Jewish Boy Names: 200+ Popular, Traditional, Unique, and Hebrew Names With Meanings
2/26/20259 min read
Jewish Boy Names: 200+ Popular, Traditional, Unique, and Hebrew Names With Meanings
Choosing a Jewish boy name is an important decision. For many Jewish families, a Hebrew name connects a child to Jewish history, the Torah, family members, and generations of Jewish tradition.
Whether you are looking for a traditional Jewish boy name, a biblical name, a modern Hebrew name, a unique Jewish name, or a name with a particular meaning, there are hundreds of beautiful Hebrew names for boys to consider.
This guide includes more than 200 Jewish and Hebrew boy names, along with their meanings, Hebrew forms, and connections to Jewish tradition.
200+ Jewish Boy Names and Their Meanings
Below is a collection of popular Jewish boy names, traditional Hebrew names, biblical names, modern Israeli names, and less common Jewish baby names.
A — Jewish Boy Names
Aaron (Aharon) — Exalted; traditionally associated with strength and enlightenment. Aharon was the brother of Moses and the first High Priest.
Abba — Father. A traditional Hebrew name that has been used since Talmudic times.
Abraham (Avraham) — Father of many nations. Abraham is the first of the three Jewish patriarchs.
Abner (Avner) — Father of light. Avner was a commander in the army of King Saul.
Adam — Man; humanity; earth. Adam is the first human described in the Torah.
Adiel — Ornament of G-d; G-d is my witness.
Akiva — Traditionally associated with the word "heel." Rabbi Akiva was one of the greatest sages of Jewish history.
Alon — Oak tree.
Ami — My people.
Amos — Traditionally associated with the meaning "burden." Amos was one of the biblical prophets.
Ariel — Lion of G-d. Ariel is also associated with Jerusalem.
Aryeh — Lion. A traditional Jewish name associated with strength and courage.
Asher — Happy; fortunate; blessed. Asher was one of the twelve sons of Jacob.
Avigdor — Father of protection; protector.
Avraham — Hebrew form of Abraham.
B — Jewish Boy Names
Baruch — Blessed.
Benjamin (Binyamin) — Son of the right hand. Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob and the ancestor of the Tribe of Benjamin.
Boaz — Strength. Boaz was the husband of Ruth and an ancestor of King David.
C — Jewish Boy Names
Caleb (Kalev) — Traditionally associated with wholeheartedness and devotion. Caleb was one of the spies who entered the Land of Israel.
Chaim (Chayim) — Life; living. Chaim is a traditional Jewish name expressing the importance of life.
Chanan — Grace; favor.
Chanoch (Enoch) — Dedicated; initiated. Chanoch is a biblical figure mentioned in Genesis.
Chesed — Kindness; loving-kindness.
D — Jewish Boy Names
Dan — Judge; to judge. Dan was one of Jacob's twelve sons.
Daniel — G-d is my judge. Daniel was a biblical prophet known for his wisdom and faith.
David (Dovid) — Beloved. King David is one of the most important figures in Jewish history.
Dov — Bear. A traditional Hebrew name.
E — Jewish Boy Names
Efraim (Ephraim) — Fruitful; doubly fruitful. Ephraim was one of Joseph's sons and became the ancestor of one of the Tribes of Israel.
Eitan (Ethan) — Strong; enduring; firm.
Elazar (Eleazar) — G-d has helped.
Eli — My G-d; ascension.
Eliezer — G-d is my help.
Eliyahu (Elijah) — My G-d is Hashem. The prophet Elijah is one of the most well-known figures in Jewish tradition.
Elisha — G-d is salvation. Elisha was a biblical prophet and student of Elijah.
Elkanah — G-d has acquired; G-d has created.
Enoch (Chanoch) — Dedicated; initiated.
Ezra — Help; helper. Ezra was a major Jewish leader and scholar following the Babylonian exile.
G — Jewish Boy Names
Gad — Fortune; luck. Gad was one of Jacob's twelve sons.
Gavriel (Gabriel) — G-d is my strength. Gavriel is the Hebrew name associated with the angel Gabriel.
Gedaliah — G-d is great.
Gershon — Traditionally associated with the idea of being a stranger or sojourner.
Gidon (Gideon) — One who cuts down; destroyer. Gideon was a biblical judge of Israel.
H — Jewish Boy Names
Hillel — Praise; traditionally associated with Hillel the Elder, one of the greatest sages of the Mishnah period.
Hod — Splendor; glory.
Hoshea (Hosea) — Salvation. Hosea was one of the biblical prophets.
I — Jewish Boy Names
Isaac (Yitzchak) — He will laugh. Isaac was the son of Abraham and Sarah and one of the three Jewish patriarchs.
Ilan — Tree.
Immanuel (Imanu-El) — G-d is with us.
J — Jewish Boy Names
Jacob (Yaakov) — Traditionally connected with "heel." Jacob was the father of the twelve Tribes of Israel.
Jair (Yair) — He will enlighten.
Jeremiah (Yirmiyahu) — G-d will exalt; G-d will establish. Jeremiah was one of the major biblical prophets.
Jonathan (Yonatan) — G-d has given.
Joseph (Yosef) — He will add. Joseph was one of Jacob's twelve sons.
Joshua (Yehoshua) — G-d saves; G-d is salvation. Joshua succeeded Moses as leader of the Jewish people.
Judah (Yehudah) — Praise; thanksgiving. Judah was one of Jacob's twelve sons and the ancestor of the Tribe of Judah.
L — Jewish Boy Names
Lavi — Lion.
Lev — Heart.
Levi — Joined; attached. Levi was one of Jacob's twelve sons and the ancestor of the Levites.
Lior — My light.
M — Jewish Boy Names
Malachi (Malachi) — My messenger. Malachi was one of the biblical prophets.
Matan — Gift.
Matityahu (Matthew) — Gift of G-d.
Meir — One who illuminates; one who gives light.
Menachem — Comforter.
Micha (Micah) — Who is like G-d?
Michael (Micha'el) — Who is like G-d?
Mordechai — Traditionally associated with the biblical figure Mordechai from the Book of Esther.
Moshe (Moses) — Traditionally interpreted as "drawn from the water." Moses was the leader of the Jewish people and received the Torah at Mount Sinai.
N — Jewish Boy Names
Nachman — Comforter.
Nachum — Comfort; consolation.
Nadav — Generous; willing; noble.
Naftali — Traditionally associated with wrestling or struggling. Naftali was one of Jacob's twelve sons.
Natan (Nathan) — He gave; G-d has given.
Netanel (Nathaniel) — G-d has given.
Noach (Noah) — Rest; comfort.
Noam — Pleasantness; pleasant.
O — Jewish Boy Names
Oded — Encouraging; one who encourages.
Omer — Sheaf; a biblical agricultural term.
Ovadiah (Obadiah) — Servant of G-d.
Oren — Pine tree.
Oz — Strength.
P — Jewish Boy Names
Pinchas (Phinehas) — Traditional biblical Hebrew name associated with Pinchas, grandson of Aaron.
R — Jewish Boy Names
Raphael (Rafael / Refael) — G-d has healed.
Reuven (Reuben) — See, a son. Reuven was Jacob's eldest son.
S — Jewish Boy Names
Samuel (Shmuel) — Heard by G-d.
Saul (Shaul) — Asked for; requested. Saul was the first king of Israel.
Shai — Gift.
Shimon (Simon) — Heard; listened. Shimon was one of Jacob's twelve sons.
Shlomo (Solomon) — Peace. King Solomon was the son of King David and built the First Temple in Jerusalem.
Shmuel — Hebrew form of Samuel.
Simcha — Joy; happiness.
T — Jewish Boy Names
Talmay (Talmai) — A traditional biblical name.
Tal — Dew.
Tobiah (Tuviah) — G-d is good.
Tzvi — Deer; gazelle.
U — Jewish Boy Names
Uri — My light. Uri is a biblical Hebrew name.
Uziel (Uzziel) — My strength is G-d.
Y — Jewish Boy Names
Yaakov (Jacob) — Hebrew form of Jacob.
Yair — He will enlighten.
Yakov — Variant spelling of Yaakov.
Yehoshua (Joshua) — G-d saves; G-d is salvation.
Yehuda (Judah) — Praise; thanksgiving.
Yeshaya (Isaiah) — G-d is salvation.
Yisrael (Israel) — One who struggles with G-d; Israel.
Yitzchak (Isaac) — He will laugh.
Yochanan (Johanan) — G-d is gracious.
Yonah (Jonah) — Dove.
Yonatan (Jonathan) — G-d has given.
Yosef (Joseph) — He will add.
Yosef — Hebrew form of Joseph.
Z — Jewish Boy Names
Zachary (Zechariah / Zecharyah) — G-d remembers.
Zalman — A traditional Jewish name related to Solomon/Shlomo.
Zev — Wolf.
Zevulun (Zebulun) — A traditional biblical name; Zebulun was one of Jacob's twelve sons.
Zvi — Deer; gazelle.
Popular Jewish Boy Names
Some Jewish baby boy names are especially recognizable among Jewish families in the United States, Israel, and communities around the world.
Popular choices include:
Aaron
Abraham
Adam
Asher
Benjamin
Caleb
Daniel
David
Elijah
Ethan
Ezra
Gabriel
Isaac
Jacob
Joseph
Joshua
Judah
Levi
Michael
Moses
Nathan
Noah
Samuel
Many of these names are also popular outside the Jewish community because they are biblical or have Hebrew origins.
For parents specifically looking for a Jewish name, however, popularity is only one consideration. Family traditions, Hebrew pronunciation, meaning, and the person or biblical figure associated with the name may be equally important.
Traditional Jewish Boy Names
Traditional Jewish names have been used by Jewish families for generations and often have strong connections to the Torah, Tanakh, Talmud, Jewish history, or great Jewish scholars.
Examples of traditional Jewish boy names include:
Aharon
Avraham
Baruch
Chaim
Dov
Eliezer
Ephraim
Gershon
Menachem
Mordechai
Moshe
Nachman
Reuven
Shimon
Shlomo
Shmuel
Tzvi
Yaakov
Yehuda
Yitzchak
Yosef
Zev
Traditional Jewish names can be particularly meaningful for families who want their son's Hebrew name to have a strong connection to previous generations.
Biblical Boy Names
Many of the most popular Hebrew boy names are biblical names.
Some popular biblical boy names include:
Adam
Aaron
Abraham
Benjamin
Caleb
Daniel
David
Elijah
Isaac
Jacob
Joseph
Joshua
Judah
Levi
Moses
Noah
Samuel
Saul
Solomon
These names are associated with major figures in the Torah and Tanakh and have remained in use for thousands of years.
Unique Jewish Boy Names
Some parents want a Jewish baby boy name that is less common while still being clearly connected to Hebrew or Jewish tradition.
Unique or less common Jewish boy names include:
Abner
Adiel
Avigdor
Elazar
Elkanah
Gedaliah
Gershon
Hillel
Hoshea
Ilan
Lior
Matan
Meir
Nachum
Nadav
Ovadiah
Oz
Tuviah
Uziel
Yair
Yochanan
Yisrael
Zevulun
A unique Hebrew name can give a child a distinctive name while maintaining a connection to Jewish heritage.
Modern Hebrew Boy Names
Parents looking for a modern Hebrew boy name may prefer a name that is widely used in Israel today or has a contemporary sound.
Modern Hebrew names include:
Ari
Aviv
Eitan
Ilan
Lavi
Lev
Lior
Nadav
Noam
Omer
Ori
Ron
Tal
Yair
Some modern Hebrew names have ancient roots, while others have become popular through modern Hebrew culture and Israeli society.
Short Hebrew Boy Names
Short names can be especially appealing to parents who want a Hebrew name that is easy to pronounce in both Hebrew and English.
Some short Jewish boy names include:
Ari
Dan
Dov
Eli
Gad
Gil
Lev
Levi
Noam
Oz
Ron
Tal
Uri
Zev
Jewish Boy Names With Strong Meanings
Many parents begin their search for a Jewish baby name by looking for a particular meaning.
Here are some Jewish boy names with positive and meaningful associations:
Asher — Happy, fortunate, blessed
Chaim — Life
Eitan — Strong, enduring
Eliezer — G-d is my help
Gavriel — G-d is my strength
Lior — My light
Matan — Gift
Meir — One who gives light
Nadav — Generous
Noam — Pleasantness
Uri — My light
Yehuda — Praise, thanksgiving
Yonatan — G-d has given
Zev — Wolf
Jewish Boy Names That Mean "Gift"
If you are looking for a Hebrew boy name meaning gift, several names may be worth considering.
Matan means "gift."
Natan means "he gave" or "G-d gave."
Netanel means "G-d has given."
Yonatan means "G-d has given."
Matityahu means "gift of G-d."
These names can be especially meaningful for parents who want their son's Hebrew name to express gratitude for the gift of a child.
Jewish Boy Names That Relate to Strength
Parents may also want a Hebrew name associated with strength, courage, or endurance.
Some possibilities include:
Aharon
Eitan
Gavriel
Oz
Uziel
Zev
Eitan, for example, is associated with strength and endurance, while Gavriel means "G-d is my strength."
Jewish Boy Names That Relate to Light
Names connected with light are another popular category of Hebrew names.
Uri — My light
Lior — My light
Meir — One who illuminates
Yair — He will enlighten
Aharon — Traditionally associated with light and enlightenment in some interpretations
Jewish Boy Names With English Equivalents
Many Hebrew names have familiar English forms. Parents may choose to use the English form on everyday documents while using the Hebrew form for religious purposes.
Some common examples include:
Hebrew Name
Common English Form
Aharon
Aaron
Avraham
Abraham
Binyamin
Benjamin
Daniel
Daniel
David
David
Eliyahu
Elijah
Gavriel
Gabriel
Yitzchak
Isaac
Yaakov
Jacob
Yosef
Joseph
Yehoshua
Joshua
Yehuda
Judah
Moshe
Moses
Shmuel
Samuel
Shimon
Simon
Shlomo
Solomon
Zechariah
Zachary
There are many additional variations in spelling and pronunciation, particularly between Ashkenazi, Sephardi, Israeli, and English usage.
Ashkenazi and Sephardi Jewish Naming Traditions
Jewish naming traditions can vary depending on a family's background.
Ashkenazi families traditionally name children after deceased relatives. Sephardi families commonly name children after living relatives as well.
Families may also choose a name because of its meaning, its connection to a biblical figure, a Jewish scholar, or another important person in Jewish history.
These traditions are an important consideration when choosing a Hebrew name for a baby boy.
When Does a Jewish Baby Boy Receive His Hebrew Name?
A Jewish baby boy traditionally receives his Hebrew name at his Bris Milah.
The Hebrew name is announced during the Bris after the circumcision and the appropriate blessings.
This makes the Bris an important moment not only for the mitzvah of Brit Milah but also for formally introducing the baby by his Jewish name.
For families preparing for a Bris, choosing the Hebrew name is therefore often one of the most meaningful parts of the preparation.
How Do You Choose a Jewish Boy Name?
There is no single correct way to choose a Jewish baby boy name.
Parents may consider:
The meaning of the name
A biblical figure associated with the name
A deceased relative
A living relative
Family naming traditions
Ashkenazi or Sephardi customs
The Hebrew pronunciation
The English pronunciation
Whether the name is traditional or modern
Whether the name is common or unique
How the Hebrew name sounds with the baby's last name
Some parents know the name before the baby is born. Others wait until after the birth or until the Bris is approaching.
Jewish Boy Names for a Baby's Bris
For many families, choosing a Hebrew name is an important part of preparing for a Bris.
The baby's Hebrew name is traditionally announced during the Bris Milah ceremony, making the name an important part of the celebration.
If you are still deciding on a name, it can be helpful to create a short list of Jewish boy names based on meaning, family tradition, and personal significance.
You can then discuss the name with family members, a Rabbi, or your Mohel as appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jewish Boy Names
What are the most popular Jewish boy names?
Popular Jewish boy names include David, Benjamin, Noah, Jacob, Joseph, Levi, Asher, Daniel, Aaron, Elijah, Isaac, Samuel, Ezra, and Joshua.
Popularity can vary significantly by country, Jewish community, and generation.
What are traditional Jewish boy names?
Traditional Jewish boy names include Avraham, Aharon, Moshe, Yitzchak, Yaakov, Yosef, Yehuda, Shimon, Shmuel, Shlomo, Menachem, Chaim, and Mordechai.
What are good Hebrew names for boys?
There are hundreds of good Hebrew names for boys. Some popular choices include Asher, Ari, David, Eitan, Ezra, Levi, Lior, Noam, Uri, and Zev.
The best name depends on the family's traditions, preferences, and the meaning they want the name to express.
What is a good Jewish boy name that is unique?
Some less common Jewish boy names include Avigdor, Elazar, Elkanah, Gedaliah, Hillel, Matan, Nachum, Ovadiah, Uziel, Yair, and Yochanan.
What Hebrew boy names mean "gift"?
Matan, Natan, Netanel, Yonatan, and Matityahu all have meanings connected with giving or a gift from G-d.
What Jewish boy names mean "light"?
Uri means "my light," Lior means "my light," Meir is associated with illuminating or giving light, and Yair means "he will enlighten."
When is a Jewish boy's Hebrew name given?
A Jewish baby boy's Hebrew name is traditionally announced at his Bris Milah, after the circumcision and associated blessings.
Final Thoughts
There are hundreds of meaningful Jewish boy names and Hebrew baby boy names to choose from. Whether you are looking for a popular Jewish name, a traditional Hebrew name, a biblical boy name, a modern Israeli name, or a unique Jewish baby name, there are options with deep connections to Jewish history and tradition.
A Hebrew name can honor a relative, connect a child to a biblical figure, express a meaningful blessing, or simply reflect a name that the parents love.
For many Jewish families, the name becomes especially meaningful when it is announced at the child's Bris Milah.
If you are preparing for your son's Bris and are looking for a Hebrew baby name, take the time to explore the possibilities and choose a name that has significance for your family.
Planning a Bris in Connecticut?
If you are expecting a baby boy and planning a Bris Milah in Connecticut, Rabbi Zalman Goldblatt provides Bris services and guidance for families throughout Connecticut.
From preparing for the Bris to understanding the ceremony and choosing your son's Hebrew name, parents can receive guidance throughout the process.
If you are looking for a certified Mohel in Connecticut, contact Rabbi Zalman Goldblatt to discuss your son's Bris.
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