A Month by Month Guide to Hebrew and Biblical Baby Names
A Month by Month Guide to
Hebrew and Biblical
Baby Names
Dear Reader,
The birth of a new baby is the greatest cause for celebration and joy. To the parents, a precious child represents both the newest link in the family chain and hope for the future. Choosing an appropriate name for a baby is one of the most important decisions that parents are faced with. Since it's a decision that will stay with the child his or her entire life, it is always made with joy and excitement, but also with reflection and seriousness.
There are two common practices within Judaism when it comes to naming a new baby: Ashkenazi Jews, those of European descent, traditionally name their children after deceased relatives. Sephardi Jews, on the other hand, those originally from middle eastern countries, often name their children after living relatives. While the practices might seem to be polar opposites of each other, the underlying reason for both, is the same. According to Jewish tradition, naming a child has a deep spiritual dimension, as the chosen name determines a person's character throughout life. We therefore immediately look towards our ancestors and select a fitting role model who we want our new baby to emulate. This has been the Jewish practice for generations and so every new baby David or Sarah is really named for their Biblical namesakes.
In addition to looking at relatives for inspiration, the calendar is another source of inspiration. Girls born around the Jewish holiday of Purim are often named Esther and Boys born during a week when the Torah portion discusses the Exodus might be named after Moses. This Guide was written to help choose a name according to the months of the year. With over 100 Hebrew names, it is also a valuable reference to anyone who would like to explore the Biblical origins of a name to better understand the original Biblical figure who carried the name will help guide us in our own lives.
Shalom,
Rabbi Tuly Weisz Director, Israel365
January
Tsiporah
Tsiporah is the daughter of Jethro and the wife of Moses, who we read about in Parshat Shemot (see Exodus 2:21). Her name is derived from the word / Tsipor / `Bird' and connotes a sense of graceful beauty.
Elisheva
We are introduced to Elisheva in Parshat Va'era. According to Exodus (6:23), Elisheva is the wife of Aaron the High Priest: "And Aaron took Elisheva, daughter of Aminadav, sister of Nachshon, as his wife, and she gave birth to Nadav and Avihu, Elazar and Itamar."
Nachshon
Nachshon was the captain of the tribe of Jud? (see Numbers 2:3) who, according to Jewish tradition, was the first to courageously enter the Red Sea during the Exodus which we read in Parshat Beshalach. Boys named Nachshon are meant to be leaders, not followers.
Shifra
Shifra was one of the two Hebrew midwives in Egypt who defied Pharaoh's edict and saved the lives of the Jewish baby boys whom we read about in Parshat Shemot (see Exodus 1:15). The name Shifra means `Beauty' and `Grace' but also implies defiant bravery.
Erez
Erez is a `Cedar Tree' which was used in the construction of King Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. Children born around the Holiday of Tu B'shvat, the birthday of the trees, are often named after trees. Another popular boy's name that means tree is Ilan / .
Elana, Alana, Ilana
Elana means `Tree' and is an appropriate name for January because of the Holiday of Tu B'Shvat, the birthday of the trees. Elana is a woman who will stand tall and proud, with her feet planted firmly on the ground. Another popular girl's name that also means tree is Ilanit / .
Karen
In the last line of the Haftorah for Parshat Va'era the word Karen appears, "On that day, I will cause the might of the House of Israel to sprout" (Ezekiel 29:21). Karen here means`Might,'but it also can mean a horn or a ray of light.
Barak
Barak means `lightning' and was the appropriate name for the mighty captain of the army of Israel who battled against Sisera during the time of Deborah the Prophetess (see Judges 4:6). We read about Barak in Parshat Beshalach.
January
February
Esther
On behalf of her people, Queen Esther risks it all and defends the Jews during their time of need. Her heroism is a lesson for all women to bravely stand up when called upon. The Book of Esther tells the gripping account of her courageous actions.
Hadassah
Hadassah is actually the original name of Queen Esther, King Ahasuerus's wife (see Esther 2:7). It means a myrtle branch which was always known for its fragrant beauty and is a fitting name for a young lady who will grow to be a positive influence on her surroundings as well.
Mordecai
The hero of the Purim story, Mordecai saves the Jews of Persia from Haman's evil plan (see Esther 2:5). Baby boys are named Mordecai to follow his example of courageous leadership and brave loyalty to God, even when those actions are not popular.
Sapir
Sapir was one of the twelve precious stones inlaid in the breastplate of the high priest as described in Parshat Tetzave. In Modern Hebrew, Sapir refers to sapphire and is a beautiful name for a rare and precious baby girl.
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