Choosing a Hebrew Name for Your Daughter: Variations and Recommendations

When selecting a Hebrew name for your daughter, it's important to understand the unique characteristics of the Hebrew language. Unlike English, Hebrew does not use the letter 'J.'

The Absence of 'J' in Hebrew

Hebrew, as a Semitic language, has a distinct alphabet. There is no 'J' in ancient or modern Hebrew. Instead, Hebrew uses a Yōd, which is represented by the letter Y. This means that any name starting with a 'J' in English needs to be adapted to its appropriate Hebrew equivalent.

Common Hebrew Names and Their Meanings

Here are some popular Hebrew names and their meanings, which may serve as inspiration for choosing a suitable name for your daughter:

Yuval

Meaning: Joy and translates into 'Jubilee.'

Judith or Yehudit

Meaning: 'Judean woman' or 'praise' (Yehuda means praise).

Joy or Jochebed

Meaning: 'Lord is glory' (Yohheved, which means Lord exalts).

Jannah or Yasmin

Meaning: 'Garden' or 'flower.'

Jacoba or Yaakova

Meaning: 'supplanter' (traditional for girls named after their father).

Biblical Hebrew Names and Their Significance

Choosing a name with a biblical reference can add an extra layer of meaning and significance to your daughter's name. Here are some examples:

Yael or Jael

Meaning: 'bee' or 'curved

Yael was the brave woman from the Bible who killed Sisera, a Canaanite general.

Jerusha or Yerushalyim

Meaning: 'inheritance of peace' or 'Inheritance of the father,' referring to the capital of ancient Israel.

Jezebel and Isabelle

Meaning: While 'Jezebel' in Hebrew is 'Yishbel,' it is generally not recommended as she is portrayed negatively in the Bible. However, 'Isabelle' can be a modern version of 'Yishbel,' which means 'a gift of God.'

Adapting English Names to Hebrew

Some English names that are commonly given to girls can be adapted to Hebrew as follows:

Full Names and Variations

Yarden (Jordan) Josephine - Yoseph (‘The Lord will add’) Judy/Judith - Yehudit (‘Judean woman’) Joanna/Joan - Yohanan (‘The Lord will forgive’) Jasmine - Yasmin (‘flower’) Joelle - Yoel (‘The Lord is God’)

Conclusion

Selecting a Hebrew name for your daughter can be a meaningful and thoughtful process. Whether you choose a name with a biblical reference, a name that conveys a virtue or quality, or a modern popular name, the key is to choose one that resonates with your family values and cultural heritage.