We always talk about baby names that are popular,but what about Jewish baby names that were popular over 100 years ago?Well,according to the Social Security Administration (viaHuffington Post),there are a few Jewish baby names that made the list–some of which I really adore and wish would come back in style.Others are probably pretty familiar to you. (Check out ourJewish baby name bankhere for more inspiration.)
Below are the most popular baby names for boys and girls in 1917:
Girls
1.Ruth. Ruthis a Hebrew name that means "friendship." Ruth is the heroine of the Book of Ruth,who cares for Naomi,marries Boaz,and becomes an ancestor of King David.Shavuot: The Book of Ruth is traditionally read on Shavuot.
2.伊丽莎白。Elizabethis a Hebrew name meaning "God is my oath."
3.Edna.Ednais Hebrew meaning "pleasure." The Garden of Eden is the setting for the creation story.
4.Martha/Matya. Marthais an Aramaic name that means "the lady."Matyais a similar sounding name in Hebrew that means "God's gift."
Boys
5.James/Jacob.James comes from the Hebrew name,Jacob,which means "to follow." Jacob is the third patriarch in the Bible,and was father of the 12 tribes of Israel.
6.Joseph. Josephis a Hebrew name that means "increase." Joseph was one of the sons of Jacob and a leader of the Israelites in Egypt.
7.托马斯。 Tomer,which is Hebrew,means "palm tree."
But that's not it.What about even farther back,likethe Victorian era(1837 to 1901)?Here the top Jewish baby names for that time:
Boys
8.Abraham. Abrahamis Hebrew and means "father of many." Abraham was the first patriarch,duh.
9. Ephraim. Efraim(another way to spell it) is Hebrew and means "fruitful." Efraim was one of Joseph's sons.Male children are blessed in the name of Efraim and his brother Menashe.
10. Harold.Haroldis another non-Jewish name used by Jewish people.It is Scandinavian and means "army ruler." Hal or Harry are fun nicknames.
11.Ira. Irais a Hebrew name that means "watchful."Ira the Jairitewas alsoKing David‘s priest,whileIra ben Ikkesh of Tekoawas a fighter inKing David's Mighty Warriors.
12.Samuel. 撒母耳is a Hebrew name meaning "God has heard." Samuel the prophet anointed the first two kings of Israel.
Girls
13.Beryl. 水苍玉is a Yiddish name that means "bear." It also unisex.
14.Charlotte.Charlotteis a popular name popularized by immigrants because it means "free," though it's not strictly Jewish
15.Ella.Ella is a nickname forElizabeth,which is a Hebrew name meaning "God is my oath."
16.Esther.Estheris a Hebrew girls name meaning "star." Queen Esther was the Jewish wife of the King of Persia,and heroine who saved the Jews in the Purim story.
17.Evie,which is very similar toChava(Eve in English) is the Hebrew name of Eve,the first woman God created.
18.Sadie.It's a nickname forSarah(meaning "princess"),a name made famous by the biblical wife of Abraham,also the mother of Isaac.
For more naming inspiration,visit ourJewish Baby Name Finder.
