all the kings of Israel descended. Another famous person named Yehuda - Yehuda Maccabee, who raised a rebellion against the Greeks in the era of Hanukkah.
Yigal
Yigal means "He will save." Yigal is one of 12 scouts sent to survey the Land of Israel (Bamidbar 13:7).
Yerachmiel
Yerakhmiel means "God will have mercy." Yerakhmiel in the Tanakh is the son of one of the kings of Israel. (Jeremiah 36:26).
Yirmiyahu
Yirmiyahu means "The Almighty will raise". Yirmiyahu is a prophet who warned the Jews about the destruction of Jerusalem. This is described in the book of the prophet Yirmiyahu.
Yohanan
Yochanan means "God have mercy." Yochanan is the son of one of the Kings of Israel (2 Kings 25:23) and a military leader (Jeremiah 40:13). Yohanan was also the high priest during the era of Hanukkah, under whose leadership the Jews were able to cleanse the Temple.
Yoel
Yoel means "God desired". Yoel is one of the 12 Minor Prophets in the Tanakh.
YomTov
Yom Tov means "holiday" in Hebrew.
Yosef
Yosef means "God will increase". Yosef is one of the sons of Jacob who was sold into slavery in Egypt. Yosef later becomes the second man after the pharaoh in Egypt (Genesis 30:24). Yosef in Kabbalah means "union".
Yona
Yona means dove. Yona is one of the 12 Minor Prophets who was swallowed by a huge whale.
Jonathan
Jonathan means "gift from God". Jonathan is the son of King Shaul and best friend king David. (1 Shmuel 18-20).
Kalev
Kalev means "like the heart." Kalev is the husband of Miriam, Moshe's sister. He was sent along with 11 other spies to explore the land of Israel (Bamidbar 13:6).
Leib
Leib in Yiddish "lion". The lion is a symbol of the tribe of Yehud, a symbol of the kingdom.
Levy
Levi translates as "accompanying". Levi is one of the 12 sons of Jacob. The tribe of Levi performed special functions in the Jerusalem Temple.
matityahu
Matityahu means "gift from God". Matityahu - main character Hanukkah history, leader of the Maccabees. In Kabbalah, it is emphasized that the numerical value of the name Matityahu is similar to the meaning of "Beit Mikdash" - the Temple (861).
Meir
Meir means "radiating light". Rabbi Meir is a very famous sage who lived in the 2nd century. There are references to him in the Talmud.
Menachem
Menachem means "comforter". Menahem is the Jewish king in the Tanakh (2 Kings 15:14). There is an opinion that this will be the name of Mashiach.
Menashe
Menashe means "helping to forget." In Kabbalah, Menashe has the power to remove evil. Menashe in the Torah is the son of Yosef (Genesis 41:51).
Mendl
Mendl is the Yiddish equivalent of the name Menachem.
Micha
Micha means "Who is like the Most High?" Micha is one of the 12 Minor Prophets in the Tanakh.
Michael
Michael also means "Who is like the Most High?". Michael is the name of the protector angel of the Jewish people. Michael guards us when we sleep (he stands on the right side). Right side always associated with kindness and mercy.
Mordechai
Mordechai means "warrior". Mordechai in the Tanakh is the prophet and husband of Queen Esther, who saved the Jews from total destruction in the era of Purim.
Moshe
Moses is the greatest prophet that ever lived. Moses led the Jews out of Egypt. Led them through the desert for 40 years. Moshe means "stretched out" (from the water). (Shemot 2:10). AT deep sense– Moshe "pulled" the Jewish people out of slavery.
Nahshon
Nakhshon in the Bible is Aaron's cousin who first entered the Red Sea before it parted. (Shemot 6:23).
Nachman
Nachman means comforter. Nachman is a great Jewish sage who lived in Babylon. In Kabbalah, the name Nachman has the same numerical meaning as the word "Netzach" - eternity.
Nachum
Nahum means comforter. Nachum is one of the 12 Minor Prophets in the Tanakh.
Naftali
Naftali means “struggling”. Naftali is one of the 12 sons of Jacob.
Nathan
Nathan means "He gave". Nathan is a prophet who lived in the age of King David (2 Shmuel 5:15).
Nehemiah
Nehemia - "calmed by the Almighty." Nehemiah is the leader of the Jewish people during the period of return from the Babylonian exile.
Netanel
Netanel - "a gift from the Almighty." Netanel is the brother of King David (1 Chronicles 2:14).
Nissan
Nisan means "banner". Nisan is one of the months of the Jewish calendar, in which the Passover holiday always falls.
noah
Noah means "calm" (Genesis 5:29). Noah is the only survivor of the Flood. In Kabbalah, the word "Noah" also denotes Saturday - a day of rest and rest.
Ovadia
Ovadya - "Servant of the Almighty". Ovadia is one of the 12 Minor Prophets in the Tanakh.
Pepper
Pepper means "rushing forward." Pepper in the Torah is the son of Yehuda (Genesis 38:29).
Pesach
Pesach means "to jump over". Pesach is a holiday of the liberation of the Jewish people from Egyptian slavery, when the Almighty "jumped" over Jewish houses during the execution of the firstborn.
Pinchas
Pinchas in the Tanakh is the high priest, the grandson of Aaron. Thanks to the courage of Pinchas, the pestilence in the Jewish camp was over.
Rahamim
Rahamim means "mercy".
Raphael
Raphael - "God heals." Raphael is an angel who brings healing. He visits Abraham after the circumcision. Raphael stands behind us when we sleep.
Reuven
Reuven - "Look, son." Reuven is the firstborn of Jacob and Leah.
Simcha
Simcha means "joy" in Hebrew.
Tuvia
Tuvya means "God is good." It is believed that this is one of the names of Moshe. Tuvia has the same numerical value as the word "lion" (heart) - 32.
Uri
Uri means "my light". Uri in the Bible is the head of the tribe of Yehud (Shemot 31:2).
Uriel
Uriel - "God is my light." Uriel is a descendant of Levi. The name of the angel responsible for the air element is also called. He stands in front of us when we sleep.
Chaim
Khaim - "life". For the first time this name appears in the 12th century - that was the name of one of the commentators of the Talmud. There is an opinion that this will be the name of Mashiach.
Hanan
Canaan means "He had mercy." Canaan in the Torah is the leader of the tribe of Benjamin (1 Chronicles 8:23).
Chanania
Hananya - "God gave mercy." Hananiah is one of the prophets in the Tanakh. (Jeremiah 28:1).
Hanoch
Hanoch means "education" or "initiate". Hanoch in the Torah is the son of Cain. (Genesis 4:17).
Hizkiyahu
Hizkiyahu - "God is my strength." Hizkiyahu in the Tanakh is the king of Israel (2 Kings 19-20).
Hirsch
Hirsch means "deer" in Yiddish. This name is often associated with the tribe of Naftali, whose symbol is a doe. (Genesis 49:21).
Hillel
Hillel - "praise". Hillel is one of the greatest sages of the Talmudic era.
Zion
Zion is the second name of the city "Jerusalem". Means "perfection".
Zvi
Zvi means "deer". This name is often associated with the tribe of Naftali, whose symbol is a doe. (Genesis 49:21).
Shalom
Shalom - "peace". Shalom is one of the names of the Almighty.
shaul
Shaul is the first king of Israel (1 Shmuel 9:2). Shaul means "requested".
Shay
Shai - translated from Hebrew "gift". This was the name of King Isaiah, who was a Jewish prophet during the First Temple in Jerusalem (8th century BC).
Shimshon
Shimshon means "strong as the sun." Shimshon is a judge over Israel, who took the vow of the Nazarene, who won many wars against the Philistines.
Shimon
Shimon - "heard." Shimon is one of the 12 tribes of Israel, the second son of Jacob. (Genesis 29:33).
Shlomo
Shlomo means "his world". Shlomo is the son of King David, who came to the throne at the age of 12. Shlomo built the First Jerusalem Temple. His reign is an era of peace and prosperity for Israel.
Shmuel
Shmuel - "His name is G-d." The Bible describes the prayer of the woman Khana, who asked the Almighty for a son. She gives birth to Shmuel. Shmuel becomes a great prophet who crowned two kings of Israel - Shaul and David. These events are described in detail in the book of Shmuel.
Shraga
Shraga is Aramaic for "light" or "candle".
Ephraim
Ephraim means "fruitful". Ephraim is the second son of Yosef, the grandson of Jacob (Genesis 41:52).
Eitan
Eitan means "strong". Eitan is the grandson of Yehuda. The Midrash says that Abraham, the first Jew, was also called Eitan.
Elkhanan
Elkhanan - "God has mercy." Elchanan in the Bible is an army commander in the era of King David.
Elazar
Elazar - "God helped." In the Bible, Elazar is the son of the high priest Aaron (Shemot 6:23).
Eliezer
Eliezer means "My God has helped." Eliezer in the Bible is Abraham's servant (Genesis 15:2) and also the son of Moshe (Shemot 18:4).
Eli
Eli - "my G-d". Eli in the Bible is the high priest, the last judge in the era of Shmuel (1 Shmuel 1).
Elisha
Elisha - "God will help" or "God will hear." Elisha in the Bible is a prophet, a disciple of Eliyahu haNavi (Prophet Elijah).
Eliyahu
Eliyahu - "He is my God." Eliyahu is a prophet who ascended to heaven in a fiery chariot. He comes to every circumcision and Passover Seder.
Ezra
Ezra means "helper". Ezra is the leader of the Jewish people who led the Jews after the Babylonian captivity. He built the Second Temple in Jerusalem as described in the book of Ezra.
Yair
Yair - "he will sparkle." Yair is the grandson of Yosef in the Bible (Devarim 3:14).
Yaakov
Yaakov means "holding on to the heel." Jacob is the third patriarch of the Jewish people, who gave birth to 12 sons, from whom the 12 tribes of Israel came (Genesis 25:26). Jacob in Kabbalah means harmony and integrity.
If the Orthodox used to look into the Saints to choose a name for a newborn, then the Jews always chose in three ways:
- Focusing on older relatives.
- In honor of your favorite biblical heroes.
- Stopping at the Hebrew righteous.
Kabbalah teaches that the letters in the name are a connection with spiritual forces, so in practice there are cases when seriously ill people are called double names adding Chaim (life). In the books of Sholom Aleichem and Isaac Babel, such options are quite common. Sometimes used and next - translation. For example, Zeev - Wolf.
The list of names will include only Hebrew (or Yiddish), although since 1917 any names are allowed in Russia. Everywhere Barukhs and Berls turned into Boriss, and Leibs into Lviv. In other countries (Palestine) there were reverse processes, which were strictly monitored by the state. The naming of boys occurs during circumcision - on the eighth day from birth. Consider the most common Jewish male names.
Alphabetical list (from A to M) with translation
- Aaron -"mountain", brother of Moses, high priest.
- Abraham - considered the forefather ("father of peoples"). Allowed option - Abram.
- Adam -"earth", in honor of the first person on Earth.
- Baruch -"blessed", assistant to the prophet.
- Gad - "good luck" son of Jacob.
- Gershom- "foreigner", the son of Moses.
- David- "beloved", from him came the family of Jewish kings.
- Dov - " bear", the personification of strength and dexterity.
- Zerach- "radiance", the son of Judah.
- Israzl- "fighting with God", acceptable options: Israel, Israel.
- Yitzhak -"preparing to laugh," the son of Abraham, whom he was preparing to sacrifice. Options - Itzik, Isaac.
The list of Jewish male names includes the most common ones, without borrowings.
- Yehoshua- "God is salvation," a disciple of Moses, conquered the land of Israel.
- Yosef (Joseph)- "God", the son of Jacob, sold into slavery in Egypt.
- Jonathan -"given by God" , friend of David.
- Kalev- "heart", a scout sent to the land of Israel.
- Leib- "lion", is a symbol of Yehuda.
- Menachem- "comforter", the Jewish king.
- Michael- "like God", the messenger of God, called to protect the Jewish people.
- Moshe- "saved from the water", the greatest prophet. Options - Moishe, Moses.
Second part of the alphabet
- Nachum- "comforted", a small prophet. Option - Nakhim.
- Nahshon- "soothsayer", Aaron's son-in-law, the first to enter the Red Sea.
- noah- "calm", the righteous who escaped the flood.
- Ovadia- "God's servant", a small prophet. Options - Ovadia, Obadiah.
- Pesach- "missed", the name of Easter.
- Pinchas- "serpent's mouth", the grandson of Aaron, who averted God's wrath from the Israelites.
- Rafael -"healed of God", angel of healing.
- Tanhum- "consolation", sage of the Talmud.
- Uriel- "my light is God", the name of an angel.
- Fievel- "breastfed" in Yiddish. Options - Fayvish, Feivel, Feishiv, Feyvish.
The list of Jewish male names with the last letters of the alphabet is the most significant, so we should dwell on the most important ones.
- hagai- "celebrating", a small prophet, the grandson of Jacob. Option - hagi.
- Hanan- “pardoned”, the tribe of Benjamin began with him.
- Hanoch- "sanctified", the son of Cain.
- Zadok- "righteous", who pacified the rebellion against David.
- Zion- "superiority", used as a synonym for Jerusalem.
- Cephania- "hidden by God", a small prophet.
- Shalom- "peace", the king of Israel. Shimon- “heard by God”, the son of Jacob. Option - Simon.
- Shmuel- "the name of God", the prophet.
- Ephraim- “fruitful”, grandson of Jacob.
- Yaakov -"overtaking", forefather. Options - Jacob, Yakov, Yankee, Yankel.
Borrowed names
Are there borrowed Hebrew male names? The list can be replenished with those that appeared in everyday life, while the Talmud did not play an important role. By naming children after relatives, the Jews contribute to their spread. The names come from the Hebrew language: Meir, Menuha, Nechama. The Babylonians brought Mordecai, Chaldeans - Atlaia and Bebay. Greek rule gave the Jews a name Alexander(option - C ender). Georgian Jews have: Irakli, Guram; at Tajik - Bovojon, Rubensivi, Estermo.
Their feature is small distribution area. There are names that appeared because of beliefs. So, the name Alter (“old man”) was called all newborns, but after a month it was changed. It was believed that it protects from evil spirits.
Jewish surnames
The list of Jewish male names is very important because before early XIX centuries they did not have surnames (in Austrian Empire appeared in late XVIII in.). How were they created?
- On behalf of the father or biblical characters: Benjamin, Israel, David, Abram.
- From female names: Rivman(Riva's husband) Tsivyan(name Tsivya), Mirkin(Mirka).
- From the appearance or character of the owner: Schwartz("the black"), Weisbard("white-bearded").
- From profession: Rabinovich("rabbi"), Dayan("referee").
- From geographical names: Lifshitz("Silesian city"), Gurevich(Czech town).
- From any things that meet in life. They are called decorative: Bernstein("amber"), Yaglom("diamond").
As we have seen, the origin of the surnames are Jewish male names, a list of which is presented in the text.
Female and male Jewish names are popular not only in Israel, but also in the far abroad. The reason for this lies in the migration of Jews to all corners of the planet. In addition, Jewish names for the most part find their roots in the Bible, therefore they are considered strong and capable of changing the life of a baby.
The history of the origin of Jewish male names
Most names of Jewish origin are based on various interpretations Bible. To date, Jewish names for the most part have not changed much in sound. If there were some phonetic changes, then only those related to the place of residence of one or another representative of the people. For example, the same names will sound a little different for Jews living in Russia, Israel or America.
However, in modern Israel, not all residents have names based on the Torah and the Tanakh. New names are being created that are harmonious for modern man.
But it is considered wrong to give a newborn Jew a foreign name that is not based on biblical stories.
List of beautiful boy names
A lot of names, common throughout the globe, are of Jewish origin. Therefore, they are familiar and harmonious for most peoples.
- Amos - "filled with wisdom";
- Ariel - "heavenly bird";
- Ezra - "helper";
- Samson (aka Shimshon) - "judge", "child of the sun";
- Solomon - "peaceful";
- Asher - "happy";
- Daniel - "merciful";
- Rafael - "healed".
Rare male names of Jewish origin
It is believed that the list of Jewish names is the longest in comparison with names of other origins. Because some of them are extremely rare. But, nevertheless, they are harmonious and carry a deep meaning.
- Amnon - "one who is devoted to his work";
- Aviu - "he";
- Amichai - "my people live";
- Asaf - "care";
- Avinoam - "pleasant";
- Gedalya - "exalted by God";
- Yoni - "dove";
- Maoz - "protection";
- Meir - "light";
- Noam - "pleasant";
- Eden - Paradise.
Modern and common names and their meaning
Although widespread in last years in Israel they get foreign names, the locals still prefer to call the boys beautiful male names with Jewish roots.
The most common:
- Aaron is "the first priest". The first known Aaron in the Bible was famous for his love for the world around him.
- Abraham is "father". Abraham dedicated his entire life to spreading the great knowledge of the Lord God. It is believed that the boy named by this name will grow up kind person who will not leave anyone in trouble.
- Daniel means "fair". The meanings of this name are also considered "harmony" and "honesty".
- Joseph - "purposeful". This beautiful male name was given to one of Jacob's sons. According to legend, he was sold into slavery, but he not only regained his freedom, but became right hand ruler of Egypt.
- Shlomo - "peaceful". This name has recently been included in the Jewish lists, because it is quite modern. It is believed that the owner of the name Shlomo tries to find the least conflicting way out of any situation and easily finds compromises even with the most intractable people.
- Eitan - "brave". This name is called babies who they want to see in the future as brave and responsible men, defenders of the family and the whole people.
- Elazar - "under the wing of the Lord." The owner of this name has amazing luck. The fact is that he is always under the supervision of the Almighty, due to which difficulties and black life streaks bypass Elazar.
Many Jewish names popular in Russia and the Baltic countries are so deeply ingrained in our subconscious that the fact of their Jewish origin can shock.
For example, often found:
- Adam is the first. As everyone knows, this was the name of the first man created by the Lord, with whom he shared his wisdom.
- Alexander - "brave". The name is associated with the great conqueror Alexander the Great, known for his courage.
- David means "beloved". The name originates from the second king of Israel.
- Nazar - "dedicated to the service of God."
- Michael - "liked to the Lord".
- Matthew - "gifted by God."
- Ilya - "deeply believing."
Ancient and forgotten names
Some names of Hebrew origin are used less and less often due to their difficult pronunciation.
But you should not bypass the lists of such names: some of them may attract your attention if you want to name the child in a particularly non-trivial way:
- Yehezkel - "responsive";
- Yigal - "savior", "helper";
- Mordechai - "warlike";
- Shmaryau - in the Torah, this is one of the followers of King David;
- Cephania - "under the protection of the Lord";
- Khagai - "celebrating". One of the 12 prophets.
The name Moshe is interesting - "pulled out of the water." It is one of the oldest, originating from the great prophet Moshe. He brought the Jews out of Egypt, thereby saving them from the slavery of the Egyptian King.
How to choose a Hebrew name for a boy
Choosing a name for a newborn can be a very depressing experience. In the case of babies born in Jewish families, it is very important to name the baby accordingly.
Jews honor their traditions and culture, therefore they do not welcome the appeal to foreign names unrelated to biblical stories.
- In Jewish culture, the interpretation of the name is very important. Its meaning can be easily clarified on one of the many Internet resources. You must familiarize yourself with the biblical character whose name you give to your child, so as not to choose for him the fate of a deceiver and a tyrant.
- When choosing a name for a baby, you should understand that he will not always remain a touching puffy in a diaper. Someday the child will grow up, take a high position, become an independent man. It would be embarrassing if he had to perform in front of a serious audience with a too sugary baby name on a badge or presentation slide.
- rare ancient name- this is good. But not when it interferes with socialization. Difficult to pronounce, it can lead to inconvenience at school, as a result of which the child will be placed on the list of outsiders.
The Torah often compares the Jews to the stars (Genesis 15:5). Just as the stars shine in the darkness of the night, so the Jews must bring the light of the Torah into the dark world; just as the stars show the way to wanderers, so the Jews are called to show the way of morality and morality. And just as the stars keep the secrets of the future, so the future of mankind depends on the actions of the Jewish people, the approach of final liberation.
The choice of a Jewish name is very responsible - the name affects the fate of a person. What advice does the tradition give for choosing a name?
Meaning of the name
Choosing a name for a Jewish child great value. Our sages say that the name reflects the essence of a person, his character and destiny. The Talmud says that at the moment when parents name a newborn, their souls are visited by a prophecy, a heavenly spark. But even though the Almighty Himself gives us a hint, many couples find it difficult to decide on the choice of a name for the baby.
How to choose the right name? Why don't Jews name their sons after their father? Is it possible to name a boy after his grandmother or announce his name before Brit Milah (circumcision)?
Jewish customs
The name contains not only the future, but also the past. Ashkenazim traditionally give a name in honor of a deceased relative. It is believed that a certain metaphysical connection is formed between his soul and the soul of a newborn. The good deeds of the namesake elevate the soul of the deceased, and good qualities the ancestor is protected and inspired by the new owner of the name [another explanation: there is hope that the child will show all the good qualities of the relative after whom he is named].
What if you want to name a child in honor of a deceased relative, but someone from the now living relatives already bears this name? The answer depends on the child's degree of relationship to a potential living namesake. If this is a close relative (one of the parents, siblings or grandparents), then it is better to find another name. If the relative is distant, then everything is in order.
There is also a custom to name children in honor of the great rabbis and sages of the Torah, as, for example, Yisrael-Meir - in honor of Chofetz Chaim ...
Sometimes the name is chosen according to the holiday during which the child was born. For example, if a boy was born on Purim, he is called Mordechai, and a girl is Esther. A girl born on Shavuot can be called Ruth, and children born on the Ninth of Av can be called Menachem or Nechama.
It is also customary to give names that appear in the Torah section of the week in which the child's birthday falls.
As a rule, boys are given a name when they are circumcised on the eighth day, and girls are given a name on the first Shabbat after birth, when they take out a Torah scroll in the synagogue [read the material on the website about Reading the Torah].
Hidden meaning
In the holy language, a name is not just a set of letters, it reveals the essence of its owner.
Midrash ( Genesis Rabbah 17:4) tells that the first man, Adam, gave names to all living beings in accordance with their essence and purpose. The purpose of the donkey, for example, is to carry a heavy material load. Donkey in Hebrew "hamor". This word has the same root as the word "homer"- "matter", "substance".
The same principle applies to human names. Leah [wife of forefather Jacob. Note ed..] named her fourth son Yehuda. This name is from the root meaning "gratitude", and if you rearrange the letters in it, you get the Holy Name of the Most High. So Leah wanted to express her special gratitude to Him ( Bereshit 29:35).
Esther, the name of the heroine of Purim, is derived from the root meaning "concealment". Esther was known for her beauty, but her hidden inner beauty surpassed her outer beauty.
One more example - popular name Ari, Hebrew for "lion". In Jewish literature, the lion is compared to a self-confident, purposeful person who pounces on every opportunity to fulfill the commandment.
There are, of course, bad names. You probably don't want to name your son Nimrod, because it is from a root meaning "rebellion". King Nimrod rebelled against the Almighty by throwing our forefather Abraham into a burning furnace.
If you want to name a boy after a woman, try to keep the maximum number of letters the same. For example, Brach can be replaced by Baruch, and Dinah by Dan.
Some more useful rules
For many of us who want to change our name to a Jewish one, an additional question arises - how to “link” our non-Jewish name with a Jewish one?
Some translate their name into Hebrew verbatim - for example, "Mila" is "Naomi" in Hebrew.
Some choose a Hebrew name by consonance: Anatoly - Nathan, Yuri - Uri, Victor - Avigdor, etc.
In any case, the choice of a name is a very responsible step, the name of a person influences his fate and qualities of character, and we advise you to contact your local rabbi with this question ...
If the family lives outside Israel, try to give the child a traditional Jewish name that also sounds familiar in the language of this country. For example, Jacob or Dina in Russia, David or Sarah in English-speaking countries. You should not give one, "Jewish", name "for the synagogue", and the other - by which the child will actually be called. Real Jewish name - good remedy against assimilation.
Midrash (Bemidbar Rabbah 20:21) says that the Jews were miraculously freed from Egyptian slavery, in part because they did not adopt Egyptian customs, but continued to give their children Jewish names.
Many parents are reluctant to name a child after a relative who died young or unnaturally, fearing that misfortune might "pass" to the new owner of the name. Rabbi Moshe Feinstein gives several recommendations on this matter.
If a person died young, but a natural death, and left behind children, then this is not considered a bad sign, and the child can be named after him. Prophet Shmuel and King Shlomo died at the age of 52, and their names have always been and remain popular among our people, i.e. it is no longer considered that a person died young.
If a person died from unnatural causes, then Rabbi Feinstein recommends changing the name a little. For example, Jews name their sons Yeshaya after the prophet Yeshayahu, who was killed.
Rabbi Yakov Kamenetsky believes that the transition from "youth" to "old age" takes place at the age of 60. The Talmud (Moed Katan 28a) tells that when Rabbi Yosef was 60 years old, he held a celebration on the occasion of the beginning of longevity.
Contrary to popular belief, it is not forbidden to announce the name of a newborn before circumcision, although many do not. In full measure, however, the boy only receives a soul during the Brit Milah, and therefore, in a metaphysical sense, has no name until that moment. This is deduced from the fact that the Almighty gave a new name to our forefather Abraham after Brit Milah, when he was 99 years old ( Zohar - Leh-Leha 93a, Taamei Minhagim 929).
Names all the stars...
During circumcision "aGomel" read before those invited to the ceremony. If a girl is born, then a special minyan of men is collected in the house, or the mother visits the synagogue on the day when the husband names the girl over the scroll. The women present in the women's part of the hall respond to her blessing.
Reply to "aGomel" So:
"Amen. Whoever rewarded you with good will continue to reward you with good!”
The Hebrew text is given in the siddur - a collection of Jewish prayers (see "Reading the Torah").
There are analogues for female Jewish names: Ela - Alla, Eliza - Alice, Hana - Anna, Asiya - Asya, Liora - Valeria, Emuna - Vera, Nitskhona - Victoria, Shalva - Galina (both names mean peace, silence), Dorit or Dara - Daria, Xavi - Eva, Meira - Elena or Alena (the names are translated as “bright”, “illuminating everything around”), Elisheva - Elizabeth, Khananela - Zhanna, Ziva - Zinaida, Khaya - Zoya, Isabelle - Isabella, Einat or Yona - Inna, Shulamit or Meira - Irina, Sigal - Iya, Tal or Keren - Clara.
It is interesting that the names are selected in two ways: by a similar phonetic composition or by meaning. In some cases, a literal translation from Hebrew into Russian is used. For example, woman's name Einat comes from a word meaning source. In Russian, the name Inna ideally corresponds to him, which is supposedly of Greek origin and translates as “stream”, “strong water”.
The Hebrew name Meira translates as "bright" or "illuminating." The Russian version of Elena fits him perfectly. This name is of Greek origin and has the same meaning as Meira in Hebrew. But the Jewish male name Dimon is formed from a geographical name and it just perfectly matches the Russian name Dmitry. AT high school all Russian Dmitriev boys are called Dimons, not even realizing that this is a Hebrew word.