100 Unique Hebrew Boy Names: and Meanings

Hebrew boy names have captivated the hearts and imaginations of expecting parents for centuries. The most popular Hebrew names for boys in the USA’s top 10 for 2020 include Noah, Elijah, and Benjamin.

Other popular Hebrew names include Asher, Caleb, Levi, Jesse, Nathaniel, Isaac, and Judah. For parents wanting more traditional or unique Hebrew names, Shiloh, Tobias, Jedidiah, Karmel, Solomon or Uriel could make wonderful choices.

Hebrew is a language currently regarded as the official national language of Israel. However, this has not always been the case. Following the Bar Kokhba revolt from 132AD, when Jews started spreading across the world, the language changed from being an everyday spoken language (lingua franca) to a language only spoken during religious ceremonies (liturgical).

From the end of the 19th Century to the start of the 20th Century, as Jews began returning to their homeland, Hebrew started experiencing a remarkable revival again. Hebrew, however, is still considered a very holy language in the eyes of Jewish people.

Hebrew boy names carry some marvelous meanings for parents who love the concept of royalty or nobility.

Melech means “king” in biblical Hebrew and is commonly heard in Israeli families today. The more traditional Hebrew version is Melekh. Other biblical names, including the concept of kingship, are Abimelech, meaning “my father is king,” and Elimelech, meaning “my God is king.”

Begin by deciding on the style that appeals to you the most. Do you want a popular, classic, traditional, or unique name? If you can’t decide, then choose your top two name styles and prepare a shortlist under each style. Then take your time in finding a few meaningful names which speak to you the most. Do you want a name to reflect God’s nature or to bestow a blessing on the child, or perhaps a name that brings deep inspiration? As you write a shortlist, you’re bound to eventually find the perfect name for your baby!

Choosing a Hebrew name for a baby is considered a sacred act in Hebrew culture. Traditionally, a Hebrew boy’s name is only announced on the eighth day at the boy’s bris (i.e., circumcision ceremony), while a Hebrew girl’s name is announced at the first Torah reading.

There is a range of different Hebrew naming practices. But generally, Jewish names come in two forms- the “kinnui” or secular name and their “shem kodesh,” or sacred Hebrew name. Parents choose a name that will often describe a person’s essence or carry a strong sense of identity and belonging. Some are theophoric in nature, meaning they exalt God when spoken, with prefixes or suffixes such as el, eli, ya, or yahu. They can also reflect generational connections or deep spiritual truths and are believed to shape a person’s behavior and spiritual journey.