352 Beautiful Israeli Names You Should Consider
Names tell stories. They connect us to history, culture, and identity in powerful ways.
Israeli names carry this tradition forward, reflecting thousands of years of Jewish heritage alongside modern innovations.
Sarah and David to Tal and Noy, these names hold meaning that transcends generations.
If you’ve ever wondered about the significance behind Israeli names or perhaps considered choosing one for your child, you’re about to find a rich naming tradition with deep cultural roots.
In this guide, we’ll look at how Israeli names have evolved through time—from biblical origins to contemporary trends—and what makes them so meaningful to families today.
Origins and Historical Context of Israeli Names
Biblical Roots
Hebrew names are deeply rooted in biblical texts, forming the foundation of Israeli naming traditions.
Popular names like David (beloved), Sarah (princess), Moses (drawn from water), and Elijah (my God is Yahweh) carry profound theological and historical significance.
These names often reference divine attributes, nature, or personal qualities parents wish to impart.
Modern Israeli Influences
The establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 brought new influences to naming practices. Modern Israeli names, such as Noam, Amit, Shira, and Yuval, reflect national identity and cultural revival. These names:
- Are short and strong-sounding Hebrew words.
- Have positive meanings and work well internationally.
- Many are gender-neutral, reflecting changing social norms.
Cultural and Linguistic Influence
Israeli names also reflect the diverse backgrounds of its citizens, with influences from:
- Yiddish (e.g., Mendel, Feiga) in Ashkenazi families.
- Sephardic traditions (e.g., Nissim, Orly).
- Arabic influences (e.g., Noor, Adam).
- Russian-influenced names, especially in Soviet-descendant communities.
Historical Shifts in Naming
Naming trends have been shaped by historical events:
- After Israel’s independence, there was a move from diaspora names to Hebrew alternatives.
- Following the Holocaust, families often named children after relatives who perished.
- Military conflicts and peace efforts have also influenced naming, with memorialization through names remaining a significant tradition.
Male Israeli Names
-
Amit
Pronunciation: /ˈɑːmɪt/
Meaning: Friend -
Avi
Pronunciation: /ˈɑːvi/
Meaning: My father -
Avner
Pronunciation: /ˈɑːvner/
Meaning: Father of light -
Barak
Pronunciation: /ˈbɑːrɑːk/
Meaning: Lightning -
Benny
Pronunciation: /ˈbɛni/
Meaning: Son of my right hand -
Boaz
Pronunciation: /ˈboʊæz/
Meaning: Strength -
Dan
Pronunciation: /dæn/
Meaning: Judge -
Doron
Pronunciation: /ˈdɔːrɒn/
Meaning: Gift -
Eitan
Pronunciation: /ˈeɪtɑːn/
Meaning: Strong -
Eli
Pronunciation: /ˈɛlaɪ/
Meaning: My God -
Eliezer
Pronunciation: /ɛˈliːɛzər/
Meaning: God is my help -
Elijah
Pronunciation: /ɪˈlaɪdʒə/
Meaning: Yahweh is God -
Erez
Pronunciation: /ˈɛrɛz/
Meaning: Cedar -
Gadi
Pronunciation: /ˈɡɑːdi/
Meaning: My luck -
Gavriel
Pronunciation: /ˈɡɑːvriəl/
Meaning: God is my strength -
Gilad
Pronunciation: /ˈɡɪlɑːd/
Meaning: Eternal joy -
Haim
Pronunciation: /ˈhaɪɪm/
Meaning: Life -
Idan
Pronunciation: /ˈiːdɑːn/
Meaning: Era -
Itai
Pronunciation: /ɪˈtaɪ/
Meaning: With me -
Lavi
Pronunciation: /ˈlævi/
Meaning: Lion -
Meir
Pronunciation: /ˈmeɪər/
Meaning: Illuminates -
Micha
Pronunciation: /ˈmiːkɑː/
Meaning: Who is like God? -
Mordechai
Pronunciation: /ˈmɔːrdəkaɪ/
Meaning: Warrior -
Moshe
Pronunciation: /ˈmoʊʃɛ/
Meaning: Drawn from water -
Naor
Pronunciation: /ˈnɑːɔːr/
Meaning: Enlightened -
Natan
Pronunciation: /ˈnɑːtɑːn/
Meaning: Given -
Noam
Pronunciation: /ˈnoʊɑːm/
Meaning: Pleasantness -
Nir
Pronunciation: /nɪr/
Meaning: Plowed field -
Ofir
Pronunciation: /ˈoʊfɪr/
Meaning: Gold -
Omri
Pronunciation: /ˈoʊmri/
Meaning: My sheaf -
Ori
Pronunciation: /ˈɔːri/
Meaning: My light -
Oz
Pronunciation: /ɔːz/
Meaning: Strength -
Rami
Pronunciation: /ˈrɑːmi/
Meaning: High -
Raphael
Pronunciation: /ˈræfeɪəl/
Meaning: God heals -
Reuven
Pronunciation: /ˈruːvɛn/
Meaning: Behold, a son -
Ron
Pronunciation: /rɒn/
Meaning: Joy -
Rotem
Pronunciation: /ˈroʊtɛm/
Meaning: Broom plant -
Shaul
Pronunciation: /ʃaʊl/
Meaning: Asked for -
Shay
Pronunciation: /ʃaɪ/
Meaning: Gift -
Shimon
Pronunciation: /ˈʃɪmən/
Meaning: He has heard -
Tomer
Pronunciation: /ˈtoʊmɛr/
Meaning: Palm tree -
Tzachi
Pronunciation: /ˈtsɑːxi/
Meaning: Pure -
Uziel
Pronunciation: /ˈjuːziːɛl/
Meaning: God is my strength -
Yaniv
Pronunciation: /ˈjɑːnɪv/
Meaning: Produces -
Yoav
Pronunciation: /joʊˈɑːv/
Meaning: God is father -
Yoram
Pronunciation: /ˈjoʊrɑːm/
Meaning: The Lord exalts -
Yosef
Pronunciation: /ˈjoʊsɛf/
Meaning: He will add -
Yotam
Pronunciation: /ˈjoʊtɑːm/
Meaning: God is perfect -
Yovel
Pronunciation: /ˈjoʊvɛl/
Meaning: Ram’s horn -
Zev
Pronunciation: /zɛv/
Meaning: Wolf
Female Israeli Names
-
Adina
Pronunciation: /ɑːˈdiːnɑː/
Meaning: Gentle -
Ahuva
Pronunciation: /ɑːˈhuːvə/
Meaning: Beloved -
Aliza
Pronunciation: /ɑːˈliːzɑː/
Meaning: Joyful -
Ariella
Pronunciation: /ɑːriˈɛlə/
Meaning: Lioness of God -
Avigail
Pronunciation: /ˈævɪɡeɪl/
Meaning: My father’s joy -
Batya
Pronunciation: /ˈbɑːtjɑː/
Meaning: Daughter of God -
Carmit
Pronunciation: /kɑːrˈmiːt/
Meaning: Garden -
Dalia
Pronunciation: /ˈdɑːljɑː/
Meaning: Branch -
Danit
Pronunciation: /ˈdɑːnɪt/
Meaning: Judge -
Dvora
Pronunciation: /dɪˈvɔːrə/
Meaning: Bee -
Efrat
Pronunciation: /ˈɛfrɑːt/
Meaning: Place of fruitfulness -
Eliana
Pronunciation: /ˌɛlɪˈɑːnɑː/
Meaning: God has answered -
Esther
Pronunciation: /ˈɛstər/
Meaning: Star -
Galia
Pronunciation: /ɡɑːˈliːɑː/
Meaning: Wave -
Hadas
Pronunciation: /ˈhɑːdɑːs/
Meaning: Myrtle tree -
Hila
Pronunciation: /ˈhiːlɑː/
Meaning: Halo -
Hodaya
Pronunciation: /hɔːˈdɑːjɑː/
Meaning: Thanksgiving -
Inbal
Pronunciation: /ˈɪnbɑːl/
Meaning: Bell -
Keren
Pronunciation: /ˈkɛrən/
Meaning: Horn -
Liora
Pronunciation: /liˈɔːrə/
Meaning: My light -
Maayan
Pronunciation: /maˈɑːn/
Meaning: Spring of water -
Maya
Pronunciation: /ˈmaɪə/
Meaning: Water -
Michal
Pronunciation: /miˈkɑːl/
Meaning: Who is like God? -
Naama
Pronunciation: /ˈnɑːmɑː/
Meaning: Pleasant -
Nava
Pronunciation: /ˈnɑːvə/
Meaning: Beautiful -
Noa
Pronunciation: /ˈnəʊɑː/
Meaning: Motion -
Orly
Pronunciation: /ˈɔːrli/
Meaning: My light -
Pnina
Pronunciation: /pniːˈnɑː/
Meaning: Pearl -
Rina
Pronunciation: /ˈriːnɑː/
Meaning: Joy -
Roni
Pronunciation: /ˈroʊni/
Meaning: My song -
Sapir
Pronunciation: /sɑːˈpɪr/
Meaning: Sapphire -
Shani
Pronunciation: /ˈʃɑːni/
Meaning: Scarlet -
Shira
Pronunciation: /ˈʃɪrə/
Meaning: Song -
Sigal
Pronunciation: /ˈsiːɡɑːl/
Meaning: Violet flower -
Talia
Pronunciation: /ˈtɑːliɑː/
Meaning: Morning dew -
Tamar
Pronunciation: /ˈtɑːmɑːr/
Meaning: Date palm -
Tehila
Pronunciation: /tɛˈhiːlɑː/
Meaning: Praise -
Tzipora
Pronunciation: /ˈtsɪpɔːrə/
Meaning: Bird -
Vered
Pronunciation: /ˈvɛrɛd/
Meaning: Rose -
Yael
Pronunciation: /ˈjɑːɛl/
Meaning: Mountain goat -
Yasmin
Pronunciation: /ˈjæzmɪn/
Meaning: Jasmine -
Yiskah
Pronunciation: /ˈjɪskɑː/
Meaning: Vision -
Zehava
Pronunciation: /zɛˈhɑːvə/
Meaning: Golden -
Ziona
Pronunciation: /ziˈoʊnə/
Meaning: Excellence -
Zohar
Pronunciation: /ˈzoʊhɑːr/
Meaning: Brightness
Traditional Biblical Israeli Names
-
Aaron
Pronunciation: /ˈɛə.Rən/
Meaning: mountain of Strength -
Abraham
Pronunciation: /ˈeɪ.Brə.Hæm/
Meaning: father of Nations -
David
Pronunciation: /ˈdeɪ.Vɪd/
Meaning: beloved -
Deborah
Pronunciation: /ˈdɛbərə/
Meaning: bee -
Elijah
Pronunciation: /ɪˈlaɪdʒə/
Meaning: yahweh Is My God -
Ezra
Pronunciation: /ˈɛz.Rə/
Meaning: help -
Isaac
Pronunciation: /ˈaɪ.Zək/
Meaning: laughter -
Jacob
Pronunciation: /ˈdʒeɪ.Kəb/
Meaning: supplanter -
Joshua
Pronunciation: /ˈdʒɒʃ.Uːə/
Meaning: the Lord Is Salvation -
Judah
Pronunciation: /ˈdʒuː.Də/
Meaning: praise -
Isaac
Pronunciation: /ˈaɪ.Zək/
Meaning: laughter -
Moses
Pronunciation: /ˈmoʊ.Zɪz/
Meaning: drawn from Water -
Solomon
Pronunciation: /ˈsɒləmən/
Meaning: peaceful -
Samuel
Pronunciation: /ˈsæm.Juːəl/
Meaning: god Has Heard -
Elijah
Pronunciation: /ɪˈlaɪdʒə/
Meaning: yahweh Is My God -
Ezekiel
Pronunciation: /ɪˈziːkiəl/
Meaning: god Will Strengthen -
Daniel
Pronunciation: /ˈdænjəl/
Meaning: god Is My Judge -
Joseph
Pronunciation: /ˈdʒoʊzəf/
Meaning: he Will Add -
Benjamin
Pronunciation: /ˈbɛndʒəmɪn/
Meaning: son of The Right Hand -
Aaron
Pronunciation: /ˈɛə.Rən/
Meaning: mountain of Strength -
Noah
Pronunciation: /ˈnoʊə/
Meaning: rest, Comfort -
Levi
Pronunciation: /ˈliːvi/
Meaning: joined, Attached -
Gideon
Pronunciation: /ˈɡɪd.I.Ən/
Meaning: hewer, One Who Cuts Trees -
Caleb
Pronunciation: /ˈkeɪ.Ləb/
Meaning: whole-Hearted, Faithful -
Nadav
Pronunciation: /ˈnɑːdɑːv/
Meaning: generous, Noble -
Ophir
Pronunciation: /ˈoʊ.Fɪr/
Meaning: gold, a Region of Wealth -
Isaiah
Pronunciation: /aɪˈzeɪə/
Meaning: salvation of The Lord -
Nathan
Pronunciation: /ˈneɪθən/
Meaning: gift, He Gave -
Eliezer
Pronunciation: /ɛlɪˈɛzər/
Meaning: god Is My Help -
Jonah
Pronunciation: /ˈdʒoʊnə/
Meaning: dove -
Saul
Pronunciation: /sɔːl/
Meaning: asked For, Prayed For -
Ezra
Pronunciation: /ˈɛz.Rə/
Meaning: help -
Boaz
Pronunciation: /ˈboʊæz/
Meaning: strength -
Zevulun
Pronunciation: /ˈzɛvʊlʌn/
Meaning: dwelling, Habitation -
Gershon
Pronunciation: /ˈɡɜːrʃən/
Meaning: exile, a Stranger There -
Amos
Pronunciation: /ˈeɪməs/
Meaning: burden, Carried -
Micah
Pronunciation: /ˈmaɪkə/
Meaning: who Is Like God? -
Hosea
Pronunciation: /hoʊˈzeɪə/
Meaning: salvation -
Reuben
Pronunciation: /ˈruːbən/
Meaning: behold, a Son -
Simeon
Pronunciation: /ˈsɪmiən/
Meaning: heard, God Has Heard -
Asher
Pronunciation: /ˈæʃər/
Meaning: happy, Blessed -
Zion
Pronunciation: /ˈzaɪən/
Meaning: a Hill in Jerusalem, Symbolizing the City -
Shlomo
Pronunciation: /ˈʃlɔːmoʊ/
Meaning: peaceful -
Yitzhak
Pronunciation: /ˈjɪtsʌk/
Meaning: he Will Laugh -
Menachem
Pronunciation: /məˈnɑːxəm/
Meaning: comforter -
Ephraim
Pronunciation: /ˈɛfɹəɪəm/
Meaning: fruitful -
Jesse
Pronunciation: /ˈdʒɛsi/
Meaning: gift, God’s Gracious Gift -
Tobiah
Pronunciation: /toʊˈbaɪə/
Meaning: god Is Good -
Hillel
Pronunciation: /ˈhɪlɛl/
Meaning: praise -
Yehuda
Pronunciation: /jəˈhuːdə/
Meaning: praise, Thanked -
Nahum
Pronunciation: /ˈneɪəm/
Meaning: comfort, Consolation -
Gavriel
Pronunciation: /ɡaˈvriːɛl/
Meaning: god Is My Strength -
Baruch
Pronunciation: /bəˈruːx/
Meaning: blessed -
Elihu
Pronunciation: /ˈɛlɪhuː/
Meaning: my God Is He -
Nehemiah
Pronunciation: /ˌnɪəˈmaɪə/
Meaning: comforted by God -
Yonatan
Pronunciation: /ˈjoʊnətæn/
Meaning: god Has Given -
Zvi
Pronunciation: /zviː/
Meaning: deer, Gazelle -
Malachi
Pronunciation: /ˈmæləkʌi/
Meaning: my Messenger -
Seth
Pronunciation: /sɛθ/
Meaning: appointed, Placed -
Amnon
Pronunciation: /ˈæmnɒn/
Meaning: faithful, Loyal -
Elchanan
Pronunciation: /ɛlˈxɑːnɑːn/
Meaning: god Is Gracious -
Eitan
Pronunciation: /ˈeɪtɑːn/
Meaning: strong, Firm -
Yosef
Pronunciation: /ˈjoʊsɛf/
Meaning: he Will Add -
Tzvi
Pronunciation: /zviː/
Meaning: deer, Gazelle -
Menashe
Pronunciation: /mɛˈnɑːʃeɪ/
Meaning: god Has Made Me Forget -
Barak
Pronunciation: /ˈbæræk/
Meaning: lightning -
Ishai
Pronunciation: /ˈɪʃaɪ/
Meaning: gift -
Ehud
Pronunciation: /ˈɛhud/
Meaning: he Who Is Praised -
Otniel
Pronunciation: /ɔːtˈniːəl/
Meaning: god Is My Strength -
Shimon
Pronunciation: /ˈʃiːmɒn/
Meaning: he Has Heard -
Meir
Pronunciation: /ˈmeɪər/
Meaning: illuminates -
Shimshon
Pronunciation: /ˈʃɪmʃɔn/
Meaning: sunlight, Like the Sun -
Zechariah
Pronunciation: /ˌzɛkəˈraɪə/
Meaning: god Remembers -
Hanan
Pronunciation: /ˈhænən/
Meaning: gracious, Merciful -
Shmuel
Pronunciation: /ʃmuːˈɛl/
Meaning: god Has Heard
Modern Hebrew Names
-
Alon
Pronunciation: /ˈɑːlɒn/
Meaning: oak Tree -
Amir
Pronunciation: /ɑːˈmɪr/
Meaning: prince -
Bar
Pronunciation: /bɑːr/
Meaning: son -
Chen
Pronunciation: /ˈkɛn/
Meaning: grace -
Dror
Pronunciation: /drɔːr/
Meaning: freedom -
Gal
Pronunciation: /ɡɑːl/
Meaning: wave -
Hod
Pronunciation: /hoʊd/
Meaning: majesty -
Kfir
Pronunciation: /kfɪr/
Meaning: young Lion -
Liel
Pronunciation: /liːˈɛl/
Meaning: i Am for God -
Matan
Pronunciation: /mɑːˈtɑːn/
Meaning: gift -
Lior
Pronunciation: /liːˈɔːr/
Meaning: my Light -
Elior
Pronunciation: /ɛˈliːɔːr/
Meaning: my God Is Light -
Erez
Pronunciation: /ˈɛrɛz/
Meaning: cedar Tree -
Tamar
Pronunciation: /ˈtɑːmɑːr/
Meaning: date Palm -
Alon
Pronunciation: /ˈɑːlɒn/
Meaning: oak Tree -
Noa
Pronunciation: /ˈnəʊə/
Meaning: motion -
Hila
Pronunciation: /ˈhiːlɑː/
Meaning: halo -
Eden
Pronunciation: /ˈiːdən/
Meaning: paradise, Delight -
Yael
Pronunciation: /ˈjɑːɛl/
Meaning: mountain Goat -
Tal
Pronunciation: /tɑːl/
Meaning: dew -
Neta
Pronunciation: /ˈnɛtɑː/
Meaning: plant -
Orly
Pronunciation: /ˈɔːrli/
Meaning: my Light -
Gal
Pronunciation: /ɡɑːl/
Meaning: wave -
Shachar
Pronunciation: /ʃɑːˈχɑːr/
Meaning: dawn -
Yam
Pronunciation: /jɑːm/
Meaning: sea -
Tzachi
Pronunciation: /ˈtsaχi/
Meaning: pure -
Ofek
Pronunciation: /ˈɔːfɛk/
Meaning: horizon -
Hodaya
Pronunciation: /hɔːˈdɑːjɑː/
Meaning: thanksgiving -
Shay
Pronunciation: /ʃeɪ/
Meaning: gift -
Yonit
Pronunciation: /joʊˈnɪt/
Meaning: dove -
Adi
Pronunciation: /ˈɑːdi/
Meaning: jewel, Ornament -
Maya
Pronunciation: /ˈmaɪɑː/
Meaning: water -
Ron
Pronunciation: /rɒn/
Meaning: joy, Song -
Shani
Pronunciation: /ˈʃɑːni/
Meaning: scarlet -
Ido
Pronunciation: /ˈiːdoʊ/
Meaning: i Will Be -
Lihi
Pronunciation: /ˈliːhi/
Meaning: my Heart -
Shira
Pronunciation: /ˈʃɪrə/
Meaning: song -
Efrat
Pronunciation: /ˈɛfrɑːt/
Meaning: place of Fruitfulness -
Rotem
Pronunciation: /ˈrɔːtɛm/
Meaning: broom Plant -
Roni
Pronunciation: /ˈroʊni/
Meaning: my Song -
Nitzan
Pronunciation: /ˈnɪtsɑːn/
Meaning: blossom -
Raz
Pronunciation: /rɑːz/
Meaning: secret -
Lavi
Pronunciation: /ˈlɑːvi/
Meaning: lion -
Shoval
Pronunciation: /ʃoʊˈvɑːl/
Meaning: meadow -
Tzuf
Pronunciation: /tsuːf/
Meaning: honey -
Tzofiya
Pronunciation: /ˈtsoʊfijɑː/
Meaning: watcher -
Omri
Pronunciation: /ˈɔːmri/
Meaning: my Sheaf -
Kfir
Pronunciation: /kfɪr/
Meaning: young Lion -
Elazar
Pronunciation: /ɛˈlɑːzɑːr/
Meaning: god Is My Help -
Liron
Pronunciation: /ˈlɪrɒn/
Meaning: my Joy -
Oran
Pronunciation: /ɔːˈrɑːn/
Meaning: pine Tree -
Sapir
Pronunciation: /sæˈpɪər/
Meaning: sapphire -
Noga
Pronunciation: /ˈnoʊɡɑː/
Meaning: shine, Brightness -
Tzvia
Pronunciation: /ˈtsviːɑː/
Meaning: doe (female Deer) -
Netanel
Pronunciation: /ˈnɛtɑːnɛl/
Meaning: god Has Given -
Shlomit
Pronunciation: /ʃlɔːˈmiːt/
Meaning: peaceful -
Mor
Pronunciation: /mɔːr/
Meaning: myrrh -
Maor
Pronunciation: /ˈmɑːɔːr/
Meaning: light, Illumination -
Hod
Pronunciation: /hoʊd/
Meaning: majesty -
Aviv
Pronunciation: /ɑːˈviːv/
Meaning: spring -
Bar
Pronunciation: /bɑːr/
Meaning: son -
Amit
Pronunciation: /ɑːˈmɪt/
Meaning: friend -
Shaked
Pronunciation: /ʃɑːˈkɛd/
Meaning: almond -
Dror
Pronunciation: /drɔːr/
Meaning: freedom -
Dvir
Pronunciation: /ˈdviːr/
Meaning: sanctuary -
Yiftach
Pronunciation: /ˈjɪftɑːx/
Meaning: he Will Open -
Geva
Pronunciation: /ˈɡɛvɑː/
Meaning: hill, Peak -
Elinor
Pronunciation: /ˈɛlɪnɔːr/
Meaning: god Is My Light -
Nir
Pronunciation: /nɪr/
Meaning: plowed Field -
Yarden
Pronunciation: /ˈjɑːrdɛn/
Meaning: to Descend, Flow Down (the Jordan River) -
Gali
Pronunciation: /ˈɡɑːli/
Meaning: my Wave -
Eylon
Pronunciation: /ˈaɪlɒn/
Meaning: oak Tree -
Or
Pronunciation: /ɔːr/
Meaning: light -
Tzofit
Pronunciation: /ˈtsɔːfɪt/
Meaning: lookout, Watchtower -
Itamar
Pronunciation: /ˈɪtɑːmɑːr/
Meaning: palm Tree Island -
Shahar
Pronunciation: /ˈʃɑːhɑːr/
Meaning: dawn -
Maayan
Pronunciation: /maˈʔjan/
Meaning: spring of Water -
Yaheli
Pronunciation: /jɑˈhɛli/
Meaning: god Will Answer -
Eliad
Pronunciation: /ˈɛliɑːd/
Meaning: god Is My Witness -
Dor
Pronunciation: /dɔːr/
Meaning: generation, Period of Time -
Arnon
Pronunciation: /ɑːrˈnɒn/
Meaning: a Flowing Stream, River -
Shalev
Pronunciation: /ʃɑːˈlɛv/
Meaning: calm, Peaceful -
Eyal
Pronunciation: /ˈɛjɑːl/
Meaning: strength, Might -
Yehonatan
Pronunciation: /jɛhoˈnɑːtɑn/
Meaning: god Has Given -
Ilay
Pronunciation: /ˈɪlɑːj/
Meaning: uplifted, High -
Asaf
Pronunciation: /ɑːˈsɑːf/
Meaning: gather, Harvest -
Ravid
Pronunciation: /ˈrævɪd/
Meaning: shepherd, Guide -
Dolev
Pronunciation: /ˈdoʊlɛv/
Meaning: oak Tree -
Eliana
Pronunciation: /ɛlɪˈɑːnə/
Meaning: god Has Answered -
Michal
Pronunciation: /ˈmɪkæl/
Meaning: who Is Like God?
Nature-Inspired Names
-
Omer
Pronunciation: /ˈoʊmɛr/
Meaning: sheaf of Grain -
Ariel
Pronunciation: /ˈɛəriəl/
Meaning: lion of God -
Yuval
Pronunciation: /juːˈvɑːl/
Meaning: stream, Brook -
Ori
Pronunciation: /ˈɔːri/
Meaning: my Light -
Evyatar
Pronunciation: /ɛviˈɑːtɑːr/
Meaning: my Father Is Good -
Liel
Pronunciation: /ˈliːɛl/
Meaning: i Am for God -
Noam
Pronunciation: /noʊˈɑːm/
Meaning: pleasantness -
Nimrod
Pronunciation: /ˈnɪmrɒd/
Meaning: rebel, Mighty Hunter -
Tzuri
Pronunciation: /ˈtsuːri/
Meaning: my Rock -
Amitai
Pronunciation: /ˈɑːmɪtaɪ/
Meaning: truth -
Shir
Pronunciation: /ʃɪr/
Meaning: song -
Galit
Pronunciation: /ɡɑːˈlɪt/
Meaning: wave -
Hadar
Pronunciation: /hɑːˈdɑːr/
Meaning: glory, Splendor -
Rom
Pronunciation: /roʊm/
Meaning: height, Elevated -
Eliav
Pronunciation: /ɛˈliːæv/
Meaning: my God Is Father -
Shirli
Pronunciation: /ˈʃɪrli/
Meaning: my Song -
Talya
Pronunciation: /ˈtɑːljɑː/
Meaning: dew from God -
Avital
Pronunciation: /ˈɑːvɪtɑːl/
Meaning: father of Dew -
Tzuriel
Pronunciation: /ˈtsuːriːɛl/
Meaning: my Rock Is God -
Matan
Pronunciation: /ˈmɑːtɑːn/
Meaning: gift -
Dikla
Pronunciation: /ˈdɪklɑː/
Meaning: date Palm -
Liorit
Pronunciation: /ˈliːɔːrɪt/
Meaning: my Light -
Aviel
Pronunciation: /ˈɑːviːɛl/
Meaning: god Is My Father -
Oz
Pronunciation: /ɑːz/
Meaning: strength -
Tamir
Pronunciation: /ˈtɑːmɪr/
Meaning: tall, Strong -
Zohar
Pronunciation: /ˈzoʊhɑːr/
Meaning: brightness, Radiance -
Ronit
Pronunciation: /ˈroʊnɪt/
Meaning: joyful, Singing -
Hallel
Pronunciation: /ˈhɑːlɛl/
Meaning: praise -
Amir
Pronunciation: /ɑːˈmɪr/
Meaning: prince, Treetop -
Tomer
Pronunciation: /ˈtoʊmɛr/
Meaning: palm Tree -
Almog
Pronunciation: /ˈɑːlmɒɡ/
Meaning: coral -
Idit
Pronunciation: /ˈɪdɪt/
Meaning: joyful, Happy -
Naor
Pronunciation: /ˈnɑːɔːr/
Meaning: enlightened -
Tali
Pronunciation: /ˈtɑːli/
Meaning: dew -
Odeya
Pronunciation: /oʊˈdɛjɑː/
Meaning: i Will Thank God -
Ophira
Pronunciation: /oʊˈfɪrə/
Meaning: gold -
Mirit
Pronunciation: /ˈmɪrɪt/
Meaning: bitter -
Gaya
Pronunciation: /ˈɡɑːjɑː/
Meaning: tree, Life -
Nehorai
Pronunciation: /nɛˈhɔːraɪ/
Meaning: my Light -
Eliraz
Pronunciation: /ɛˈliːrɑːz/
Meaning: god Is My Secret -
Tzila
Pronunciation: /ˈtsɪlɑː/
Meaning: shadow -
Avner
Pronunciation: /ˈævˌnɛr/
Meaning: father of Light
Rare and Distinctive Names
-
Akiva
Pronunciation: /ɑːˈkiːvə/
Meaning: protect -
Yariv
Pronunciation: /jɑːˈrɪv/
Meaning: he Will Fight -
Neriah
Pronunciation: /ˈnɛriɑː/
Meaning: lamp of God -
Shifra
Pronunciation: /ˈʃɪfrɑː/
Meaning: beautiful -
Amiel
Pronunciation: /ˈɑːmiɛl/
Meaning: god of The People -
Ari
Pronunciation: /ˈɑːri/
Meaning: lion -
Ronen
Pronunciation: /ˈroʊnɛn/
Meaning: singing -
Yishai
Pronunciation: /jɪˈʃaɪ/
Meaning: gift -
Noam
Pronunciation: /noʊˈɑːm/
Meaning: pleasant -
Dana
Pronunciation: /ˈdeɪnə/
Meaning: judge -
Gesher
Pronunciation: /ˈɡɛʃɛr/
Meaning: bridge -
Arava
Pronunciation: /ˈɑːrɑːvɑː/
Meaning: willow -
Ophir
Pronunciation: /ˈoʊfɪr/
Meaning: gold Region -
Yarden
Pronunciation: /ˈjɑːrdɛn/
Meaning: to Flow Down -
Zemer
Pronunciation: /ˈzɛmɛr/
Meaning: song, Melody -
Emunah
Pronunciation: /ɛˈmuːnɑː/
Meaning: faith -
Adonai
Pronunciation: /ˈɑːdoʊnaɪ/
Meaning: my Lord -
Shalom
Pronunciation: /ʃɑːˈloʊm/
Meaning: peace -
Tikva
Pronunciation: /ˈtɪkvə/
Meaning: hope -
Rachamim
Pronunciation: /ˈrɑːxɑːmɪm/
Meaning: compassion -
Gevorah
Pronunciation: /ˈɡɛvɔːrɑː/
Meaning: strength -
Oz
Pronunciation: /ɑːz/
Meaning: strength -
Ometz
Pronunciation: /ˈoʊmɛts/
Meaning: courage -
Chazak
Pronunciation: /ˈkhɑːzɑːk/
Meaning: strong -
Amitz
Pronunciation: /ˈɑːmɪts/
Meaning: brave -
Shiraz
Pronunciation: /ʃɪˈrɑːz/
Meaning: song of Joy -
Hallel
Pronunciation: /ˈhɑːlɛl/
Meaning: praise -
Yair
Pronunciation: /jɑːˈɪr/
Meaning: he Will Shine -
Leila
Pronunciation: /ˈleɪlə/
Meaning: night -
Zohar
Pronunciation: /ˈzoʊhɑːr/
Meaning: brilliance -
Negev
Pronunciation: /ˈnɛɡɛv/
Meaning: south (desert Region) -
Golan
Pronunciation: /ˈɡoʊlɑːn/
Meaning: elevated Place -
Carmel
Pronunciation: /ˈkɑːrmɛl/
Meaning: vineyard of God -
Sharon
Pronunciation: /ˈʃærən/
Meaning: plain -
Galil
Pronunciation: /ɡɑːˈlɪl/
Meaning: district, Region -
Herzl
Pronunciation: /ˈhɜːrtsəl/
Meaning: deer (named After Theodor Herzl) -
David
Pronunciation: /ˈdeɪvɪd/
Meaning: beloved -
Golda
Pronunciation: /ˈɡoʊldɑː/
Meaning: golden -
Moshe
Pronunciation: /ˈmoʊʃə/
Meaning: drawn from Water -
Chaim
Pronunciation: /ˈkaɪəm/
Meaning: life -
Eden
Pronunciation: /ˈiːdən/
Meaning: paradise -
Rami
Pronunciation: /ˈræmi/
Meaning: elevated -
Lev
Pronunciation: /lɛv/
Meaning: heart -
Alma
Pronunciation: /ˈɑːlmɑː/
Meaning: soul -
Ori
Pronunciation: /ˈɔːri/
Meaning: my Light -
Ziv
Pronunciation: /zɪv/
Meaning: radiance -
Ilan
Pronunciation: /ɪˈlɑːn/
Meaning: tree -
Neta
Pronunciation: /ˈnɛtɑː/
Meaning: planted -
Keshet
Pronunciation: /ˈkɛʃɛt/
Meaning: rainbow -
Paz
Pronunciation: /pɑːz/
Meaning: Gold
Looking Forward: The Living Legacy of Israeli Names
Israeli names continue to evolve, telling the story of a nation and its people. They bridge past and present, connecting new generations to ancient traditions while expressing modern values and aspirations.
What makes these names so special isn’t just their linguistic beauty or historical significance—it’s how they function as vessels of memory and hope.
When parents choose a name for their child in Israel today, they’re participating in a tradition thousands of years in the making.
Whether honoring ancestors, celebrating nature, or expressing wishes for the future, Israeli names carry meaning that goes beyond mere labels.
They’re gifts that parents give their children—a first piece of identity that connects them to family, community, and heritage throughout their lives.
