Or

אוֹר

• Gender: Unisex
• Origin: Modern Hebrew
• Meaning: light

• Or means "light" in Hebrew, and it is hard to imagine a more elemental or powerful name than that. It is a popular choice in Israel, particularly for babies born around Hanukkah, when the theme of light overcoming darkness is at the center of Jewish life. Despite being just two letters long, it carries one of the most profound symbols in all of Judaism.

  Israeli judoka Or Sasson won two Olympic bronze medals and became a national hero, notably when his Egyptian opponent refused to shake his hand at the 2016 Rio Games. Two letters. One of Judaism's most central symbols. That is the ultimate minimalist statement. It has a striking, almost architectural quality that makes it impossible to forget — proof that a name does not need length to have extraordinary depth.

• Potential Sibling Name:
  Ziva
  ,
  Keren
  ,
  Shamai
  ,
  Yair
• Theme: light