
Hebrew & Jewish Boy Names And Their Meanings
Discover 500 meaningful Hebrew and Jewish boy names from A to Z. Explore traditional, biblical, and modern choices with their exact English meanings.
Choosing a name for a baby boy is a profound milestone, and within Jewish tradition, a name carries immense spiritual, historical, and familial significance. Hebrew and Jewish boy names are deeply rooted in the Torah, reflecting centuries of faith, resilience, and divine connection. Whether you are seeking a classic biblical name that has stood the test of time or a modern Israeli name that feels fresh yet meaningful, the Hebrew language offers a vast and beautiful lexicon of choices for your family.
In Jewish culture, naming a child is often viewed as a prophetic act. Many parents believe that a child’s name helps shape their character and destiny. Ashkenazi tradition often involves naming a baby after a beloved deceased relative to honor their memory and pass on their virtues. In contrast, Sephardic traditions frequently allow naming after living relatives, celebrating family lineage in the present. Regardless of the specific custom, Hebrew names almost universally hold profound meanings—often translating to expressions of gratitude, descriptions of nature, or declarations of God’s strength and grace. Names containing “El” or “Yah” (such as Gabriel or Elijah) explicitly reference God, serving as a lifelong badge of faith.
The following alphabetical list provides 500 Hebrew and Jewish boy names, complete with their English meanings. This comprehensive guide spans from enduring classics like Aaron and David to unique and contemporary options like Zev and Lior. Many of these names have crossed cultural boundaries, becoming beloved staples worldwide while retaining their distinct origin. As you browse these options, consider how the name will grow with your child and the legacy it represents.
| Name | Meaning |
| Aaron | Exalted, high mountain |
| Abba | Father |
| Abdiel | Servant of God |
| Abe | Father of many |
| Abel | Breath, vapor |
| Abidan | Father of judgment |
| Abiel | God is my father |
| Abiezer | Father of help |
| Abner | Father of light |
| Abraham | Father of a multitude |
| Abram | High father |
| Absalom | Father of peace |
| Achan | Troubler |
| Achish | Thus it is |
| Adam | Man, of the earth |
| Adar | Noble, exalted |
| Addi | My ornament |
| Addin | Voluptuous, beautiful |
| Aden | Attractive, handsome |
| Adin | Delicate, gentle |
| Adiv | Polite, courteous |
| Adlai | God’s justice |
| Adnan | Settler |
| Adon | Lord |
| Adonai | My Lord |
| Adonijah | My Lord is Jehovah |
| Adriel | Flock of God |
| Aharon | Exalted (Hebrew form of Aaron) |
| Ahaz | He has taken |
| Ahijah | Brother of the Lord |
| Ahikam | A brother who raises up |
| Ahimelech | Brother of the king |
| Akiva | To protect, shelter |
| Alon | Oak tree |
| Alter | Old, elder (Yiddish) |
| Amal | Worker |
| Amani | Trust, peace |
| Amaria | Promised by God |
| Ami | My people |
| Amiel | People of God |
| Amir | Treetop, prince |
| Amit | Friend |
| Amitai | Truth |
| Ammiel | People of God |
| Ammon | Builder |
| Amnon | Faithful |
| Amos | Carried by God, burdened |
| Amoz | Strong, courageous |
| Amram | Exalted nation |
| Anan | Cloud |
| Anat | To sing |
| Aner | Boy, child |
| Anshel | Happy, blessed (Yiddish) |
| Arav | Willow |
| Ardon | Descending |
| Areli | Lion of God |
| Ari | Lion |
| Arieh | Lion |
| Ariel | Lion of God |
| Arnon | Rejoicing |
| Aron | Exalted |
| Aryeh | Lion |
| Asa | Healer |
| Asahel | God has made |
| Asaph | Gatherer |
| Asher | Happy, blessed |
| Ashur | Happy |
| Asiel | Created by God |
| Avdan | Servant |
| Avi | My father |
| Avidan | God is just |
| Aviel | God is my father |
| Avigdor | Father of the protector |
| Avihu | He is my father |
| Avikam | A father rises |
| Avimelech | Father of the king |
| Avinoam | Father of pleasantness |
| Aviram | My father is exalted |
| Avisar | Father of the prince |
| Avishai | Gift of my father |
| Avner | Father of light |
| Avraham | Father of many |
| Avram | Exalted father |
| Azaniah | God has heard |
| Azareel | God has helped |
| Azariah | Helped by God |
| Azazel | Scapegoat |
| Aziel | God is my power |
| Azriel | God is my help |
| Azur | He who helps |
| Baasha | He who lays waste |
| Balthazar | God protect the king |
| Barak | Lightning |
| Baram | Son of the nation |
| Baruch | Blessed |
| Basha | Stranger |
| Bela | Destruction |
| Ben | Son |
| Benaiah | God has built |
| Ben-Ami | Son of my people |
| Benesh | Blessed (Yiddish) |
| Ben-Tzion | Son of Zion |
| Ben-Zion | Son of Zion |
| Benoni | Son of my sorrow |
| Benjamin | Son of the right hand |
| Benson | Son of Ben |
| Berel | Bear (Yiddish) |
| Beri | My son |
| Beryl | Bear (Yiddish) |
| Besalel | In the shadow of God |
| Bethuel | Man of God |
| Betzalel | In the shadow of God |
| Boaz | Swiftness, strength |
| Buz | Contempt |
| Calev | Dog, brave (Hebrew form of Caleb) |
| Carmi | My vineyard |
| Chaim | Life |
| Chanan | God was compassionate |
| Chananya | God has given |
| Chanoch | Dedicated, trained |
| Chasiel | God is my refuge |
| Chatzkel | God will strengthen (Yiddish) |
| Chayim | Life |
| Chaziel | Vision of God |
| Chen | Grace, charm |
| Chesed | Loving-kindness |
| Chiram | Exalted brother |
| Chizkiya | God is my strength |
| Cohen | Priest |
| Cyrus | Sun |
| Dagan | Grain, earth |
| Dan | Judge |
| Dane | God is my judge |
| Daniel | God is my judge |
| Danon | Judge |
| Dara | Compassion |
| Dathan | Fountain |
| David | Beloved |
| Davin | Beloved |
| Dayyan | Judge |
| Dekel | Palm tree |
| Dikla | Palm tree |
| Dodi | My beloved |
| Dor | Generation |
| Doran | Gift |
| Dori | My generation |
| Doron | Gift |
| Dov | Bear |
| Dovid | Beloved (Yiddish/Ashkenazi form) |
| Dror | Freedom, sparrow |
| Eban | Stone |
| Eben | Stone |
| Ebenezer | Stone of help |
| Eber | Beyond, across |
| Edan | Era, time |
| Eden | Delight, paradise |
| Eder | Flock |
| Edon | Delight |
| Efraim | Fruitful |
| Efrat | Honored, distinguished |
| Eitan | Strong, firm |
| Elad | God is eternal |
| Elam | Hidden, eternity |
| Elan | Tree |
| Elazar | God has helped |
| Elchanan | God has been gracious |
| Eldad | Favored of God |
| Eleazar | God has helped |
| Eli | Ascended, my God |
| Eliab | God is my father |
| Eliakim | God will establish |
| Eliam | People of God |
| Elias | The Lord is my God |
| Eliashib | God restores |
| Elie | My God |
| Eliezer | God is my help |
| Elihu | He is my God |
| Elijah | My God is Yahweh |
| Elimelech | My God is king |
| Elion | Most high |
| Elior | God is my light |
| Eliphalet | God of deliverance |
| Elisha | God is my salvation |
| Elishama | God has heard |
| Eliyahu | My God is Yahweh |
| Elkanah | God has created |
| Elon | Oak tree |
| Elrad | God rules |
| Elroi | God who sees me |
| Eluzai | God is my strength |
| Emanuel | God is with us |
| Emet | Truth |
| Emmanuel | God is with us |
| Enan | Cloud |
| Enoch | Dedicated |
| Enos | Mortal man |
| Ephraim | Fruitful |
| Ephron | Fawn-like |
| Eran | Awake, watchful |
| Erez | Cedar tree |
| Esau | Hairy |
| Eshcol | Cluster of grapes |
| Ethan | Strong, enduring |
| Etan | Strong, firm |
| Eyal | Strength, stag |
| Ezra | Help |
| Ezri | My help |
| Feivel | Bright one (Yiddish) |
| Fishel | Little fish (Yiddish) |
| Fischel | Little fish (Yiddish) |
| Gaal | Loathing |
| Gabbai | Tax collector, synagogue official |
| Gabe | God is my strength |
| Gabriel | God is my strength |
| Gad | Fortune, luck |
| Gadi | My fortune |
| Gadiel | God is my fortune |
| Gal | Wave |
| Gamliel | God is my reward |
| Gavi | God is my strength |
| Gavriel | God is my strength |
| Gedaliah | God is great |
| Gefen | Vine |
| Gera | Grain |
| Gershom | Stranger in a strange land |
| Gershon | Exiled |
| Gidon | Feller, hewer |
| Gideon | Great warrior |
| Gil | Happiness, joy |
| Gilad | Monument of testimony |
| Gilead | Rocky region |
| Gili | My joy |
| Ginat | Garden |
| Gomer | Complete |
| Gur | Lion cub |
| Guri | My lion cub |
| Gurion | Lion |
| Habakkuk | Embrace |
| Hachmoni | Wise |
| Hadad | Joy |
| Hadar | Glory, splendor |
| Haim | Life |
| Hanan | Gracious |
| Hananel | God is gracious |
| Hananiah | God has been gracious |
| Hanoch | Dedicated |
| Harel | Mountain of God |
| Haron | Exalted |
| Haskel | Intellect, wisdom (Yiddish form of Ezekiel) |
| Haviv | Beloved |
| Hayim | Life |
| Hayyim | Life |
| Heber | Partner, companion |
| Heman | Faithful |
| Hersh | Deer (Yiddish) |
| Hershel | Little deer (Yiddish) |
| Heschel | Deer (Yiddish) |
| Hezekiah | God is my strength |
| Hila | Halo, aura |
| Hillel | Greatly praised |
| Hiram | Exalted brother |
| Hod | Splendor, majesty |
| Hodia | Majesty of God |
| Hodiah | Majesty of God |
| Hosea | Salvation |
| Hoshea | Savior |
| Hyman | Life (Anglicized Chaim) |
| Idan | Era, time |
| Idi | My witness |
| Igal | He will redeem |
| Ilan | Tree |
| Immanuel | God is with us |
| Ira | Watchful |
| Isaac | He will laugh |
| Isaiah | Salvation of God |
| Ishai | Gift |
| Ishmael | God will hear |
| Israel | May God prevail |
| Issachar | Reward |
| Itai | With me |
| Itamar | Island of palms |
| Ithamar | Island of palms |
| Itzak | He will laugh |
| Itzhak | He will laugh |
| Jaali | Powerful |
| Jabin | Understanding |
| Jachin | He establishes |
| Jacob | Supplanter, held by the heel |
| Jada | He knows |
| Jadon | He will judge |
| Jael | Mountain goat |
| Jaffe | Beautiful, handsome |
| Jahdiel | God will gladden |
| Jahleel | Waiting for God |
| Jahzeel | God divides |
| Jair | He shines |
| Jakin | He establishes |
| Jalon | Murmuring |
| Jamin | Right hand, favor |
| Japheth | Enlarged |
| Jared | Descent |
| Jaron | To cry out, to sing |
| Javan | Greece, Ionia |
| Jebediah | Beloved of the Lord |
| Jedidiah | Beloved of the Lord |
| Jehiel | May God live |
| Jehoash | Fire of the Lord |
| Jehohanan | God is gracious |
| Jehoiachin | God establishes |
| Jehoiada | God knows |
| Jehoiakim | God will set up |
| Jehoram | Exalted by God |
| Jehoshaphat | God has judged |
| Jehu | God is He |
| Jemuel | Day of God |
| Jephthah | God opens |
| Jerah | Moon |
| Jeramiah | Exalted of the Lord |
| Jeremiah | Exalted of the Lord |
| Jeremy | Exalted of the Lord |
| Jeriah | Taught by God |
| Jeriel | Taught by God |
| Jeroboam | The people contend |
| Jeshaiah | Salvation of the Lord |
| Jesher | Righteousness |
| Jesse | Gift |
| Jethro | Excellence, abundance |
| Joab | Yahweh is father |
| Joachim | Raised by Yahweh |
| Joah | Brotherhood |
| Joash | Given by God |
| Job | Persecuted |
| Joel | Yahweh is God |
| Johanan | God is gracious |
| Jonah | Dove |
| Jonas | Dove |
| Jonathan | God has given |
| Joram | Exalted by God |
| Jordan | To flow down |
| Joseph | God will increase |
| Josh | God is salvation |
| Joshua | God is salvation |
| Josiah | God supports and heals |
| Jotham | God is perfect |
| Jubal | Ram’s horn |
| Judah | Praised |
| Judas | Praised |
| Jude | Praised |
| Justus | Just, righteous |
| Kadan | Companion |
| Kade | Crown |
| Kaleb | Dog, brave |
| Kamiel | God is my helper |
| Kaniel | Stalk, reed |
| Karmel | God’s vineyard |
| Karmi | My vineyard |
| Kedar | Dark |
| Kedem | East, ancient |
| Kehat | Assembly |
| Kemuel | Helper of God |
| Kenan | Possession |
| Kenaz | Hunting |
| Keter | Crown |
| Kfir | Lion cub |
| Kobi | Supplanter (diminutive of Jacob) |
| Korah | Baldness |
| Laban | White |
| Lamech | Powerful |
| Lavan | White |
| Lavi | Lion |
| Lazarus | God has helped |
| Lemuel | Devoted to God |
| Leshem | Precious stone |
| Levi | Joined, attached |
| Levin | Joined |
| Levon | Spiced |
| Lidor | My generation |
| Lior | My light |
| Liron | My song |
| Lot | Veil, covering |
| Lotan | Covering |
| Luz | Almond tree |
| Maayan | Spring of water |
| Maccabee | Hammer |
| Machum | Comfort |
| Madai | Middle |
| Magen | Shield |
| Magid | Speaker, preacher |
| Mahali | Sick, weak |
| Mahalaleel | Praise of God |
| Mahlon | Sickness |
| Maimon | Luck, fortune |
| Malachi | My messenger |
| Malki | My king |
| Malkiel | God is my king |
| Manasseh | Causing to forget |
| Maor | Light |
| Marni | Rejoice |
| Marnin | Rejoicing |
| Matan | Gift |
| Mataniah | Gift of God |
| Matanya | Gift of God |
| Mati | Gift of God |
| Mattan | Gift |
| Matthew | Gift of God |
| Mattias | Gift of God |
| Matityahu | Gift of God |
| Max | Greatest |
| Mayer | Bringing light (Yiddish form of Meir) |
| Medad | Love |
| Meged | Goodness, sweetness |
| Meir | One who shines |
| Melech | King |
| Menachem | Comforter |
| Menashe | Causing to forget |
| Mendel | Comforter (Yiddish) |
| Merari | Bitter |
| Mered | Rebellion |
| Meshach | Guest of the king |
| Meshulam | Paid for, whole |
| Meyer | Bringer of light |
| Micah | Who is like God? |
| Micaiah | Who is like God? |
| Michael | Who is like God? |
| Michal | Brook |
| Midian | Strife, judgment |
| Mika | Who is like God? |
| Miki | Who is like God? |
| Mishael | Who is what God is? |
| Moav | From the father |
| Modi | My joy |
| Moishe | Drawn out of the water (Yiddish) |
| Mordecai | Warrior, servant of Marduk |
| Moriah | God is my teacher |
| Moses | Drawn out of the water |
| Moshe | Drawn out |
| Muni | God has given |
| Naaman | Pleasantness |
| Nabal | Fool |
| Nabhi | Secret |
| Nachman | Comforter |
| Nachum | Comfort |
| Nadav | Generous, noble |
| Naftali | My struggle |
| Nahir | Clear, bright |
| Nahshon | Diviner |
| Nahum | Comfort |
| Namir | Leopard |
| Naor | Enlightened |
| Natan | He gave |
| Nataneal | God has given |
| Natanya | Gift of God |
| Nate | He gave |
| Nathan | He gave |
| Nathanael | God has given |
| Nathaniel | Gift of God |
| Naveh | Oasis, beautiful |
| Nazariah | Consecrated to God |
| Nechemia | Comforted by God |
| Nedabiah | God has urged |
| Nehemiah | Comforted by God |
| Nemuel | Day of God |
| Neriah | Light of God |
| Nethanel | God has given |
| Nethaniah | God has given |
| Nili | Glory of Israel will not lie (Acronym) |
| Nimrod | Rebel |
| Nirel | Light of God |
| Nisan | Flight, miracle |
| Nissim | Miracles |
| Nitzan | Blossom |
| Noach | Rest, comfort |
| Noah | Rest, peace |
| Noam | Pleasantness |
| Nuri | My fire |
| Nuriel | Fire of God |
| Obadiah | Servant of God |
| Obed | Servant, worshiper |
| Oded | Encourager |
| Ofer | Fawn |
| Ohad | United |
| Omar | Speaker |
| Omri | My sheaf |
| Onan | Strong |
| Ophir | Gold |
| Or | Light |
| Oran | Pale |
| Orel | Light of God |
| Oren | Pine tree |
| Ori | My light |
| Orion | Light |
| Orli | Light is mine |
| Oshea | Salvation |
| Othniel | Lion of God |
| Ovadia | Servant of God |
| Oved | Worshiper |
| Oz | Strength |
| Ozi | My strength |
| Oziel | Strength of God |
| Ozni | Eared, attentive |
| Pallu | Distinguished |
| Palti | Delivered |
| Paltiel | God is my deliverance |
| Paseah | Lame |
| Pazi | Golden |
| Paziel | Gold of God |
| Peleg | Division |
| Peliah | Miracle of God |
| Peniel | Face of God |
| Penuel | Face of God |
| Peretz | Breach, breakthrough |
| Perez | Breakthrough |
| Pesach | Passover |
| Pethuel | Vision of God |
| Pharez | Breakthrough |
| Phineas | Oracle |
| Pinchas | Dark-skinned |
| Pinyan | Building |
| Porat | Fruitful |
| Pura | Branch |
| Putiel | Afflicted by God |
| Raanan | Fresh, green |
| Raba | Great |
| Rabbi | Master, teacher |
| Racham | Compassion |
| Rachamim | Mercy, compassion |
| Raddai | Ruling |
| Rafael | God has healed |
| Rafa | To heal |
| Raguel | Friend of God |
| Raham | Mercy |
| Ramin | Joyful |
| Rami | Exalted |
| Ramiah | Exalted of the Lord |
| Ran | He sings |
| Ranon | Joyous |
| Rapha | Healer |
| Raphael | God has healed |
| Ravid | Jewelry |
| Raviv | Rain |
| Raz | Secret |
| Raziel | Secret of God |
| Reaiah | God has seen |
| Ream | Thunder |
| Rehavia | God has enlarged |
| Rehoboam | He enlarges the people |
| Rei | My friend |
| Rephael | God has healed |
| Reshef | Flame |
| Reuven | Behold, a son |
| Roald | Famous ruler |
| Roeh | Shepherd, seer |
| Roi | My shepherd |
| Ron | Song, joy |
| Ronel | Song of God |
| Ronen | Joyous |
| Roni | My song |
| Rouben | Behold a son |
| Rozen | Prince |
| Rubin | Behold a son |
| Ruhamah | Compassion |
| Saadiah | Help of God |
| Sachar | Reward |
| Sagi | Sublime |
| Sagiv | Great, mighty |
| Salathiel | I have asked of God |
| Salem | Peace |
| Salman | Safe, secure |
| Salomon | Peaceable |
| Sam | Told by God |
| Sameh | Forgiving |
| Samson | Sun |
| Samuel | Heard by God |
| Sapir | Sapphire |
| Sarid | Survivor |
| Saul | Asked for, prayed for |
| Selah | Pause and reflect |
| Seraiah | Prince of the Lord |
| Seth | Appointed, placed |
| Shaanan | Peaceful |
| Shabtai | Born on the Sabbath |
| Shachar | Dawn |
| Shad | Breast |
| Shaddai | Almighty |
| Shadrach | Command of Aku |
| Shalom | Peace |
| Shammai | Desolate |
| Shaul | Asked for |
| Shavit | Meteor |
| Shay | Gift |
| Shelah | Petition |
| Shem | Name, renown |
| Shemaya | God has heard |
| Shimon | To hear, be heard |
| Shimshon | Sun |
| Shlomi | My peace |
| Shlomo | Peaceable (Solomon) |
| Shmuel | Heard by God |
| Shneur | Two lights (Yiddish) |
| Shoham | Onyx |
| Sholom | Peace (Yiddish/Ashkenazi form) |
| Shraga | Light, candle (Aramaic/Yiddish) |
| Silas | Of the forest, asked for |
| Simeon | Hearing |
| Simon | He has heard |
| Sinai | From the clay desert |
| Solomon | Peaceable |
| Tal | Dew |
| Talmai | Furrowed |
| Tam | Honest, innocent |
| Tamir | Tall, owner of palm trees |
| Tanhum | Consolation |
| Tavor | Misfortune (Mount Tabor) |
| Tevel | World |
| Thaddeus | Heart |
| Tikva | Hope |
| Tiras | Desire |
| Tivon | Lover of nature |
| Tobias | God is good |
| Tobin | God is good |
| Toby | God is good |
| Tomer | Palm tree |
| Tovia | God is good |
| Toviah | God is good |
| Tzafrir | Morning breeze |
| Tzion | Zion, sunny mountain |
| Tzur | Rock |
| Tzuriel | God is my rock |
| Udi | My firebrand |
| Ulla | Yoke |
| Uri | My light |
| Uria | God is my light |
| Uriah | God is my light |
| Uriel | God is my light |
| Urijah | God is my light |
| Uziel | God is my strength |
| Uzziah | God is my strength |
| Uzziel | God is my strength |
| Vaniah | Nourishment of the Lord |
| Vered | Rose |
| Vidor | Dearly loved |
| Vigdor | Protector |
| Yaakov | Supplanter (Jacob) |
| Yadin | God will judge |
| Yadon | He will judge |
| Yael | Mountain goat |
| Yaffe | Beautiful, handsome |
| Yagil | He will rejoice |
| Yair | He will shine |
| Yakar | Precious |
| Yakim | He will establish |
| Yakov | Supplanter |
| Yaniv | He will prosper |
| Yarden | To flow down (Jordan) |
| Yaron | He will sing |
| Yashar | Straight, honest |
| Yigal | He will redeem |
| Yitzhak | He will laugh |
| Yisrael | Struggles with God |
| Yoav | God is father |
| Yochanan | God is gracious |
| Yoel | God is willing |
| Yom Tov | Good day, holiday |
| Yonah | Dove |
| Yonatan | God has given |
| Yoram | God is exalted |
| Yosef | God will increase |
| Yotam | God is perfect |
| Yuval | Stream, brook |
| Zacchaeus | Pure, clean |
| Zachariah | God has remembered |
| Zachary | God has remembered |
| Zacher | Memory |
| Zadok | Righteous |
| Zahav | Gold |
| Zalman | Peace (Yiddish form of Solomon) |
| Zamir | Songbird |
| Zarah | Rising of light |
| Zareb | Protector |
| Zavid | Gift |
| Zayit | Olive |
| Zebadiah | Gift of God |
| Zebedee | Gift of God |
| Zebulon | Dwelling, honor |
| Zechariah | God has remembered |
| Zedekiah | Justice of the Lord |
| Zeev | Wolf |
| Zephaniah | Hidden by God |
| Zev | Wolf |
| Zevadiah | Gift of God |
| Zevi | Deer |
| Zikri | My memory |
| Zion | Highest point |
| Ziv | Light, brilliance |
| Zuriel | God is my rock |