Jewish Baby Names Inspired by Jewish Summer Camp

Jewish summer camps — particularly sleep-away experiences where campers live in bunks or tents during the summer in rural areas — have become an integral part of American and Canadian Jewish culture over the 20th and 21st centuries. They have also spread in popularity in other parts of the world: Hungary, Israel and Australia, for instance, now all provide overnight Jewish camping experiences for kids and teens.

The first Jewish summer camp as we know it was established in 1893, called Camp Lehman in Connecticut (now known as the Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center). At the time, summer camps for children in the United States were encouraged by progressive reformers who recognized the need and importance of fresh air and nature for urban children, and also used as a way to integrate the children of new immigrants. Some Jewish camps that sprang up had a specific goal or dogma, like Yiddishist and Zionist camps. For many Jews, camp was a safe and welcoming place, free from discrimination they may have faced at home. 

Mostly, though, Jewish summer camp was (and continues to be) just a ton of fun. It allows for kids to try new activities from archery to canoeing, still continues to provide urbanites a chance to be out in nature, and being a camp counselor can be a great rite of passage to learn about leadership and maturity, while still being a little silly. I definitely cherish my own Jewish summer camp childhood memories as a camper and had a wonderful time being a counselor later down the road.

For those who grew up going to Jewish summer camp, former campers and staff often report it was a critical element of strengthening and building their own sense of Jewish identity. There’s countless novels, TV episodes and movies based on Jewish summer camp experiences simply because they’re so fundamental (and of course full of great coming-of-age moments and shenanigans).

If you grew up going to a Jewish summer camp and maybe also staffing one later down the road, why not pay tribute to this wonderful, life-affirming element of Jewish life when it comes to naming your baby? 

 

Boys’ names

Akiva: A nod to the Bnei Akiva religious youth group movement, which has a number of summer camps throughout the world.

Mosse: The Judeo-Catalan and Judeo-Provencal form of Moses, one of the most important leaders in Judaism. Leadership is a critical part of the camp experience, from a camp director to counselors to Color War captains.

Ram: The Ramah network of Jewish summer camps is much beloved. This name in Hebrew means “exalted.”

Sender: The Yiddish name meaning “protector,” or sometimes translated as “defender,” reflects the many times at camp when campers have to defend their team (in sports, in Color War or even bunk against bunk), and also evokes the strong protective feelings many feel for their camp alma mater.

Shimshon: Derived from the root word for “sun” in Hebrew, this moniker is perfect for a sweet summer (camp) child.

Shraga: This one means “lamp” or “lantern” in Hebrew. A large part of summer camp nighttime activities or overnight camping requires a lantern; the name can also be a metaphor, a lantern to lead the way in the darkness.

Uz/Utz: A figure from the Torah whose name means “counsel,” it’s an apt name for anyone who’s ever been a camp counselor or received advice or a big hug from the camp counselors of their youth.

Zamir: Who isn’t a “singer” at camp? Whether it’s joining in together for Shabbat services or a modern Hebrew pop song at the talent show, letting your voice out is an integral part of the camp experience.

 

Girls’ names

Bensivenuta: This beautiful and unusual Judeo-Italian name means “welcome,” a perfect metaphor for the welcoming environment of camp.

Massipa: A Judeo-Catalan name meaning “youngster, learner,” for camper parents who grew up embracing the youthful learning that goes on outside of school.

Paz: This gorgeous name meaning “gold” in Hebrew (as well as “peace” in Spanish) can be a subtle yet fun reference to both Color War games at camp and the picturesque gold colors when the sun sets after a great day playing, learning and singing.

Reut: “Friendship,” in Hebrew! What better way to acknowledge one of the primary appeals of a summer at camp: building, growing and maintaining friendships, oftentimes ones that last for life.

Shabetaia: A female name meaning “Shabbat” (Sabbath) used traditionally by Turkish Jews. Countless campers and counselors have warm memories of all-camp Shabbat celebrations, often with homemade challah, dancing and communal candle lighting.

Shalhevet: This name, meaning “flame” in Hebrew, pays a sweet tribute to the joys of summer night traditions like singing around a campfire and maybe roasting marshmallows or s’mores.

Tema: A Yiddish girls’ name meaning “palm tree,” for those who grew up going to Jewish summer camp among the palms in Southern California and Florida.

Yaara: The Hebrew word for “forest” is a lovely way to commemorate the forest settings of so many Jewish summer camps and overnight camping trips taken among the trees.

 

Unisex names

Agam: The Hebrew word for “lake,” because many campers have fond memories learning to swim, boat and sail on the lake under the sun.

Dror: Perfect for those parents who grew up camping in the liberal Jewish youth movement Habonim Dror, the name means “freedom” or “sparrow” in Hebrew.

Meitar: Meaning “string” in Hebrew, this name references the importance of strings at camp, from friendship bracelet making to playing the guitar.

Rani: This name means “Joyful song,” in Hebrew, since Jewish summer camp is chock-full of sing-alongs and Shabbat jams.

Shoval: Hiking is such an integral and special part of the camp experience; this beautiful name means “trail” in Hebrew.