NAME

HEBREW

GENDER

LANGUAGE

DEFINITION

VARIATIONS

Abba

אבא

Male

Hebrew

"Father"

It usually comes in conjunction with the name Abraham and secondary to it: "Avrohom Abba." The relationship between the two names is obvious: Abraham was the father of our nation ( Gen. 17:5) . But it may also be used as an only name. Has been used since Talmudic times. Many great sages went by that name such as the Amora Rav, whose name was Abba Aricha; Rabbi Abba; Abba Uman and Abba Shaul.

Adam

אדם

Male

Hebrew

"Earth"

Odom

Biblical. Genesis 1:27; refers to the first man G‑d created. With great wisdom, Adam named all the animals (The Midrash, Bereishit Raba 17:4).

Aharon

אהרון

Male

Hebrew

"Light; Teaching; Enlightening"

Aron, Arik, Oren, Ore, Arel, Arele, Orel, Arke, Orkeu, Arush, Orush, Arushka, Arushke

The Biblical name of Moses’ brother, Aaron ( Exodus 4:14; 6:20). Derived from the Hebrew word for light, ohr. Also from the Hebrew word for teaching; enlightening. Aharon was known for encouraging peace. He was the first High Priest and his descendants remain priests.

Alexander, Aleksander

אלקסנדר

Male

Old Greek

"Helper of man; defender"

Aleksender, Aliksender, Sender, Sander, Sandor, Sender, Sendush

Very often coupled with Ziskind. First used in Jewish circles in gratitude to Alexander the Great for his kindness to the Jewish nation during his battles to conquer the world. This form was so close to the non-Jewish family name that many Jews whose father's and grandfather's name was Sander, simply adopted the surnames Sanders or Saunders after migrating to English-speaking countries. Alexander also became a family name.

Alter

אלטר

Male

Yiddish

"Old one"

Alter, Altir, Altmann

In Yiddish, an "old man." One of the amuletic names. This is one of the amuletic names. Often given to a newborn after another child in the family died at a young age. The name symbolizes a prayer for longevity. If a male child died soon after birth or very young, the next born male child was sometimes given the name Alter alone, or in combination with another name. The parents, in giving the name, expressed their prayer that the newborn child should live to be an old man. See also Alte. The family name Alter is a derivative. (Not to be confused with the family name Altar which has a completely different etymological origin. Altar was a small island in a river in medieval France. After a local pogrom, some Jews who escaped adopted the name of their place of birth as their family name.)

Aryeh, Aryeih Leib

ארי'ה לייב

Male

Hebrew

"Lion"

Leib, Leibel, Leibele, Leibish, Leibush, Lev, Levke, Aryeh, Ari, Arik, Artze, Artzi, Arke, Arel

The symbol of the Tribe of Judah, indicating strength and fearlessness. Often paired with its Yiddish translation, Leib. Yehudah took the lion as the symbol of his Tribe, and as Jerusalem became the capital of the Kingdom of Yehudah, the lion is the symbol of the City of Jerusalem. Biblical. Bereishit, 49:9 . Leib is Yiddish for "lion," and as the symbol of the Tribe of Judah is a lion, Leib is used also together with the name Yehudah. See also Yehudah Leib. The family name Leibler derives from this form. From the early Yiddish forms Lowe and Lobl, there were derived the names Loew and Loebel—Lobel. In certain countries, Jews with the name Aryeh or Yehudah used other translations such as Leon and Leo. From these translations there developed the family names Leeman and Lehman. Not to be confused with the family name Leiman, a derivative of Lemu'eil.

Asher

אשר

Male

Hebrew

"Happy one"

Osher, Osherel, Osher'l, Asherel, Anshel (Anschel), Anshil (Anschil), Anselm, Anzel, Anzil, Enzel, Enzil, Enzlin, Henzel, Henzil, Zeligl, Zelikl, Zeligmanl, Zelikman, Zelle

Son of Jacob and father of one of the 12 tribes. Named, “Because of my good fortune, for women have declared me fortunate.” Often paired with its Yiddish equivalent, Zelig. On Asher's birth Lei'ah proclaimed, "For my happiness; for daughters will call me happy. And she called his name Asher." Father of the Tribe carrying his name. It usually comes in conjunction with the name Abraham and secondary to it: "Avrohom Abba." The relationship between the two names is obvious: Abraham was the father of our nation ( Gen. 17:5) . But it may also be used as an only name. Has been used since Talmudic times. Many great sages went by that name such as the Amora Rav, whose name was Abba Aricha; Rabbi Abba; Abba Uman and Abba Shaul.

Avraham

אברהם

Male

Hebrew

"Exalted father"

Abraham, Avram, Avrom, Avremel, Avremele, Avremka, Avremke

The Biblical name of the Jewish patriarch Abraham. Originally named Abram (ibid. 11:26), indicating that he was the “spiritual” father of his native land of Aram, G‑d added the Hebrew letter hei, changing his name to Abraham. His new name established him as the leader of the entire world, the “father of a multitude of nations” (see the commentary of Rashi on ibid 17:5). Abraham was known particularly for his hospitality. Biblical. Bereishit, 17:5 . Avraham Eiver is a two name combination which is still in use. The diminutive of Eiver is Eivril, and hence we get Avraham Eivril. See also Eiver. Care must be taken not to confuse the diminutive Avril from Avraham; nor the diminutive Evril from Efraiyim.

Azriel

עזריאל

Male

Hebrew

"My help is G‑d"

Ezriel, Esriel, Ezzy,

Biblical. Chronicles I, 27:19. Azriel was also one of the leaders of the tribe of Menasseh who was taken into exile by the kings of Assyria.

Baruch,(Benedikt)

ברוך

Male

Hebrew

"Blessed one"

Boruch, Boruch, Bendet, Bendet'l, Bendit, Benedikt

Biblical. Jeremiah, 32:12 . Baruch was a priest (“Kohen”) and a prophets (The Talmud, Megillah 14b). He was a trustworthy assistant to Jeremiah. Baruch transcribed many of the prophesies of Jeremiah (ibid 36:4). When G‑d told Jeremiah to purchase a piece of land, he entrusted Baruch with the deed (ibid 32:12). The Jewish family name Benedikt is derived from the Latin translation of Barukh.

Bentziyon (Benzion)

בנציון

Male

Hebrew

"Son of Zion"

Bentzion, Bentze, Bentch, Bentzel, Bentzil, Benchel, Benchil

Non Biblical. An expression of pining for the Jewish nation to return to its homeland, Israel, and especially Jerusalem, which is referred to as Zion in the Bible ( II Samuel 5:7 ; I Kings 8:1). Can be written as one word or as two words, but only in Hebrew. In English it is normally written as one word.

Berekhyah

ברכיה

Male

Hebrew

"Blessed of the L-rd"

Birach, Birech, Beirach, Beirech, Beirich

Biblical. Zecharyah, 1:7 . Father of the Prophet Zecharyah.

Betzalel

בצלאל

Male

Hebrew

"In the shade of the Lord"

Betzaleil, Tzalel, Zalel, Zale, Tzalke, Tzali, Zalke, Tzalka, Zalka

Biblical, Exodus, 31:2. The biblical Betzalel was endowed with super artistic talents by the Almighty. He was the lead architect in charge of building the travelling Tabernacle (the “Mishkan”). The name refers to his immense wisdom (Brachot 55a). G‑d rewarded his dedication to the task by recording the details of the building in great detail (The Midrash, Shemot Rabah 50:3).

Binyamin (Benjamin)

בנימין

Male

Hebrew

"Son of the right (hand); Son of old age"

Benyamin, Benyomin, Beinush, Beinis, Bnis, Benji, Ben

A translation of the Hebrew male name Shem Tov. Biblical, Genesis 35:18 . The youngest son of Jacob and Rachel. Benjamin looked like his mother who died during his birth (Zohar 1:202b). “He did not slander with his tongue, (Psalms15:3),” refers to Benjamin (The Midrash, Shocher Tov 15:6). Father of the tribe carrying his name.

Bunim

בונים

Male

Hebrew

"Good name"

Bunim, Bunem, Bonim, Bonem, Binim, Binem

Very often combined with the name Simhah (Simhah Bunim).Reason unknown. Some authorities claim that the name derives from the French bon homme (a good man). It is this author's contention that the name Shem Tov was very popular in pre-expulsion Spain; and this opinion is based on the dozens of Rabbis of pre-expulsion Spain who carried the Hebrew name Shem Tov.During the emigration to France, the name was translated to French. During the following centuries of wandering from country to country the two words bon nomme became contracted to one word. Finally, the pronunciation was influenced by local phonetics.I have yet to discover at any time in history, a Jew with the Hebrew name Ish Tov—a Good Man. A Yiddish name Gutman did eventually evolve independently. Gutmann (Gutman) also became a family name (and in English, Goodman). Bueno (Spanish: good) was a popular name amongst Jews of the Iberian Peninsula:* It is this name that eventually became the Yiddish Gutman. The Gut meaning good, and the man, either the Old German diminutive suffix, or simply the word for a man—meaning a good man. For the female equivalent, see Buna.

Chanoch

חנוך

Male

Hebrew

"Dedicated; Educated and raised correctly"

Hanokh, Henikh, Henich, Henel, Henli, Hendl, Hendel, Hendil, Enikh, Einikh

Biblical. Genesis, 5:18 ,21,24. A seventh-generation descendant of Adam known for his righteousness, “And Enoch walked with G‑d.” (ibid. 5:24) Son of Yered and father of Metushelah, the oldest human that ever lived—969 years. Hanokh was the great-grandfather of Noah. The Torah records that he did not die, but was taken alive to G‑d on account of righteousness. A seventh-generation descendant of Adam known for his righteousness, “And Enoch walked with G‑d.” (ibid. 5:24)

Chayim (Chaim)

חיים

Male

Hebrew

"Life, "Living"

Chai, Hai, Heiman, Cheyman, Chayyimel, Chayyimka, Cheikel, Vital, Vidal, Feitel, Veis, Feis, Feist

Hebrew. Non-biblical. In Judaism, life is highly valued. In fact, it takes precedence over all but three commandments. The name Chaim is sometimes added to a very sick person’s name, to help ensure recovery.

Chizkiyahu

חיזקיהו

Male

Hebrew

"Strengthened by the L-rd; My strength is the L-rd"

Hizkiyahu, Hezekiah, Hiz, Hess

Biblical. Kings II, 18:1. The Biblical name of the righteous King of Judah, Hezekiah. Hezekiah was given this name because G‑d strengthened him, and he in turn strengthened the Jewish nation’s service of their Creator (The Talmud, Sanhedrin 94a). Characterized by his humility (The Midrash, Midrash Hagadol, Vayikra 14)

Dan

דן

Male

Hebrew

"To judge"

Betzaleil, Tzalel, Zalel, Zale, Tzalke, Tzali, Zalke, Tzalka, Zalka

The son of Jacob. Of Biblical origin, Genesis 30:6. It is said of his descendants that they are "energetic, astute and innumerable” (The Midrash, Targum Yonatan Breishit 46:23).

Daniel

דניאל

Male

Hebrew

"G‑d is my Judge"

Dan'l, Denel, Dan, Dani, Dany, Danny

Biblical, Daniel 1:6-7. A prophet who authored the Book of Daniel, lived in Babylon and prophesied about the Messianic era. Much beloved, he spent his time assisting the poor, bringing joy to brides and escorting the deceased on their final journeys (Avot D'Rabbi Nathan 4:5). Daniel and Moses are considered the two defenders of the Jewish nation before G‑d (The Midrash, Shemot Rabah 43:1). Dan was an independent name even before the name Daniel. One of the sons of the Patriarch Yakov (Jacob) was named Dan, and hence the progenitor of the Tribe carrying his name.

David

דויד

Male

Hebrew

"Friend"

Dovid, Dovid'l, Dovidka, Dovidke, Devel, Dewil, Tevel, Tevil, Tevele

Biblical, Ruth, 4:13 -21. The Biblical name of King David (Samuel I 16:13). Originally a kind and innovative shepherd (The Midrash, Shemot Raba 2:2), when he became king he cared for the Jewish nation in a similar manner. (The Midrash, Breishit Raba 59:5). Known for his sweet voice, constant praise of G‑d, and for authoring the Book of Psalms (The Midrash, Shocher Tov 18:2). Devel evolved by the elision of the second `T and the adding of the Germanic diminutive el—Davel became Devel. The v-sounding consonant in Tevel can be expressed with either the 11 of Yiddish or the (Ashkenazi, pronunciation veis). This form Tevel in writing is not to be confused with the Yiddish diminutive Tevia-Tevel of Tuviah, nor with the female names Teibel and Teibil.

Dov (Dov Ber)

(דב בער (דובער

Male

Hebrew

"A bear"

Dover, Duber, Ber, Bere, Berel, Berele, Berelein, Berelin, Berlin, Berke, Berko, Berek, Berik, Berish, Berush,

Hebrew, non-Biblical. Dov and Ber share the same letters at the end of Dov and the beginning of Ber. Phonetically it was inevitable that they should contract together to make one name. From Berko there developed amongst Slavic-speaking Jews, the family name Berkowitz and its variant spellings. One of the male animal names. In German, hence in Yiddish, Ber. While adult bears are huge and heavy, cubs usually weigh just a few pounds. It is with extensive care, love and nurturing that the cub becomes a large bear. Proverbs describes a bear whose cub is lost, “May a bereaving bear encounter a person rather than a fool with his folly” (17:12). The closer a parent and child, the most painful it is when they are separated. The name is many times paired with its Yiddish translation, Ber; sometimes considered a single name Dovber.

Efrayim

אפרים

Male

Hebrew

"Fruitful"

Efroimke, Efroimka, Efroike, Efroika, Efroimel, Froim, Froimke, Froimka, Froimel, Evril,

From the root "Peri." The name is in the plural form. Biblical. Genesis, 41:52 .37. The son of Joseph. He was born in Egypt and Joseph proclaimed. “G‑d has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction” (ibid). Efrayim was humble and spent time studying with his grandfather, Jacob (The Midrash, Tanchuma Vayechi 6).

Eliyahu (Elijah)

אליהו

Male

Hebrew

"My G‑d is L-rd"

Eliyahu, Eliyohu, Elya, Elye, Eli, Elik, Elinke, Elinka

Biblical. I Kings, 17:1 . The Biblical name for Elijah the Prophet (Kings I 17:1). It is said that Elijah attends every ritual circumcision, and will herald the coming of the Messianic era.

Ever (Eber)

עבר

Male

Hebrew

"To go over"

Eivril, Eiver, Eiverman

Root of the word Ivri (a Hebrew). Note the structure of the non-Hebrew word "over" which in Hebrew would imply went or came over. Biblical. Exodus, 10:21 -22. Noah’s grandchild Eber was Abraham’s spiritual mentor, and part of the reason Abraham was called Ivri, a derivative of Eber (The Midrash, Breishit Raba 42:8). According to the Midrash, when the inhabitants of the world wished to do evil, G‑d gave them two strong leaders, Shem and Eber (ibid. 52:11). Later, when Jacob was fleeing from his brother Esau he hid for fourteen years at the ""Academy of Shem and Eber"", where he studied Torah (The Talmud, Megillah 17a).

Elazar (Lazarus)

אלעזר

Male

Hebrew

"G‑d has helped"

Elozor, Elozer, Lozor, Lozer, Lozir

Biblical. Exodus, 6:23. 44. Often confused with Eliezer. They have since old been two distinct names, notwithstanding that they are etymologically identical. The son of the High Priest Aaron. Elazar succeeded his father as the High Priest and worked with Joshua on dividing and conquering the Land of Israel ( Isaiah 14:1).

Elchanan

אלחנן

Male

Hebrew

"G‑d has graced"

Elhonon, Elchonon, Hanan, Chanan, Honon, Choni, Chone, Chona,

Biblical. Samuel II, 23:24. Chronicles I, 11:26. Was a member of the family that wove the curtains in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. He was one of the “mighty warriors” of King David’s army (Chronicles I 11:26).

Eliezer

אליעזר

Male

Hebrew

"My G‑d helps"

Leizer, Leizir, Leizerel, Leizerke, Lazer.

Biblical. Genesis, 15:2. Abraham’s servant. Most known for his involvement in being Abraham’s emissary to find a wife for Isaac (Genesis ch. 24), he hailed from Damascus and was influenced by Abraham to embrace a life of monotheism. After mastering Abraham’s teachings, he taught others (The Talmud, Yoma 28b).

Elimelech (Elimelekh)

אלימלך

Male

Hebrew

"My G‑d is king"

Melekh, Melech, Melikh, Meilekh, Meilikh, Meilech

Biblical. Ruth, 1:2. Of Biblical origin (Biblical. Ruth 1:2); the husband of Naomi, and father-in-law of Ruth who was the great-grandmother of King David. He was considered a role model in his generation (The Midrash, Avot D'Rabbi Nathan 37), and a man of great strength (The Midrash, Tanchuma Shemini 9). Many exemplary Hassidic leaders have been given this name, including the well known Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk.

Elyakim

אליקים

Male

Hebrew

"G‑d will Establish"

Elokim, Elaykum, Elyokum, Yokim, Yokum, Yoki

Biblical. Melakhim 11, 18:18. 51. The Biblical spelling is Elyakim with a ' (i), but there developed a form with the spelling Elyakum with a 1 (u), also. The meaning remains the same. An officer in the royal court of King Hezekiah, king of Judah. Eliakim did not call himself a servant of G‑d, so G‑d gave him his name ( Isaiah 22:20) , “I will call My servant Eliakim” (The Midrash, Targum Yonatan, Bamidbar 11:26) .

Ezra

עזרא

Male

Hebrew

“Help; assistance”

Ezra, Esdras

Biblical (Book of Ezra). Ezra the Scribe led the second wave of Jews returning from Babylon to Israel. He headed the religious revival of the people there at the beginning of the Second Temple era. He also led the Men of the Great Assembly, one of the most influential groups of scholars in Jewish history.

Fishel

פישל

Male

Yiddish

"Fish"

Fish, Feish, Fishel, Fishil, Feishel, Feishil, Vish'l

The name represents the blessing Jacob gave to his grandchildren ( Genesis 48:16) , “May they multiply abundantly like fish, in the midst of the land.” Many bless their children with these same words on the eve of Shabbat. For this reason Fishel is often paired with Efrayim. Efrayim was one of Jacob’s children, whose children were numerous

Feivish

פייויש

Male

Yiddish

"Light"

In Judaism, light is often related to spirituality and G‑dliness. Light is also used to bring warmth and happiness to Shabbat, festivals, and joyous occasions – where we make sure to light candles to make the house brighter. Ecclesiastes says, “And I saw that wisdom has an advantage over folly, as the advantage of light over darkness” (2:13), the Hassidic masters explain, that “a little bit of light dispels much darkness” (The Tanya ch. 13).

Gad

גד

Male

hebrew

"Fortune, success, troop"

Biblical. Genesis 30:11 . The son of Jacob. When he was born his mother Leah said, “Luck has come.” She called him luck. He was born circumcised (Rashi ibid.).

Gavriel (Gabriel)

גבריאל

Male

Hebrew

"G‑d's man"

Gaby, Gavi, Gavri

Of Biblical origin ( Daniel 8:16) ; refers to a particular angel.

Gedaliah

גדליה

Male

Hebrew

"G‑d is great"

Gedalyah, Godul, Godel, Godil, Godol

Of Biblical origin Jeremiah 40:7 . Gedaliah was appointed governor over the Land of Judah after the first holy Temple was destroyed in 423 BCE. A good and just leader, he encouraged the Jews to live peacefully under Babylonian rule. Under his guidance, Jewish teachings prospered once again in the Land of Israel and Jews began returning from exile in Babylonia. Jeremiah prophesied that if the people followed Gedaliah, life would improve (Jeremiah ch. 40). Paternal grandfather of Tzefanyah the Prophet.

Gershom

גרשם

Male

Hebrew

"Stranger there"

Gedalyah, Godul, Godel, Godil, Godol

Of Biblical origin, Exodus 2:22. Moses’ eldest son. His mother Zipporah called him Gershom because, "I was a stranger in a foreign land." (ibid.), so that the name would remind him that he is ‘there’ away from other Jews, in a strange land. Rabbeinu Gershom Mehor Hagola was a famous sage by that name.

Immanuel

עמנואל

Male

Hebrew

"G‑d is with us"

Emanuel, Manuel, Meni, Moni, Monye, Monya, Manya, Monel, Monoil

Biblical. Isaiah 7:14. Refers to the son of the Prophet Isaiah. Ahaz prophesied that the Kingdom of Judah would be victorious against its adversaries, and promised that as a sign, G‑d would bless Isaiah’s wife with an infant, and “she shall call his name Immanuel,”- “G‑d is with us” (ibid.)

Kalonymus

קלונימוס

Male

Old Greek

Kalon—"beautiful;" Nymus—"name"

Kolonymus, Kalman, Kalmenka, Kalmenke

In Ecclesiastes (7:1) we read, “A [good] name is better than good oil.” Good oil is temporary, but a good name is eternal (Rashi ad loc). Rabbi Shimon used to say, “There are three crowns: the crown of Torah, the crown of priesthood and the crown of sovereignty, but the crown of a good name surmounts them all” (Ethics of Our Fathers 4:13).

Kuni

קוני

Male

Old Spanish

"Childish"

Kooni, Kuna, Kune, Kunya, Kunye

Children are pure and without sin. We guide them and help mold them into responsible adults. As we mature, we should try to remain pure and sinless, like a child.

Lemuel

למואל

Male

Hebrew

"Belonging to G‑d"

Lemueil, Lemoel, Leme, Lemel, Lemla, Lemle, Lemke, Lemki, Lemken, Lemkin, Lemlein, Lemlin, Lam, Lamlin Lima, Leima, Liman, Leiman, Lemekhel, Lemekhil

Lemu/Lemo plus Eil. A contraction of both words. Biblical. Proverbs, 31:2 -9. Refers to King Solomon. He is called Lemuel in reference to one of his prophesies that he said, “for [the sake of] G‑d” (Rashi ad loc). Also called Lemuel because he dedicated his life to serving G‑d. The opening passage of Proverbs, 31:1 can be read in two ways, with two results. If the comma is placed after the word melekh (king), then it refers to King Shlomoh, and it then means that he is counselling with his mother's advice, and he was also called Lemueil (belonging to G‑d), as one dedicating his life to serving G‑d. Other authorities claim that the comma should be after the next word Massa, and that the counsel is the words of the mother of Lemueil, King of Massa. The passage would then be a general advice to all kings, with Lemueil used as the negative example of a foolish king.

Levi

לוי

Male

Hebrew

"Attached to me"

Levik

Of Biblical origin, Genesis 29:34 ; the third son of Leah and Jacob. With the birth of her third, Leah had more children than any of Jacob’s other wives, so she felt, “my husband will be attached to me” (ibid.)

Lieber

ליבער

Male

Yiddish

"Loved one; Beloved"

Liber, Liber'l, Liberman, Lieberman, Liebman, Lippa, Lippe, Lipa, Lipe, Lipman, Lippman, Lippmann, Lipka, Lipke,

A name of endearment. Used in Yiddish. It is possible that the name Lieber is a breakaway from the full name Gottlieb and became detached due to the Jewish sensitivity of uttering G‑d's name in vain.

Maharam

מהרם

Male

Hebrew

Acronym for Meir of Rothenburg

The name Maharam is an acronym for Rabbi Meir of Rothenburg of Germany who was universally acknowledged as the leading authority on Jewish law in his generation. Known as “Rabbi of Rabbis” and “Light of the Exile”, he was so beloved by his followers that many of them named their sons Maharam in his honor. There were other sages who had the same first name such as the Maharam of Lublin and Maharam Shif.

Meir

מאיר

Male

Hebrew

"To give light"

Meyer, Mayer, Meirel, Meiril, Meirke, Maharam, Maram, Marem, Marim, Marum, Meiram, Maieram,

Hebrew, non-Biblical. The name of the Mishnaic Sage, Rabbi Meir, who gathered and recorded all of the teachings that had been passed down orally for generations. Rabbi Meir undertook this task when the Romans forbade the study of Torah, for he realized writing it down was the only way to ensure its perpetuation. Rabbi Meir was successful in his task, and the book of the Mishnah was born. The Talmud testifies that his intellect was so keen, his sagacious colleagues were unable to plumb the depths of his ideas (Eruvin 13a).

Menachem

מנחם

Male

Hebrew

"Comforter", To comfort"

Menacheim, Menahem, Mann, Mannele, Mannkhen, Menke, Mendel, Mendil, Mendl, Munczia, Menni, Meni, Menkhin

Biblical. Kings II, 15:14. Sixteenth king of Yisrael. A name common amongst the sages of the Talmudic era. The family name Mendelbaum presumably derives from the name Mandelbaum, the a having been replaced with the e because of the common use of Mendel as a personal name. Menahem Mendel is a common combination.

Menashe (Menasseh)

מנשה

Male

Hebrew

"To make forget"

Manasseh, Manish, Monish, Monash, Mannes, Mannis, Manis, Monnis

Of Biblical origin. Genesis 41:51 . The elder son of Joseph and Asnat. “Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh, for ‘G‑d has caused me to forget all my toil and my father's house’” (ibid). Father of the half-tribe carrying his name. At least one Jewish family adopted the name Monash, a diminutive, as a family name, the celebrated General Sir John Monash of Melbourne, Australia. His mother was a sister of the more famous Jewish historian, Heinrich Graetz. The diminutive form Mannes also became a family name.

Mendel

מענדל

Male

Hebrew

"Comforter"

Mendl, Mendil, Mendy, Meni

Is a derivative of the name Menachem and often used in tandem. Many great sages had the name Menachem Mendel such as Rabbi Menachem Mendel Horodoker, teacher of Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Lubavitch, third Chabad Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, seventh Chabad Rebbe as well as Menachem Mendel of Rimonov.

Meshulam

משולם

Male

Hebrew

"Paid for", Perfect"

Meshulom, Shulam, Shil'm, Shalom, Sholom, Shulman

Of Biblical origin (see for example Kings II 22:3: Nehemiah 8:4) . The Prophet Zechariah was also called Meshulam because he was perfect in his deeds (The Talmud, Megillah 23a)

Michael

מיכאל

Male

Hebrew

"Who is like G‑d?"

(Who can be compared to G‑d?) Biblical. Daniel, 12:1. Refers to an angel whose task is to express that no one can be compared to G‑d. Name of the second Angel, after Gavri'eil, who appeared to Dani'eil in his Prophetic vision, to reassure him with good counsel and the protection of the Jewish People. Mikhal became a family name. Possibly also from the female name Miklah. Ikhal Mikhal is an uncommon form derived from phonetic playfulness. See also Yehi'eil, which together with Mikhal is a popular combination of names. This rare form Ikhal Mikhal became so entrenched that it was used even for one whose name was Mikhal only.

Mordechai (Mordecai)

מרדכי

Male

Aramaic

"The head of the fragrance"

Mordekhai, Mordel, Mordush, Motta, Motte, Motti, Motka, Motke, Moddel, Mottel, Morkl, Morkel, Morkil

Biblical. Esther, 2:5. Refers to the leader of the Jewish nation during the story of Purim. Mordechai was of the Tribe of Binyamin. He authored the Megillat Ester, read on Purim. The verse in Ecclesiastes (2:26) , “To the man who pleases Him He has given wisdom, knowledge and joy,” refers to Mordechai (The Talmud, Megillah 10b). Mordechai is a combination of the Aramaic words mira dachia, meaning “head of the fragrance” ( Exodus 30:23) . The implication is that he will lead the Jewish nation and the righteous of his generation (Chulin 139b; see Rashi ad loc).

Moshe (Moses)

משה

Male

Hebrew

"To withdraw"

Moshka, Moshke, Moishe, Meisha, Meishe, Meishel, Meishele, Meishil, Meshel, Meshil

Biblical. Exodus 2:10. Biblical name for Moses who led the Israelites out of Egypt and through the desert for forty tumultuous years until they reached the Land of Israel. During that time, he ascended to Heaven to bring down two sets of Tablets and learned the Torah directly from G‑d, and yet we know that “The man Moses was exceedingly humble, more than any man on the face of the earth” ( Numbers 12:3). One of his primary roles was defending the Jewish nation and their wrongdoings in the desert (The Talmud, Brachot 32a). Before Moses was born, Pharaoh had decreed that all Jewish male infants should be thrown into the water to die. Moses parents tried to save him by placing him inside a protective basket in the Nile river. Pharaoh’s daughter, Batya, rescued him and raised him in Pharaoh’s palace. “She named him Moses, ""For I drew him from the water” ( Exodus 2:10).

Naftali (Naphtali)

נפתלי

Male

Hebrew

"I bonded; I prayed; I stubbornly (pleaded)".

Naftoli, Tolli, Tali, Tully, Tuli, Natti, Naftoli Hertz

There are a number of possible meanings of this name. It depends on how one extracts the root of the word. It can be from Petil, a "bond," here meaning a bond with G‑d. It can also be from the root Nafal, "to fall (prostate) in prayer." Another root could be Naftul, "to wrestle with"—hand to hand combat. Biblical. Genesis, 30:8. the son of Bilhah (Rachel’s maidservant) and Jacob. Known for his swiftness and likened to a deer (The Talmud, Sotah 13a), Naftali honored his father greatly by fulfilling many of his missions (The Midrash, Bamidbar Raba 14:11). Because of his swiftness, he was selected to bring the good news that Joseph was still alive to his father Jacob ( Genesis 45:26) . Rachel named him because, “With divine bonds I have been joined to my sister” (ibid 30:8). Although she did not yet have a child of her own, her maidservant’s child helped bond her with her sister Leah who had many. Naftali is considered G‑d’s response to Rachel’s prayers for a child she could call her own (see Rashi ad loc).

Natan (Nathan)

נתן

Male

Hebrew

"He (G‑d) gave"

Nosson, Nosson Notta, Nosson Notte, Nossel, Notta, Notte, Nottel, Nottele, Notkal, Notke, Notinka, Notinke, Nussun, Nussy

Biblical. Samuel II, 12:1, 5:14. One of the early prophets from King David’s era. Also the name of King David’s son (ibid. 5:14). The family name Notkin and Natkin derive from the diminutive form, Notke.

Netanel

נתנאל

Male

Hebrew

"G‑d has given"

Natanel, Nati, Naty, Nesanel, Sanel, Sanne

Biblical. Numbers, 1:8. The name of the “prince” (leader) of the tribe of Issachar when the Jews were travelling through the desert after the Exodus. Known for his scholarliness (The Midrash, Bamidbar Raba 13:17).

Noach (Noah)

נח

Male

Hebrew

"Rested"

Biblical. Genesis 5:29. The Biblical name for Noah, who was born into a tumultuous world; a time of violence and self-absorption (ibid. 6:5). When Noah was born his father said, “This one will give us rest from our work.” We know that Noah was righteous, “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the G‑d... Noah was a righteous man he was perfect in his generation; Noah walked with G‑d” (ibid. 6:8-9). Noah is most known for building the ark where his family and the animals were sheltered from the flood which destroyed the world. (ibid. ch. 7).

Pinchas (Phineas)

פנחס

Male

Hebrew

"Compassionate face"

Pinhas, Pinhas'l, Pinna, Pinne, Pinya, Pinye, Pini, Pinnel

Biblical. Exodus, 6:25. The grandson of the first High Priest, Aaron. He led several wars and is most known for protesting the public desecration of the G‑d’s name. The name is usually broken into two Hebrew words: pi(mouth), andnahash(snake). It is difficult to understand why parents would give such a name to their son. Notwithstanding that in proper names the Hebrew letters 0, V), and tD are interchanged, the Hebrew word for snake is written with a 0, and the name Pinhas is written with a 0. It seems to me that another breakdown of the name is also possible.Pin(face) andhas(compassion). It makes more sense to call a child the one with the ""compassionate face."" Angered by the desecration of the name of G‑d, he rose in the defense of the Almighty's honour and slew Zimri, a chief of the Tribe of Shimon who had brazenly brought a Midianite woman into the Jewish camp and had relations with her during a session of Torah that was being held by Moshe and all the chiefs of all the Tribes of Yisrael. The name is the symbol of one who defends the honour of G‑d.

Refael (Rephael)

רפאל

Male

Hebrew

"G‑d has healed"

Rafael, Rafi, Raffy, Fol, Folle, Follk, Follik, Folka, Folke

Biblical. Chronicles I, 26:7. The name of the angel who came to heal Abraham three days after his circumcision. One of the Jews who went up to the Holy Land from the Babylonian exile.

Shabtai

שבתי

Male

Hebrew

"Born on Shabbat, Sabbatical"

Shabetai, Shabsi, Shabsil, Shabsel, Shabtil, Shabtel, Shebtil, Shebtel, Shepsil, Shepsel, Sheptil, Sheptel,

Of Biblical origin, Nehemiah 8:7. Often given when a child is born on Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath. One of the head Levites of those that returned to the Holy Land from the Babylonian exile.

Shachna

שכנא

Male

Hebrew

"To dwell"

Shakhna, Shachne, Shechna, Shechne, Shalom Shachna, Sholom Shachna

Biblical. Ezra, 10:2, Nehemiyah, 6:18, 12:3, Chronicles I, 3:21, 24:11, Chronicles II, 31:15.Probably a shortened form (diminutive) of the full name Shekhanyah—""in the presence of G‑d."" Six biblical personalities carried this name. The combination Shalom Shachna is very common and the reason therefore is to be found in the Babylonian Talmud, Tractate Shabbat, Folio 12a-12b. The name of a Talmudic scholar who made a point of greeting sick people with the word “shalom,” peace (The Talmud, Shabbat 12b, see the Tosofot ad loc). For this reason, the name Shachna is often paired with the name Shalom.

Shalom

שלום

Male

Hebrew

"Peace,a man of peace"

Sholom, Shulom, Shulem, Sholly, Sholom'ke

Hebrew, non-Biblical. A tombstone inscription in the German colony, a suburb of Jerusalem, carries the names Shalom and Mattyah, her sons, Shlomtzion and Dostam. The name Shalom, here inscribed, refers to a woman. The grave and its tombstone antedates 1500 CE.

Shaul (Saul)

שאול

Male

Hebrew

"Asked for; borrowed"

Saul, Sholikeh, Shaoil, Shoi'el, Shoi'l

Biblical. Samuel I, 9:1-2. The first Jewish king in the Land of Israel. Saul displayed exemplary kindness (The Talmud, Moed Katan, 16b) and is said to have never tasted sin (The Talmud, Yoma 22b). He spent his personal money freely, but made sure to protect public money. He willingly ate ordinary food and treated his servants with as much honor as he showed his sons (The Midrash, Bamidbar Raba 10:1).

Shefatyah

שפטיה

Male

Hebrew

"G‑d is the judge"

Sheptayah, Shephatyah, Sheptel, Sheptil, Shept'l

Biblical. Samuel II, 3:4. The son of King David and Avital. The name expresses G‑d’s omnipresence, adopted from the verse ( Genesis 18:25) , “Judge of the entire earth.” Sheptel, should not be confused with the diminutive Sheptel which is derived from Shabtai.

Shimon (Simon)

שמעון

Male

Hebrew

"[G‑d] heard me"

Simon, Simeon, Shimonel, Shimonka, Shimonke, Shimmy, Sheima, Sheime, Zimmel, Zimmil Zammul

Biblical. Genesis, 29:33 . The son of Jacob and Leah. Jacob loved his wife Rachel more than his wife Leah (ibid 29:30). Leah prayed to G‑d and after she gave birth, she said (ibid 29:33), “Since G‑d has heard that I am hated, He gave me this one too.”Together with his brother Levi, they took revenge on Shekhem for having outraged their sister Dinah. Father of the Tribe carrying his name.

Shlomo (Solomon)

שלמה

Male

Hebrew

"G‑d gives peace"

Solomon, Shloimy, Shloimah, Shlomka, Shlomke, Shlomel, Shloy, Zalman, Zaman'l, Zalmanka, Zalmanke, Zelman, Zelmen, Zalmina, Zelmina, Shlomo Zalman

Biblical. Samuel II, 5:14, Chronicles I, 22:9. The Biblical name of Solomon, the fourth King of Israel, son of King David (Samuel II 5:14) and his wife Batsheva. Solomon built the first Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Solomon is known as the wisest of all people (Kings I, 5:11). He ruled for 40 years. The Prophet Natan called him also Yedidyah. Author of Proverbs, Song of Songs and Kohelet.

Shlumiel

שלומיאל

Male

Hebrew

"At peace with G‑d"

Shlomiel, Shlemiel

Biblical. Numbers, 1:6. Son of Tzurishadai and a chief of the Tribe of Shimon. . In Yiddish, it has become a popular name for a fool or incompetent. [A clever wit wanted to describe the difference between a Shlemiel and a Shlimazal—German: Shlim (bad), Hebrew: Mazal (luck). He described it thus: The Shlemiel is the one that spills hot soup all over the Shlimazal.] There is a masculine German slang word schlamassel which describes one who has gotten himself into a scrap, fix, mess or jam. See Cassell's German/English, English/German Dictionary, London, 1968. Notwithstanding that there is also a masculine German word schlamm which means ""slime"" or ""mud,"" the above slang word schlamassel is a good example of a reverse borrowing—from Yiddish.

Shmaryahu

שמריהו

Male

Hebrew

"G‑d protects us"

Shemariah, Shmaryah, Shmaryohu, Shmer'l, Shmerel, Shmeril, Shmerlin, Shmerlein

Biblical. Chronicles I, 12:5. A particular person in the group of men from the Tribe of Benjamin who protected King David from Saul’s men (see ibid.)

Shmuel (Samuel)

שמואל

Male

Hebrew

"G‑d has heard"

Samuel, Sam, Sammy, Shmulik, Shmelke, Shmelka, Shmulik, Zanvil, Zavel, Mulka

Biblical. Samuel 1:2. The Biblical name of the prophet Samuel. Son of Elkanah the Levite and his wife Hannah. His mother, Hannah was barren and she travelled to the Tabernacle to pray to G‑d for a child. She promised to dedicate the child’s life to G‑d if she could just give birth. G‑d answered her prayers, she was blessed with a son and she followed through with her promise. She brought Samuel to Shiloh to study under the tutelage of the High Priest Eli. Later, when he became a prophet, Samuel did not set himself up in any one city; instead he travelled from city to city to meet the people and take care of their needs (The Talmud, Shabbat 56a. See Samuel 7:16) . He authored the two volumes that carry his name, Samuel I and Samuel II.

Shneur

שניאור

Male

Hebrew

"Two lights"

Shner, Schneur, Shneior Zalman, Schneur Zalman

Contraction of two words: 'shnei' (two), and 'or' (light). In his Responsa, Rabbi Shlomoh Luria (71510–1574) relates the following: One of his forebearers had a son and he wanted to call him Mei'ir after his father but his wife, the child's mother, wanted to call her son Yair after her father. Both names have their roots in the Hebrew word 11tt (light), and so the parents compromised and called the child Shnei'or (Two lights). (This is not to prove that this was the first time such a compromise was made; it is the earliest record of such.)

Shraga

שרגא

Male

Aramaic

"Lamp; lantern"

Feivish, Feivel, Feivil, Feivul, Veibush, Veibish

Shraga is the Aramaic word for light, and as a name it is akin to the Hebrew Uriand Mei'ir.Some who wanted a Hebrew name, also, are know as Uri Shraga Feivel—Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Often associated with the name Feivish. In Judaism, light is often related to spirituality and G‑dliness. Light is also used to bring warmth and happiness to Shabbat, festivals, and joyous occasions – where we make sure to light candles to make the house brighter. Ecclesiastes says, “And I saw that wisdom has an advantage over folly, as the advantage of light over darkness” (2:13), the Hassidic masters explain, that “a little bit of light dispels much darkness” (The Tanya ch. 13).

Simchah

שמחה

Male

Hebrew

"Joy; Rejoice at heart; Spiritual joy"

Simhah,

Non-biblical. Originally both a male and female name. Today, the name amongst Ashkenazi Jews is almost absolutely a male one. Amongst Sefardi Jews, however, it is a female name, also.

Todros

תודרוס

Male

Greek

"G‑d's gift"

Todras, Todres, Todris

A combination of the Greek words “theos,” G‑d, and “doro,” gift. A variation of the Greek name Theodore and the Hebrew name Netanel.

Toviyah (Tobias)

טוביה

Male

Hebrew

"G‑d is good"

Tuviyah, Tuvyah, Teve, Tevel, Tevele, Tevil, Tevya, Tevye, Tev, Bueno, Gutman

Biblical. Zechariah, 6:10 . Refers to one of the priests during the time of the prophet Zechariah. Also one of Moses’ names (The Midrash, Vayikrah Raba 1:3).

Tzvi (Hirsch)

צבי

Male

Hebrew

"A deer"

Hirsch, Hersch, Hirschel, Herschel, Herschil, Hertz, Hirtz, Hertzl, Hertzel, Hertzge, Gershel, Zvi

Non-biblical. One of the male animal names. In German, hence in Yiddish, Hirsch. In the Bible, the deer is used to denote swiftness, “Asahel was as light of foot as one of the deer which are in the field” (Samuel II 2:18). In Ethics of Our Fathers it says, “run like a deer” (5:20), in reference to fulfilling G‑d’s commandments (Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 1:3).

Uri

אורי

Male

Hebrew

"My light"

Ure, Urele, Orlik, Orcze

Biblical, Exodus, 31:2. Uri’s son Betzalel was one of the chief architects responsible for building the Tabernacle, the travelling sanctuary in the desert

Yaakov (Jacob)

יעקב

Male

Hebrew

"The heal"

Yakov, Yakovman, Yakovka, Yokel, Yokil, Yekel, Yekil, Yankel, Yankele, Kuba, Kube, Kovel, Kuvel, Kovi, Kuli, Culi, Kule, Gulka, Gulke, Koppel, Koppil, Koppul, Kerpel

Biblical. Genesis, 25:26 . The son of Isaac and Rebecca, and righteous brother of the wicked Esau. When they were born, Jacob came out of the womb holding onto Esau’s heel, which is why he was named Yaakov. Jacob was the father of the twelve tribes, and according to the Midrash, although G‑d selected Jacob for this role, Jacob became close with G‑d through his own deeds (The Midrash, Bamidbar Raba 3:2). Jacob was the only one of the three patriarchs who merited children who were all righteous.

Yechezkel (Ezekiel)

יחזקאל

Male

Hebrew

"G‑d should strengthen"

Chatche, Chatzkel, Chezkel, Chezi, Chezki, Chezky, Haskel, Heskel, Hezkel

Biblical, Ezekiel 1:3. Yechezkel ben Buzzi the Kohen was a Prophet of G‑d to the Jewish People in the Babylonian Diaspora. His prophecy started about seven years before the destruction of the First Holy Temple in Jerusalem. He prophesied secrets of the spiritual heavens and the third Holy Temple which will be built in Messianic times.

Yechiel

יחיאל

Male

Hebrew

"G‑d lives"

Chiel, Chilik, Hiel, Ichel, Ichil

Biblical. Chronicles I, 15:18. One of the seconds in command of the Levites, of those who were the keepers of the Gates of the Sanctuary. Was a common name during Biblical times, and the name of one of the children of Jehoshaphat, King of Judah.

Yedidyah (Jedidiah)

ידידיה

Male

Hebrew

"Beloved of G‑d"

Yedidiah, Didya, Didye, Didi

Biblical. Samuel II, 12:24—25. Referring to King Solomon. King David asked Nathan the prophet to bless his newborn child (Solomon), “and he called his name Jedidiah for G‑d's sake.

Yefet (Japheth)

יפת

Male

Hebrew

"Wonder; affluent"

Biblical. Genesis 9:27. is of Aramaic origin and translated ""May G d enlarge (the land of) Yefeth. Yefeth is mentioned as the third son of Noah, though he was the oldest. The order of the three sons, Shem, Ham and Yefeth, was reversed in tribute to Shem, the most worthy of Noah's sons and the ancestor of our Patriarch Abraham. No other Biblical person is mentioned by the name of Yefeth, and it has seldom been used since. One person by that name was the father of the Amora Rav Binyomin bar Yefeth, and possibly an Amora himself. The other was Rabbi Yefeth, a disciple of the great Rabbi Chayim Vital. The latter is probably the Rabbi Yefeth Halevi mentioned in Seder Hadoroth as the author of important Rabbinic works.

Yehoshua (Joshua)

יהושע

Male

Hebrew

"G‑d will save"

Heishel, Heishek, Heishik, Heshel, Heshell, Heshke, Heishke, Hessel, Hessil, Shia, Shie, Shua, Yehoshua Folk

Biblical. Numbers, 13:8, 16. Biblical name for Joshua, Moses’ successor as leader of the Jewish nation. Chosen as one of the twelve spies sent to scout out the Land of Israel, before he left, Moses added the Hebrew letter “yud” to his original name, Hosea. His new name, Joshua, means “G‑d will save.” Moses blessed him, “May G‑d save you from the counsel of the spies.” (The Talmud, Sotah 34b). G‑d called Joshua a “man of spirit” ( Numbers 27:18) , someone able to understand and relate to each person’s unique personality and needs (The Midrash, Sifrei Pinchas 23).

Yehudah (Judah)

יהודה

Male

Hebrew

"Thank G‑d"

Yuda, Yude, Yudel, Yudke, Yiddel, Iddel, Yutka, Yutke, Yehuda Yudel, Yehuda Leib

Biblical. Genesis, 29-35 The fourth son of Leah born to Jacob. refers to the fourth son of Jacob and Leah. Judah merited kingship over Israel because he was honest about his misdoings and he stood up to his brothers who wanted to kill their brother Joseph (The Talmud, Sotah 4:16; Tosefta, Brachot 4:16). After giving birth Leah said, “‘This time, I will thank G‑d!’ Therefore, she named him Judah,” (Genesis ibid.). Some say that the Hebrew word for Jew, “Yehudi,” comes from Judah’s name (The Midrash, Breishit Raba 98:6). King David was a direct male descendant of Yehudah. The Almighty blessed Judah that the Jewish kingship should eternally be of the Tribe that he progenited. The lion is the symbol of this Tribe.

Yekutiel (Jekutiel)

יקותיאל

Male

Hebrew

"G‑d gathers; Faith in G‑d"

Yekusiel, Kozel, Kosman, Kozman, Kuske, Kushe, Kuti, Yiksil

Biblical. Chronicles I, 4:18. Yekutiel was from the tribe of Judah, and perhaps he was named after the town of Joktheel ( Joshua 15:38) , situated at the Judean foothills. Also one of the Moses’ names, because G‑d gathered Moses, reuniting him with his mother even after she placed him on the Nile river (The Midrash, Yalkut Shimoni, Shemot 166). Moses also led the Jews to place their “faith in G‑d” (The Midrash, Vayikra Rab 1:3).

Yeshayahu (Isaiah)

ישעיהו

Male

Hebrew

"G‑d saves"

Yeshaya, Yishaya, Shaia, Shaya, Shaika, Shaike

Biblical. Isaiah 1:1. The Biblical name of the prophet Isaiah ( Isaiah 1:1). Isaiah prophesied at a time when most of the Jews had been exiled from Israel, and the remainder were straying from G‑d’s ways. Isaiah castigated the Jews for their sinful ways, but simultaneously defended them before G‑d, Who said, “No one loves My children more than Isaiah” (The Midrash, Yakul Hamechiri, Proverbs 30:10) . Isaiah accepted G‑d’s mission willingly and more joyfully than any other prophet, and he was rewarded with prophesies about the Messianic era (The Midrash, Tana Dbei Elyahu Raba 16). His father Amotz was a brother of Amatzyah, King of Yehudah. He authored the book carrying his name.

Yiftach (Jephthah)

יפתח

Male

Hebrew

"G‑d will Open" [His hand]

Jephtah

Biblical. Judges 11,12 . Yiftach the Gileadite was one of the Judges who led the Jewish people to victory over the Ammonites.

Yisrael (Israel)

ישראל

Male

Hebrew

"Nobly contended with G‑d and prevailed; Divine Master"

Yisroel, Yisrol, Isser, Isserel, Isserlin, Srol, Sroli, Srolik, Srolka, Srolke, Srul, Sruli, Srulish, Srulik, Srulka, Srulke, Ulli

Contraction of two Hebrew words: Yasor—Nobly contended with and prevailed, Eil—G‑d. Biblical. Genesis, 32:25 —29. The Biblical name Israel, given to Jacob after his triumphant struggle with the angel of his wicked brother Esau, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, because you have commanding power with [an angel of] G‑d and with men, and you have prevailed” ( Genesis 32:29) . From that time on, Jabob’s descendants were called “the children of Israel” (ibid. 33), and the land promised to the Jewish nation became known as “the Land of Israel.”

Yissachar (Issachar)

יששכר

Male

Hebrew

Contraction of two Hebrew words: Yisa—"carry," Sekhar—"The rewarded one."

Yisochor, Isokhar, Yisochor Ber, Yisochor Berman

Biblical. Genesis, 30:14 -18. Fifth son of Jacob born of Leah. The non-pronounced second letter samech in the Hebrew spelling, has no parallel in the whole of the Jewish Bible. Father of the Tribe carrying his name. Upon his birth, Issachar’s mother said, “G‑d has given [me] my reward for I have given my maidservant to my husband” (ibid.). His descendants were renowned scholarly sages (The Midrash, Targum Yonatan, Breishit 46:13). ""Biblical. Genesis, 30:14 -18. Fifth son of Jacob born of Leah. The non-pronounced second letter samech in the Hebrew spelling, has no parallel in the whole of the Jewish Bible. Father of the Tribe carrying his name. Upon his birth, Issachar’s mother said, “G‑d has given [me] my reward for I have given my maidservant to my husband” (ibid.). His descendants were renowned scholarly sages (The Midrash, Targum Yonatan, Breishit 46:13).

Yitzchak (Isaac)

יצחק

Male

Hebrew

"Rejoiced"

Yitzhak, Yitzhok, Itche, Itchel, Itchil, Itzig, Itzik, Aizik, Aizikmann, Aizike, Zekel, Sekel, Aizlin, Aizman

Biblical. Genesis, 21:3, 6. The Biblical name of Isaac, son of Abraham and Sarah ( Genesis 21:3). Named for the joy he brought to Abraham, “[G‑d said] ‘I will bless her, and I will give you a son from her, and I will bless her, and she will become [a mother of] nations; kings of nations will be from her.’ And Abraham fell on his face and rejoiced…” (ibid. 17:16-17). G‑d told Isaac, “I will bless you” ( Genesis 25:5), Isaac did not wait for the blessing to fruition on its own; rather he toiled and invested, creating a vessel for G‑d’s blessings. “Isaac sowed in that land” ( Genesis 26:12) (Tosefta, Brachot 6:13).

Yitzhar

יצהר

Male

Hebrew

"Will light up; Oil"

Biblical. Exodus 6:18, Zechariah 4:14 . The word also means "oil" (which was used also for lamps), and is mentioned in the second section of the Shema. The name was used also as a title for the king and kohen godol because both were anointed with oil. The only Biblical person who had this name was Yitzhar the son of Kehath, and grandson of Levi.

Yoav

יואב

Male

Hebrew

"G‑d is father"

Joab

Biblical. I Chron. 4:14 , Ezra 2:6; Neh. 7:11. Yoav ben Tzeruyah was the famed commander in chief of King David's army. He was a nephew of the king, the son of David's sister Tzeruyah and accomplished great things for his king and his people. A colorful yet tragic figure. Another Yoav, ben Serayah, headed a settlement of craftsmen. It is also the name of a family who returned to Jerusalem with Zerubabel, from the Babyilonian Exile.

Yoel

יואל

Male

Hebrew

"G‑d is E-l"

Joel, Yoeli, Yoli

Biblical. I Samuel 8:2. Joel. I Chronicles 8:7 and 11:38, 27:20. Name of Samuel the Prophet's oldest son. Yoel ben Petuel was one of the twelve minor prophets whose prophesies are recorded in the Tanach in books bearing their names. The Book of Joel is the second of twelve. Many other people bearing that name are mentioned in the Bible, one was a prominent Levite, chief of the family of Gershon, who with 130 fellow Levites participated in the solemn procession accompanying the Holy Ark into Jerusalem. Another man named Joel was one of David's chief warriors. Joel ben Pedahya was governor of half the Tribe of Menashe on the western side of the Jordan. Several tribes (Shimeon, Gad, Issachar) had princes or chieftains bearing the name Joel. Rabbi Yoel Sirkes was the famed Rabbi of Cracow who wrote the celebrated Bayith Chadash (BaCh) on the Turim. Rabbi Yoel Baal Shem (ben Rabbi Yitzchak Airik) Heilprin was a saintly Rabbi and Kabbalist.

Yochanan

יוחנן

Male

Hebrew

"G‑d graced"

Yohanan, Yohonon, Chanan, Chonon, Chona, Chone, Choni

Biblical. Chronicles I, 3:15. Son of Koreah, one of the chiefs of the warriors of the sons of Judah after the conquest of the Holy Land by the Chaldeans. Also, first born son of Josiah, son of Amon, King of Judah. The Biblical name for Johanan. Johanan was also the name of one of the five Maccabee brothers who led the Jewish army in the Chanukah story. It was also the name of the greatest Talmudic authority and main compiler of the Jerusalem Talmud name. A common among sages of the Mishnaic and Talmudic times.

Yom Tov

יום טוב

Male

Hebrew

"Happy Day; Festival"

Bondi

Non Biblical. The name Yom Tov has been used for many centuries, and dates back to the time of the Geonim. Rav Yom Tov Kahana bar Mar Rav Yaakov was one of the last Geonim. Sometimes it comes coupled with the name Bondi (the French equivalent of "Good Day"), or, more often, with Bendet (though the latter is more closely related to Benedict, corresponding to the Hebrew Baruch, "blessed") or Lippman. Rabbi Yom Tov ben Yitxchak of Joigny, called "Hakadosh" ("Martyr"), belonged to the French school of Tosafists. Rabbi Yom Tov Lipman Heller (1579-1654), was the famed author of Tosfoth Yom Tov on the Mishnah and other great works. Among other prominent rabbis bearing the name Yom Tov were: Rabbi Yom Tov ben Yisrael Algazi, rabbi in Jerusalem and author of Shaaloth uTeshuvoth Simchath Yom Tov (Smyrna, 1794), and Rabbi Yom Tov Alanaqua, author of Shaaloth uTeshuvoth on the four Turim and commentaries on the Talmud (Saloniki, 1788).

Yosef (Joseph)

יוסף

Male

Hebrew

"May G‑d add"

Yozpa, Yozpe, Yuzpa, Yossel, Yessil, Yoska, Yoshka, Yoske, Yoshke, Yosef Yoske

Biblical. Genesis, 30:23 -24. Biblical name for Joseph, son of Jacob and Rachel. For many years Rachel was the only one of Jacob’s wives who did not bear children. When she finally gave birth to Joseph, she exclaimed, “May G‑d grant me yet another son” (ibid.), and later she had another child, Benjamin. Joseph is famous for interpreting the dreams of the Egyptian royal baker, butler, as well as king Pharaoh himself. He later became the viceroy of Egypt. His brothers sold him into slavery but he forgave them, recognizing that they were only messengers in G‑d’s plan. “And G‑d sent me before you to make for you a remnant in the land, and to preserve [it] for you for a great deliverance” (ibid. 45:7).

Yotam (Jotham)

יותם

Male

Hebrew

"G‑d Perfect"

Biblical. Judges 9. Yotham was the youngest son of Gideon the Judge. Yotham the son of Uzziah was the thirteenth king of David's dynasty in Judah. He reigned for sixteen years (3167 3183), and was one of the good and G‑d fearing kings of Judah.

Ze’ev

זאב

Male

Hebrew

”A wolf“

Zev, Zevi, Wolf, Wulf, Vulf, Volvel, Velvel, Velvele, Velka, Velke, Ze'ev Wolf

Non-biblical. One of the male animal names. In Yiddish, Wolf—Velvel. Wolf is Yiddish (read Judeo-German). It also is a very common family name. When blessing his youngest son, Benjamin, Jacob likened him to a wolf, “Benjamin is a wolf, he will prey; in the morning he will devour plunder, and in the evening he will divide the spoil” ( Genesis 49:27) . The blessing refers to Benjamin’s descendant King Saul who successfully won numerous wars for the Jewish nation (see Samuel 1 14 :47; The Midrash, Breishit Raba 98:3). Also refers his descendants, Mordechai and Esther of the Purim story, who succeeded in defeating the evil Haman. Later, Mordechai received all of Haman’s valuable possessions (“the spoil”). (See Esther 8:7; The Midrash Esther Rabbah 10:13)

Zelig

זעליג

Male

German

"Happy One"

Zeligman, Zelikman, Zelik, Zelle

The name implies a happy, blessed child. Very similar to the Hebrew name Asher, and often paired with it.

Zundel

זונדל

Male

Yiddish

"Sonny boy;Small boy"

Zundel, Zundil, Zundul

The name insinuates that the person should remain as pure as a small child throughout his life. Often paired with the Hebrew name Chanoch, meaning educated, “educate the child” ( Proverbs, 22:6) . Derived from the German word “sohn” for a small child, similar to the English nickname “sonny boy.”

Zussya

זוסיא

Male

Yiddish

"Sweet one"

Zussye, Zussa, Zusse, Zissa, Zissel, Zusha, Zushe, Zushel, Zushya, Zushye, Zussman, Zusskind, Ziskind