Hebrew names are some of the most popular names in the Western World, and some of the oldest around. Many are (not unsurprisingly) also Biblical names, and take virtues like leadership and humility from their namesakes.

Whether going with something that’s super popular right now (hello, Noah) or a bit more unique (Zadie, this is your time), there’s a name that will be perfect for your little one.

Here, some names with Hebrew roots, as well as background on their history and symbolism from Marjorie Ingall, author of Mamaleh Knows Best: What Jewish Mothers Do to Raise Successful, Creative, Empathetic, Independent Children.

Hebrew boy names

Abraham

A classic name that hasn’t waned in popularity, Abraham means “father of multitudes” and has both Biblical leader ties (the founding father of the Jewish people) and American ties (Honest Abe). It's a name for a future leader, and it has adorable nicknames to boot — Abe, Abie and even Bram. 

Elijah 

Ranked number seven, this popular boy's name translates to “God is God.” But Elijah may be better known for the biblical character behind it than the name meaning. “Elijah was a great prophet and supposedly he will return as the harbinger of the Messianic Age — a time when all the world will live together in kindness, justice and harmony,“ Ingall says.

Caleb

This strong name is based on a courageous biblical character. Making the top 100 list of the Social Security Administration's (SSA) most popular baby names for decades, it feels current but classic, if that’s the middle ground you’re going for.

So what does Caleb mean anyway? While there is some debate over this question, says Ingall, “one theory is it’s from ‘Kol’ (all) + ‘Lev’ (heart), meaning ‘wholehearted.’”

Ezra

Want to raise a compassionate son? Ezra means “help” in Hebrew, and the name ranks number 44 on the SSA's most popular boys' name list. Famous Ezras include Vampire Weekend frontman Ezra Koenig and poet Ezra Pound.

Jonah 

Jonah means “dove” (how sweet!) and was the name of the Old Testament prophet who was swallowed by the whale — then emerged three days later unharmed. Looking for a twist on Jonah? Consider Yonah (or Yonina for a girl), suggests Ingall. “Yonina is the feminine form of Yonah, which is Jonah in Hebrew (there’s no letter J in Hebrew).”

Isaac

Meaning “laughter,” this Hebrew name ranks number 39 and has many distinguished namesakes — including the scientist Sir Isaac Newton and the writer Isaac Asimov. 

Levi 

Is Levi on your radar yet? This Hebrew name, which means “joined, attached,” is gaining in popularity and now ranks at 18 on the list of most popular boys' names. Still, it's distinctive enough that there won't be four Levis in your child's class. Both actor Matthew McConaughey and musician Sheryl Crow went with this memorable name for their sons.  

Tobias 

Meaning “God is good,” Tobias lends itself to a cute nickname — Toby. Or you can spell it Tobey, like actor Tobey Maguire.

Hebrew girl names

Abigail

If you're looking for an ageless name, Abigail means “my father is joyful” and has been popular for centuries. It's currently 13 on the list of most popular names. With a nickname like Abby and a ton of namesakes (from First Lady Abigail Adams to actress Abigail Breslin), this is a strong pick for a little one. 

Delilah

Meaning “delight or to flirt,” Delilah has fallen on the charts to 69, but it is such an original name that it's poised to rise again. 

Marnie

Cute and spirited, Marnie means “rejoice” and it would make a perfect fit for a bright and lively little one. 

Zadie

Zadie means “princess” and is a zippy name variation of Sadie. “It’s also Yiddish for 'grandpa' — a nice plus if you want a tribute to a parent who has passed away,” Ingall says. Fun fact: British novelist Zadie Smith was born Sadie Smith but changed her name as a teen.

Ilana 

Meaning “oak tree,” this lovely name is seeing a revival of sorts, thanks in part to comedian Ilana Glazer playing a character also named Ilana on the TV show Broad City. 

Michaela

Looking for something a bit unusual? Michaela — a female version of Michael — means “who is like God.” Popular in the ‘90s before dropping to its 2020 spot at 647, Michaela is ready for a comeback.

Naomi

Noami signifies “pleasantness" so no wonder it's a solid 64 on the list of most popular girls' names. In the Bible, Naomi was the wise mother-in-law of Ruth. Modern namesakes include Naomi Watts and Naomi Campbell.

Riva

Riva is a modernization of the name Rivka — Rebecca in the Bible, who was “a virtuous woman and mother of a dynasty,” says Ingall.

Hebrew unisex names

Shiloh 

Meaning “tranquil,” this name grabbed the spotlight when Brad and Angelina chose it for one of their kids. While it's traditionally a boy's name, more and more parents are using it for their daughters. One good thing is you won't hear it coming and going: Shiloh debuted in the top 1,000 for boys in 2015 and is now ranked 618 on that list, while it's 454 for girls.

Noah

While Noah means “rest” or “wandering," this name is all about who it represents: that Noah. “Noah in the Bible was a righteous man at a time when there were no righteous men,” Ingall says. “The evil of humanity was why God decided to destroy the earth in a flood. The rainbow was a promise to Noah, a covenant, that God wouldn't do it again. Noah’s descendants helped the world start over, better.”

It’s no surprise that Noah feels right for today. It's not only number two on the chart for boys (second only to Liam), but it's also gaining popularity as a girl's name, often spelled Noa.