NAME

HEBREW

GENDER

LANGUAGE

DEFINITION

VARIATIONS

Adah

עדה

Female

Hebrew

"An ornament"

Aida; Ayda,

Biblical. Genesis 4:19. refers to the wife of Lemech who was Noah’s father, who “luxuriated in her,” and she was therefore called with the name of an ornament (The Jerusalem Talmud, Yevamot 6:5).

Adinah

עדינה

Female

Hebrew

"Gentle one; Delicate one"

Edna, Adel (yiddish), Adela, Ayda, Eida, Eide, Eidel, Eidil, Eidul, Eidela, Eidele

Biblical, Oral Tradition. Adina was the wife of Levi, who one of Jacob’s 12 sons, and forefather of the tribe of Levi. Kindness and gentleness are highly valued attributes in Judaism.

Alte

אלטע

Female

Yiddish

”Old woman“

Alta, Altie

From the German, hence in Yiddish. 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.

Asnat (Asenath)

אסנת

Female

Hebrew

"Belonging to G‑d"

Asenath, Osnas, Osnat, Asnas, Asna, Asne

Biblical. Genesis, 41:45 . The Biblical name of Asenath, the wife of Joseph who was viceroy of Egypt ( Genesis 41:45) . The daughter of Potipherah, she saved Joseph’s life by reporting the true story, when Potipherah’s wife falsely claimed that Joseph wanted to rape her (The Midrash, Yalkut Shimoni, Vayeshev 146).

Avigail (Abigail)

אביגיל

Female

Hebrew

"Father of happiness"

Abigail, Avigal, Avigali, Ogla, Igla, Ogle, Igle, Oglin

Contraction of two Hebrew words: avi "father of" (to create or induce) and gil "joyous stirrings"—"happenings." Biblical. I Samuel , 25:3 , I Chronicles, 2:16 . In Numbers, 26:33 it states that one of the daughters of Tzelafchad was Haglah (Ashkenazi: Hoglah). The Biblical name of Abigail, one of King David’s wives and widowed wife of Naval (Samuel I 25:3). She was a righteous woman and a prophetess. The verse says about her, “The woman was of good sense and of beautiful form” (ibid). King David also had a sister by that name.

Aviva

אביבה

Female

Hebrew

"Spring"

Non Biblical. A name which has become popular in recent years.

Batya

בתיה

Female

Hebrew

"Daughter of G‑d"

Bityah, Basya, Basye, Basel, Bassie, Besel, Beserel, Basha, Bashe, Bashala, Bashale, Basharel, Batka, Batke, Pasha, Pashe, Pesa, Pese, Pessy, Pesya, Pesye, Pesha, Peshe, Peshya, Peshye

Biblical. Chronicles I, 4:17-18. The Biblical name of Bithiah, the daughter of Pharoah(Chronicles I 4: 18). She rescued Moses from the Nile after his mother placed him there in a small basket. Because of her kindness, Moses was always referred to by the name she chose for him, even though he had many other names (The Midrash, Yakut Shimoni, Shemot 166). When the Jewish nation left Egypt, she rejected the idolatry she was raised with and joined them (The Talmud, Megillah 13a). She married Mered, son of Ezra of the Tribe of Yehudah.

Bilha

בלהה

Female

Hebrew

"To act rashly out of confusion"

Bilah, Bileh, Billa, Beila, Beile, Beilah, Beilka, Beilke

Biblical. Genesis, 30:3 -8. Maid servant of Rachel, wife of Jacob. Legal concubine of Yaakov. Bilhah bore to Jacob, Dan and Naftali who progenitored the Tribes carrying their names. The Spanish and Italian name Bella (beautiful) has no connection whatsover with the biblical name Bilhah whose root means "confusion." This phonetic similarity, and its meaning of "beautiful," made it a popular name for one with the name Bilhah. See also Yaffa. The Hebrew female name Bilhah was very popular in pre-expulsion Spain, and it permitted its bearer to disguise it among the Gentiles by using the name Bella (beautiful). The family name Beilin derives from this form.

Bina

בינה

Female

Hebrew

”Understanding”

Binie, Bini

Wisdom, understanding and knowledge are three components of intellect. Understanding is being able to understand the wisdom and all its components. According to the Talmud, more understanding was given to women (The Talmud, Nidah 45b).

Breina

בריינא

Female

German

”Braune. Adjective: feminine brown colour.”

Breine, Breindel, Breindil, Broina, Broine, Broindel, Broindil, Bruna, Brune, Brundel, Brundil

Into Lithuanian and White Russian Yiddish accent. One of the five female names referring to complexion, eyes or hair.

Bunah

בונה

Female

Spanish

"Buena, good."

Buneh Bunya, Bunye, Bunalah, Bunale, Bundel, Bina, Bineh

The independent translation equivalent of the Hebrew Tovah. Bina has no connection with the female Hebrew name Binah which means "understanding." It is a phonetical coincidence

Chana (Hannah)

חנה

Female

Hebrew

"Gracious; Graceful."

Hanna, Hanne, Hancze, Haniczka, Haniczke, Hana, Hanne, Henna, Henne, Henka, Henke, Henya, Henye, Hanala, Hanalle, Hanela, Hanelle, Genya, Genye

Biblical. Samuel I, 1:2 The Biblical name for Hannah, the mother of Samuel the Prophet (Samuel I 1:2) and wife of Elkanah. Hannah is best known for her dedication to G‑d. Barren for many years, she prayed to G‑d for a child, and promised to dedicate her child to G‑d’s service. And indeed, when she gave birth to Samuel, she went to Shiloh – home of the Tabernacle – so he could study in G‑d’s home. Hannah’s songs of praise for G‑d are said to be greater than anyone else’s (The Zohar 3:19b). The Sefardi female name Gracia is a simple Spanish translation of the Hebrew. The family name Henkin derives from Henka.

Charna

טשארנא

Female

Slavic

"Black"

Czarne, Czarni, Tzarna, Tzarne, Tzarina, Tscharna

Infers a brunette or a woman with black eyes. One of the five female names referring to colour, complexion, eyes or hair. Black is often considered the color of choice in serious settings. For example, judges wear black robes, formal events call for “black-tie” wear, etc

Chasha

חשא

Female

Yiddish

"Mercy; Merciful"

Chasia, Chassi, Chasa

Derived from the (male) name Chasa, which is mentioned in the Talmud. Others opine that Chasha is a derivative of the Hebrew name Chaya (which means “life”), while others insist that it started as a Yiddish nickname for the Hebrew name Chana (“grace”).

Chava (Eve)

חוה

Female

Hebrew

"Gives life"

Chaveh, Chavel, Chaval, Chavala, Chavaleh, Chavela, Chaveleh, Chavi, Chavka, Chavke

Biblical. Genesis, 3:20 . From the word chayah (life). The Biblical name for Eve, the world’s first woman ( Genesis 3:20) . We know from Genesis that Adam named her Eve, “because she was the mother of all life” ( Genesis 3:20) .

Chaya

חיה

Female

Hebrew

”Life; Living“

Chaiyyah, Chaiyala, Chaiyalle, Cheika, Cheike, Cheikalle, Cheikelle, Haya, Keila, Keile, Keika, Keike, Keikela, Keikelle

Also used as an amuletic name. The family name Chaikin—Heikin derives from this form. In Judaism, life is highly valued. In fact, it takes precedence over all but three commandments. The name symbolizes a prayer for longevity and is often given to a newborn after another child in the family died at a young age.

Devorah (Deborah)

דבורה

Female

Hebrew

”A bee“

Dvoira, Dvora, Dvoire, Dvorel, Dvoirele, Dvorele, Dvoirale, Dvorale, Dvoirka, Dvorka, Dvoirke, Dvorke, Dveira, Dveire, Veira, Veire, Vera, Dvosha, Dvoshe, Dvoshel, Dvoshka, Dvoshke

Biblical.Genesis, 35:8, Judges, 4:4. The wet nurse of Rebecca, the wife of Isaac. Deborah was the daughter of Utz, son of Nachor. Nachor was the brother of Avraham. Utz was the brother of Bethuel, son of Nachor. Rebecca was Bethuel's daughter. Hence, Deborah was an older first cousin to Rebecca. Deborah never married. The other and more famous one was Deborah, the judge and prophetess of G‑d. She was the wife of Lapidot, she was wise and G‑d fearing ( Judges 4:4). Deborah held court outdoors, in the shade of a palm tree, and people flocked to her for advice and help. The name may have originally been given to a baby girl because her crying may have had a buzzing or humming sound of a bee.

Dobah

דובא

Female

Hebrew

"A female bear”

Doba, Dobe, Dobka, Dobke, Dobie

Hebrew. Non-biblical. 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.

Drozah

דראזאה

Female

Slavic

"My dear little one"

Dorzhe, Drozna, Dreiza, Drieze, Dreizel, Dreizil, Drezel

Esther

אסתר

Female

Ancient Persian

”A tree used in idolatrous rites"—"Fertility symbol." In Hebrew—Asheirah.

Ester, Esterel, Esterina, Estrina, Trina, Treina, Esti, Esty, Sterel, Etta, Ette, Ettel, Ettil, Etka, Etke, Essa, Esse, Eska, Eske, Itta, Itte, Itka, Itke

In Hebrew—Asheirah. Biblical. Esther, 2:7. Refers to the heroin of the Purim story. Esther was selected to marry King Achashverosh at a time when there was a decree to kill all the Jews. Queen Esther placed her own life in grave danger and asked the King to save her nation. The Talmud says, “Why was she called Esther? Because she hid her Jewish identity from others” (Megillah 13a; See Esther 2:20) . Another opinion in the Talmud says she was as beautiful as the moon (ibid, see Rashi ad loc).

Freida

פריידא

Female

Yiddish

"Joy; Satisfaction; Comfort."

Freide, Freidel, Freidil, Freidka, Freidke, Frada, Frade, Fradel, Fradil, Fradka, Fradke

Derived from the German "Freude." It is a female translation of the male name Simchah. The family names Freides, Freidin, Freidlin, Freidkes and Freidkin derive from these forms. Also, Fradkes and Fradkin derive therefrom. In Judaism, serving G‑d with joy is considered admirable. We read in Psalms, “Serve G‑d with joy” (100:2), and in the Talmud, “The divine presence dwells only when the good deed is done with joy” (Shabbat 30b).

Freeda

פרידא

Female

Old High German

"Peace; Tranquility; Harmony"

Friede, Friedel, Friedil, Friedka, Friedke,

Frederica was the full original form. The original Old High German form was Frederica, and the diminutive thereof is Frieda. Friede is the German word for "peace," and hence, this may be an international female translation of the male name Shalom. The family name Friedman—Freedman derives from Friede and has no connection with the meaning "a freed man" (suggesting prior serfdom). Judaism is peaceful. According to Proverbs, “Its ways are ways of pleasantness, and all its paths are peaceful” (3:17). The customary greeting between Jews is “Shalom Aleicheim,” meaning “Peace unto you” (The Talmud, Berachot 54a).

Frema

פרימא

Female

"Pious one"

According to the Talmud, a pious person is one who goes the extra step to look out for another person, makes sure they are not in danger, makes peace between others and servse G‑d with devotion (The Talmud, Baba Kama, 30a; Nedarim, 66b; Brachot, 32b).

Frommet

פרומעט

Female

Old Provincial French

"A certain species of grape."

Froma, Fromme, Frommel, Fruma, Frumme, Frummel, Frumka, Frumke, Frummet, Frumie

Only through ignorance of the origin and meaning of the word was the mistake made to presume that the name meant in Yiddish "pious one." The mistake was further compounded by women in Israel who Hebracised their names from Fruma to Chassidah (piousone). Even today, some women have retained the older form Frommet or Frummet: There are some who claim that this name derives from the German word Frohmut ("joy" in German) and that it was a translation of Simchah. This is highly improbable, as this name was used exclusively by woman, and Frohmut is masculine gender.

Gelleh

געלע

Female

Yiddish

”Yellow”

Gellah, Galyah, Galleh, Hellah, Helleh, Hallah, Halleh

Refers to a blond or a light redhead. One of the five female colour names. Derived from the German word gelb (yellow). The family name Heller derives from this form. It would be correct to assume that the original personal name form was Helleh and that the it turned into a in Russia. A vibrant color; used to describe somebody jubilant (The Talmud, Menachot, 68b; Sanhedrin, 10a).

Genana

גננא

Female

Yiddish

"Grandmother; Old woman" (when used as a Jewish name)

Genaneh, Genena, Genenneh, Genendel, Genendil, Ginesha, Gineshe, Nenneh, Nennel

Basically, it can also be a grandfather or old man. One of the amuletic names. The name symbolizes a prayer for longevity. Often given to a newborn after another child in the family died at a young age

Gentille

גנטילע

Female

Old French

"A gentle female"

Gentila, Gentelle, Yentileh, Yenteleh, Yentlin, Yente, Yenta, Yentel

Some authorities claim that Gentille is a direct translation of the Hebrew female name Adinah (gentle one). But there is no evidence that the female name Adinah was in use during the early medieval period. The name was probably just borrowed and used by Jews. Kindness and gentleness are valued attributes in Judaism. According to the Talmud, “There are three characteristics that are innate to Jews: they are merciful, bashful and do kindness” (Yebamot 79a).

Gisse

גיסע

Female

Old High German

"Geisel"—hostage; "Geiss"—a doe.

Gissa, Gissel, Gissela, Gissele, Gisha, Gishe, Gizza, Gizze

The family name Gissin derives from this form. 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). Ethics of Our Fathers reads, “run like a deer” (5:20), in reference to fulfilling G‑d’s commandments (Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 1:3).

Golda

גאלדא

Female

Yiddish

"Gold; Golden personality."

Goldeh, Goldie, Goldy, Goldeleh, Goldinchke,

Zlota is the Polish word for "gold." Zlota is the name of a Polish gold coin. A simple translation to the Yiddish. The family name Zlotkin—Slotkin derives from this form. Notwithstanding that the expression "Goldilocks," in English, decribes a woman with blonde hair, it cannot be established that the name Golda, in Yiddish, is one of the colour group. Proverbs considers a virtuous woman wealthy, “A woman of valor who can find, for her price is beyond pearls” (31:10). The name also refers to one who has a golden personality. We read in Genesis, “And the gold of that land is good” (2:12), the sages say that gold was only created to be used for G‑dly endeavors (The Midrash, Shemot Raba 35).

Gruna

גרונא

Female

German

”Green”

Grune, Grunia, Grunie, Grina, Grineh

Derived from the German Gran. Either describing a jealous female nature or the colour of a woman's eyes. One of the five female colour names. Some authorities claim that this female name and the male name Gronum both derive from the Greek name Geronimus and that the family name Groner derives therefrom. Geronimus in Greek means "an old one." That would imply that the name belongs to the amuletic group (see also: Alter, Alte, Boba, Zeide, Sabta, Saba, etc.) There is no proof that the name was used amuletically at the early period that the name Geronimus was first used.

Gracia

גרסיאה

Female

Spanish

"Gracious"

A Spanish derivative of the name of Hannah, the mother of Samuel the Prophet. Hannah is best known for her dedication to G‑d. Barren for many years, she prayed to G‑d for a child, and promised to dedicate her child to G‑d’s service. And indeed, when she gave birth to Samuel, she moved to Shiloh – home of the Tabernacle – so he could study in G‑d’s home. Hannah’s songs of praise for G‑d are said to be greater than anyone else’s (The Zohar 3:19b)

Hadassah

הדסה

Female

Hebrew

”Myrtle”

Hodas, Hodes, Hadas, Hades, Hoda, Hoddeh, Hodiah, Hodel, Hodil, Dassi, Dassy

Biblical. Esther, 2:7. The Biblical name for Queen Esther, heroin of the Purim story ( Esther 2:7). According to the Talmud "the righteous are called myrtles” (The Talmud, Megillah 13a). Others explain that Esther was just like a myrtle which smells sweet but tastes bitter. She listened (“sweet”) to the righteous Mordechai, and was adverse (“bitter”) to the wicked Haman (The Midrash, Esther Rabbah on Esther 2:7). One of the four botanical species used together with the palm, etrog and willows during the Festival of Sukkot.

Illa

אילא

Female

Aramaic

"Superior quality; The best."

Ella, Elleh, Ilka, Ilke, Elka, Elke, Ellush, Illush

The family names Elkin and Elkind derive from Ellush.

Kuna

קונא

Female

Old Spanish

"A cradle; Cute Child"

Kune, Kunya, Kunye

The family name Kunin is derived from this Kune.

Leah

לאה

Female

Hebrew

”Weak; Sickly“

Lei'l, Leiale, Leika, Leike, Leiyinka, Leiyinke, Leicza, Leicze, Leitza, Leitze

Biblical. Genesis, 29:23 . One of four Matriarchs of the Jewish people, wife of Jacob. She is buried with her husband in the tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron. Older daughter of Laban the Aramaen (a Semitic Tribe). The family names Leikes and Leikin derive from Leika.

Lieba

ליבא

Female

Yiddish

"Loved one; Lovable."

Liebe, Liba, Libbe, Libby, Liebel, Libbel, Libere, Liberil, Livsha, Livshe, Lifhsa, Lifshe, Luba

Machla

מחלה

Female

Hebrew

"Golden bangles; Jewelry”

Machle, Makhla, Makhle

Biblical. Numbers, 26:33 . The family names Machlis—Machles—Mukhlis—Makhles derive from Machle and Makhle.

Malka

מלכה

Female

Hebrew

”A queen”

Malkala, Malkele, Malkela, Malki, Malkie, Sultana, Sul, Sol

Non biblical. Not to be confused with the independent name Milkah, which has identical spelling in Hebrew. The family name Malkin derives from the original name form. Sultana is an Old Spanish translation name that is still popular with Sefardi women.

Margola

מרגולה

Female

Hebrew

”A pearl; A precious stone”

Margola, Margoleh, Margoliyah, Margolit, Margolis, Margalit

Non biblical. The well-known family names Margolioth, Margoliot, Margolies, etc. derive from this diminutive form. See also Penninah.

Masheh

מאשה

Female

Hebrew

Mashah, Masha, Mashe, Mashie

Hebrew, non biblical. A female form of Moshe. According to Rabbinic authorities, it was created by those who wished to name a girl after her father or grandfather. In this case, the first vowel a is fixed and never varies. The family name Mushin is derived from this name, the u being pronounced like innut.

Matilda

מייטילדה

Female

Yiddish

"Strong one; Heroine"

Meita, Meite, Meidlin

Probably a translation equivalent of Eishet Hayyil (A Woman of Valour). Meidlin has no connection with Madeline

Matrona

מאטרונא

Female

French

"An old woman"

Mata, Matte, Matel, Matil, Matela, Mateleh

Latin: mater—matrona—mother. French: matrone

Mazal

מזל

Female

Hebrew

"Fortune; Good luck"

Gluk, Gllueck, Glukel, Glukil, Glick, Glikel,Gliklen

Non biblical. In Hebrew it is exclusively a Sefardi female name. In Spain and Italy, it was also translated to Fortuna. Ashkenazi Jewesses translated it into German—Gluck, and finally into Yiddish—Glick, Glickel. Family names derived from Glick. The origins of the family name forms Gluck(s)man and Glick(s)man are difficult to ascertain. The man may be a diminutive suffix, or the name may simply imply a "man of fortune."

Menuchah

מנוחה

Female

Hebrew

"Peaceful; Restful"

Muna, Munia, Mune, Munie, Menia, Menie, Mina, Minneh, Minka, Minke, Mindel, Mindil, Mindul

Non biblical. Feminine form of Mano'ach and Menachem. The family name Menuhin derives from the original name form. The famous violinist Yehudi Menuhin obviously had a female progenitor called Menuchah.

Miriam

מרים

Female

Hebrew

"Bitter" (in plural form)

Mira, Mireh, Mirel, Mirela, Mirele, Miri, Mirka, Mirke, Mere, Merele Merka, Merke, Merkel, Mariyam

Biblical, Exodus, 15:20 . Sister of Aaron and Moses. Because she was born to her parents, Amram the Levite and Yocheved, during the period of bitter bondage in Egypt, she was named Miryam. Miryam was a prophetess and great Jewish leader who encouraged the Israelites not to despair during the Egyptian Exile. She enabled Jews to persevere and prosper even during their bitter times. Rescued her brother Moses.

Miryam-Rashe

מרים-ראשי

Female

Hebrew

Mariyasha, Mariyashe, Mariyashel, Mariyashil, Mariyashka, Mariyashke

Two Hebrew names: Miryam—Rachel. Contracted and diminutised to Mariyasha. In Russian, Miryam is pronounced also—Maryam. A diminutive of the French pronunciation of Rachel (Rachelle) is Rashe. Maryam and Rashe contracted to Mariyasha.

Muskat

מושקט

Female

Old French

"Nutmeg; Muscade"

Muskatel, Mushka, Mushke, Muska, Muske, Meshka, Meshke

No direct relation to muscatel, the grape. Muskat plus the Old German suffix el arrives by coincidence at the same phonetics.

Nachalah

נחלה

Female

Hebrew

"Inherited eternal possession"

Nacha, Nache, Nachla, Nachle, Nachli

Non biblical.

Nechamah

נחמה

Female

Hebrew

"Comfort; Rest from anguish"

Necha, Nechamie, Neche, Nechel, Nehamka, Nehamke, Nehamel

Non biblical. Feminine form of Nachum, Nechemiah and Nachman.

Puah

פועה

Female

Hebrew

"To cry aloud"

Pei'ah, Pei'eh, Pei'al, Pei'el, Pei'ale, Pei'ele, Pai'ah, Pai'eh, Paika, Paike,

Biblical. Exodus 1:15. One of the midwives who were instructed by Pharoah to tell all the Jewish women that they must kill all male babies born to them. Puah was actually Miryam, the older sister of Moses. She carried this additional name because "she used to gently soothe the babies when they cried." According to other opinions, she was Batsheva.

Peninah

פנינה

Female

Hebrew

”A pearl“

Nina, Nina Perel, Perele, Perril

Biblical. Samuel I, 1:2. Co-wife of Elkanah. Until her co-wife Hannah bore their husband a son, Samuel the Prophet, she alone bore children. Hannah was originally barren. There is no connection No connection with the Italian name Nina of the same spelling.

Rachel

רחל

Female

Hebrew

"An ewe of one year or older"

Rachey, Rahel, Rohel, Rocha, Roche, Rochie, Rochale, Rochele, Rochlin, Recha, Reche, Reihil, Rela, Releh, Relin, Reiyelina, Reke, Rikel, Rikla, Rikle, Rasha, Rashe, Rashi, Rashel, Rashil, Rashka, Rashke

Biblical. Genesis 29:6. The name suggests tenderness. Wife of Jacob, her first cousin. Mother of Josef and Benjamin. One of the four Matriarchs of the Jewish people, her tomb is in Bet Lechem, an important site of prayer. Younger daughter of Laban the Aramaen.

Rivkah (Rebecca)

רבקה

Female

Hebrew

"A woman who takes a man's heart"

Rivke, Rivkie, Rivah, Riva, Riveh, Rivel, Rivll, Rivkela, Rivkele

Biblical. Genesis 22:23 . Rebecca was the daughter of Betu'el, son of Nachor, the brother of Abraham. She was the wife of Isaac, her first cousin, once removed, and bore him the twins, Jacob and Esau. One of the four Matriarchs, she is buried in the Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron.

Roda (Rhoda)

ראדא

Female

Greek

"A rose"

Rodde, Rodel, Rodka, Rodke, Redder

The word "red" originates from the Greekrhoda.Through to Latin, it becamerosafrom whence we have the Englishrosewhich refers either to the flower or the colour of the rose flower.

Roza

רוזא

Female

Latin

"A rose”

Raizel, Raizy, Rozeh, Roiza, Roizeh, Rosie, Reizeh, Reiza, Reizel, Reizil, Rizil, Rossa, Rosseh, Rushka, Rushke

Non biblical. Came into Old German and from the German into Yiddish. One of the colour group The name Roza has caused confusion. Most have presumed that it is a translation of Shoshanah. The majority of authorities claim that Shoshanah refers to the lily, or even flowers in general. In 16th-century Jewish Burial Societies' Registers (Pinkassim), the Yiddish translation of Shoshanah has been found to be Blumah (Yiddish: flower). Obviously, we refer to the original usage and meanings of these personal female names. After so many centuries, as with many Yiddish names, their original meanings have become lost. Also, as an independent name, Roza meaning rose was adopted for use among Jewish women, but originally not as a translation from Hebrew. The form Roza is very popular amongst Sefardi women, while Raizel is popular amongst Ashkenazi women.

Ruth

רות

Female

Hebrew

"Friendship; Friendly; Willing"

Rus, Rut, Ruthie, Ruthy, Rutl, Rutul, Ritl, Rittel, Ritla, Ritleh

Biblical. Ruth, 1:4. From the root word Re'ut. Ruth, the Moabitess, was the widow of Chilyon son of Elimelekh and Naomi. She became a righteous proselyte to Judaism, and on the death of her husband she returned with her mother-in-law to Beit Lechem in the Land of Judea. She remarried to Boaz, a relative of her dead previous father-in-law Elimelech. King David descended from this union in the direct male line.

Sarah

שרה

Female

Yiddish

"Ruler; Chieftainess; Princess."

Sari, Sorah, Sorrel, Sorril, Sori, Sorka, Sorke, Sorkel, Sorkil, Serrel, Serril Sirrel, Sirril, Sirka, Sirke, Sirki, Suri

Biblical. Genesis, 11:29 , 17:15. Sarah was a niece of her husband Abraham. She was the mother of Isaac and the sister of Lot. Her original name was Sarai—my princess (in a limited manner). The A-mighty changed the yud in her name to a hey inferring a princess in the general sense. The it is the key letter of the A-mighty's name. Sarah was the progenitress of the Jewish People. The first of the four Matriarchs, she is buried in the Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron.

Shoshanah

שושנה

Female

Hebrew

”A lily; A rose”

Shushanah, Shosha, Shoshe, Shoshie, Shoshel, Shoshka, Shoshke, Bluma, Blumeh, Blumel, Blumka, Blumke, Blima, Blime, Blimel

Non biblical. Mentioned in Song of Songs as ‘keshoshanh ben hachochim’ which translates as ‘as a rose among the thornbushes’, reference to the Jewish people. The name was used for flowers in general. Bluma is Yiddish for flower, the family name Blum (Bloom) derives from this name and its derivatives.

Shulamit

שולמית

Female

Hebrew

The biblical meaning is Shulamitess—a woman from Shuleim.

Shulamis, Shula, Shuleh, Shulka, Shulke

Non-biblical. This name was adopted at a later period as a feminine of Shlomo.

Simchah

שמחה

Female

Hebrew

"Joy; Rejoice at heart; Spiritual joy"

Simhah, Sima, Simmeh, Simka, Simkeh

Non-biblical. Originally both a male and female name. Today, the name amongst Ashkenazi Jews is almost absolutely a male one. The diminutive forms, however, have remained amongst Ashkenazi Jews completely as female names. Amongst Sefardi Jews, however, the original Simhah has remained a female name, also.

Tamar

תמר

Female

Hebrew

"Palm tree; Date"

Tamarah, Tamy, Temer, Temerel, Temeril, Temma, Temmeh, Temel, Temka, Temke, Tamarka, Tamarke

Biblical. Genesis 38:6. Wife of Er, first born of Judah. Tamar is a masculine form of the word. Tamarah is the feminine form of the word. The form Tamarah as a name is non-biblical. The prophetess Devorah taught Jews from underneath a Date tree. The Talmud explains that a palm tree's entire life center is at its top —facing the sky—from where the fruits and branches grow, and so too the heart of Jews is directed to the Heavens.

Tehilah

תהילה

Female

Hebrew

"Praise; Noble light; Majestic glory"

Tilla, Tilleh, Tilka, Tilkeh

Non biblical. From the root word Halleil (Halleiluy-ah—Praise the L-rd.)

Tikvah

תקוה

Female

Hebrew

”Hope”

Tiki

Non-biblical and biblical. Kings II, 22:14. Outside of biblical use, it is exclusively a female name. In the biblical source, he was the father of Shulam, the husband of Chuldah the Prophetess. The name Tikvah is a popular Israeli female name, but there is no evidence that the Hebrew form was ever used in pre-expulsion Spain. It seems that the silent feelings of the Jews at that time were expressed in the local tongue and that the original name was indeed reduced to Shprintza. It was very popular among East European Jewesses.

Tirtzah

תרצה

Female

Hebrew

”She is desired”

Tirtze, Tirtzel

Biblical. Numbers, 26:33 . One of the daughters of Tzelafhad. Feminine gender of the root word ratz (to run).

Tovah

טובה

Female

Hebrew

"A good woman"

Tovel, Tovi, Gutte, Gutta, Guttel, Guttil, Gitta, Gitte, Gittel, Gittil, Gitty, Dobra, Dobreh, Dobril, Dobrish, Dobrush, Dobrushka, Dobrushke

Non biblical. Probably the equivalent of the male name Toviyah.

Tzipporah

ציפורה

Female

Hebrew

"A female bird"

Tzippa, Tzippe, Tzippy, Tzipka, Tzipke, Foigel, Foiglin, Feiga, Feige, Feigel, Feigele, Feigil, Feiglin

Biblical. Exodus 2:21. Wife of Moses, daughter of Jethro, the priest of Midyan, who gave her to Moses as his wife. She bore two sons to, Gershom and Eliezer.

Tzirre

צירע

Female

Yiddish

"Decoration; Jewel"

Tzira, Tzireh, Tzirel, Tzirele, Tziril, Tzirka, Tzirke

To bedeck with jewellry. Zieren. The Hebrew word to paint, draw or decorate is le'tzayyer. The root of the word is tzir. It is possibly a Yiddish adoption that arrived at the name Tzirre (a decoration), hence the word for jewel.

Tzitta

ציטא

Female

Italian

"Fast one; Energetic"

Tzitte, Tzittel, Tzittil, Tzeitta, Tzeitte, Tzeittel, Tzeittil, Tzeitlin, Sitta, Sitte, Sittel, Sittil

Probably referring to the eishet chayil, woman of valor.

Tziviah

ציביה

Female

Hebrew

"Female deer; Hind; Doe"

Tziviah, Tzviah, Tzivi, Hinda, Hinde, Hindel, Hindil, Hendel, Hendil, Zibiah

Biblical. Melakhim II, 12:2. Mother of Yeho'ash. She was from Be'er Sheba.

Yael

יעל

Female

Hebrew

"Doe"

Yaeli, Jael

Biblical. Judges 5, 6, Psalms 104:18 ; Job 39:1; Proverbs 5:19 . The Hebrew yael, or yaalah is a graceful creature of the deer family that lives in rocky mountains. Yael, the wife of Chever the Kenite, was the brave woman who killed the cruel Sisera, commander in chief of Yavin, king of Canaan, who oppressed the people of Israel until they were saved through the prophetess Devorah. She was praised for her act by Devorah in her famous Song in the Book of Judges. According to our Sages, in their time the story of Ruth took place (Midrash Ruth R. 1:1) .

Yaffah

יפה

Female

Hebrew

"Beautiful woman"

Yaffeh, Yaffie, Sheina, Sheine, Sheindel, Sheindele, Sheindil, Sheindy

Non biblical. Feminine equivalent of the male name Yefet. Yefet (Japeth) was a son of Noah.

Yehudit (Judith)

יהודית

Female

Hebrew

"To thank (G‑d)"

Yehudis, Yudit, Yudit'l, Yutta, Yutte, Yuttel, Yuttele, Yitta, Yitte, Yittel, Idit, Itta, Itte, Itka, Itke

Biblical. Genesis 26:34 . Feminine form of Judah. Daughter of Be'eiri the Hittite, and wife of Esau. Also, a non-canonical Second Temple period historical narrative named after the Jewish heroine of the events it describes. When he was in a drunken sleep, she killed Holofornes, chief of the Assyrians who were besieging the Jews. Deprived of their commander-in-chief by Yehudit's courageous deed, the panic-stricken Assyrian soldiers took to their heels. .

Yiska (Iskah) (Jessica)

יסכה

Female

Hebrew

"To see prophetically; Sight of royalty; Desirous to the eyes"

Yiskoh, Iska, Iske, Eska, Eske, Eshka, Eshke

Biblical. Genesis, 11:29 . Another name of Sarah our matriarch. See Genesis, 11:29 .

Yochanah

יוחנה

Female

Hebrew

"She is graced"

Yachna, Yachne

Non biblical. Feminine form of Yohanan.

Yocheved

יוכבד

Female

Hebrew

"Honor of G‑d"

Yocha, Yoche, Yochie, Yache, Chevie, Jocheved

Biblical. Exodus, 6:20. Contraction of the two Hebrew words: Yoh—Kavod. Yocheved was of the house of Levi and the wife of Amram. Mother of Miryam, Aaron and Moses.

Yonah

יונה

Female/Male

Hebrew

"A dove"

Yoina, Yoino, Yoine, Yeina, Yeino, Yeine, Toiba, Toibe, Teiba, Teibe, Teib'l, Teibel, Teibil

Biblical. Kings II, 14:25, and the Book of Jonah. In the Hebrew form this is mostly a male name. A Prophet of G‑d whose message was to the Gentile population of Nineveh. One of twelve minor prophets whose prophesies are recorded in the Tanach in books bearing their names. Swallowed by and spewed up by a giant whale on refusal to accept the mission the Almighty had sent him on. After his ordeal with the giant whale, he accepted his mission and carried it out. The Yiddish translation form is exclusively a female name. Not to be confused with the male names Tevel, a diminutive of David, and Toviyah. Another six sages with the name Yonah are mentioned in the Talmud. The name continued to be used in post-Talmudic times, most famous is Yonah ibn Janach, one of the early and most important authorities on the Hebrew language and grammar who lived in the 11th century in Spain. The most famous Rabbi and Talmudist bearing the name of Yonah was Rabbeinu Yonah ben Abraham Gerondil also known as Rabbeinu Yonah Hachassid, author of Shaarei Teshuvah, Sefer Hayirah, Iggereth Hateshuvah, and other ethical (Musar) works.

Zelda

זעלדה

Female

Yiddish

"Happiness"

Zelda, Zelde, Zeldi, Zeldy

Probably a feminine variation translation of Asher.

Zissa

זיסא

Female

Yiddish

"Sweet one; Sweetie"

Zisse, Zissel, Zissil, Zissy

From the Yiddish Ziss. As the Yiddish word for sweet has no gender, it was inevitable that the diminutive dynamics made some forms identical for the male and female names. See Zussman.

Zlata

זלאטא

Female

Yiddish

”A gold coin“

Zlota, Zlotka, Zlotke

Proverbs compares a virtuous woman as precious jewelry, “A woman of valor who can find, for her price is beyond pearls” (31:10). This name also refers to one who has a golden personality, a woman with great virtues. Genesis states, “And the gold of that land is good” (2:12), the sages say that gold was only created to be used for G‑dly endeavors (The Midrash, Shemot Raba 35).