It’s that time of year again. You know the one — when everyone makes “best of” lists. Well, Nameberry compiled their most popular baby names for 2017, and as always, it’s jam-packed with Jewish baby names, although there has definitely been a change with some of the favorites.
In general, there have been some interesting trends, like Jewish boy names on the rise, as Asher rose to the second most popular boys’ name. And yet, Khaleesi made it to the 31st spot for girl names, showing that TV shows (like Game of Thrones) are definitely influencing parents.
I went through the list and compiled the top 10 Jewish baby names for girls and boys. Of course, don’t forget to check out our baby naming guide while you’re at it for even more inspiration.
Here they are:
Girls
1. Charlotte (#4). Charlotte is a common name popularized by immigrants because it means “free,” though it’s not strictly Jewish. Maybe it also became more popular thanks to Princess Charlotte, William and Kate’s daughter?
2. Ava (#10). Ava means “life” in Hebrew. Also, who doesn’t want to be named after Ava Gardner?
3. Elizabeth (#24). Elizabeth is a Hebrew name meaning “God is my oath.” Elizabeth Taylor may be one of the most famous modern Jewish women (and converts to Judaism).
4. Sadie (#47). Sadie is a nickname for Elizabeth, which is a Hebrew name meaning “God is my oath.” Sadie is both sweet, fun, but not too childish either.
5. Eliza (#55). Eliza is another nickname for Elizabeth, which is a Hebrew name meaning “God is my oath.” Eliza is such a strong, powerful name, who wouldn’t want it?
6. Lila (#45). Lila is a Hebrew name meaning “night.” How romantic.
7. Hannah (#73). Hannah is a classic Hebrew baby name meaning “grace.” She is also the biblical mother of the prophet Samuel.
8. Ellie (#93). Ellie is a (yet another!) nickname for Elizabeth, which is a Hebrew name meaning “God is my oath.”
9. Eliana (#95). Eliana is a Hebrew name meaning “God has answered.”
10. Abigail (#100). Abigail is a Hebrew name meaning “my father is joy.” In the Bible, Avigail becomes one of King David’s wives. It has fallen in favor, it seems, as it used to be higher up in the list.
Boys
1. Asher (#2). Asher means “happy” in Hebrew. In the Bible, Asher was the eighth son of Jacob, and one of the 12 tribes of Israel.
2. Matthew (#18). Matthew means “gift of god” in Hebrew. Mattathias the Priest was the leader and father of the Maccabees, who defeated the Assyrians in the story of Hanukkah.
3. Benjamin (#22). Benjamin means “Son of right hand” in Hebrew. Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob, was one of the 12 tribes of Israel.
4. Ethan (#26). Ethan means “strong” or “enduring” in Hebrew — traits you’d want any child to have. Ethan Hawke, anyone? I’m sorry, but those ’90s films absolutely slay me.
5. Caleb (#30). Caleb was of the 12 scouts sent by Moses into Israel. It is a Hebrew name.
6. Elijah (#45). Elijah means “the Lord is my God” in Hebrew, and was one of the most famous prophets in the bible. Elijah Woods will forever be our favorite hobbit.
7. Ezra (#50). Ezra means “help” in Hebrew, and was a scribe and leader of the people of Israel returning from Babylonian exile. Ezra Miller, who starred in the last Harry Potter franchise movies (Fantastic Beasts) is an up and coming Jewish actor (which beats being named after Ezra Pound).
8. Jacob (#53). Jacob is a Hebrew name meaning “to follow.” He is the third patriarch in the Bible, and was father of the 12 tribes of Israel.
9. Isaac (#57). Isaac is a Hebrew name meaning “laughter.” Yitzhak was the second patriarch. Yitzhak Rabin was the fifth prime minister of Israel.
10. Simon (#81). Simon is a Hebrew name that means “to hear.” Simon was also a son of Jacob, and one of the 12 tribes of Israel.
Check out our Jewish baby name bank for more inspiration.
