The Complete Book of Hebrew Baby Names

Thankfully before naming my baby I ran a few names from this book by friends who are Hebrew speakers living in Israel. Some of the names turned out to be not of Hebrew origin at all when the book claimed it to be true (for example, girl's name Luz). Some they told me were my invention (Rafaela for a girl - never heard of in Israel; the book never mentioned that even though of Hebrew origin, this name is not used for girls in Hebrew). Some had the meanings wrong (Adah means "eternal", not a variant of Adi meaning adornment as the book claims).

So the verdict is, read it for ideas of what you might like, but take it ALL with a big grain of salt.


A little disappointing.   April 15, 2003
6 out of 7 found this review helpful

I was a little disappointed with this book, mainly because it was published in the 80's and the lists are those used in the 80's, and not current for today (2003).


A great resource!   July 1, 2001
Deborah J. Taub (Lafayette, IN United States)
25 out of 25 found this review helpful

I have to confess right up front that I have a "thing" for names. Therefore, I own lots and lots of "name your baby" books. For naming your Jewish baby, this book is the best! The list of names is extensive with lots of uncommon (here in the States) choices. The book provides the Hebrew spelling as well as the English spelling. There also is a rating system showing the name's popularity in the U.S. and in Israel. If you're looking for a name for your Jewish baby and you want to go beyond the usual Sarah, Rebecca, Leah, Rachel, Jacob, etc., you need this book!


A Great Resource -- Goes Way Beyond Avraham & Sara   January 7, 2001
Aliza Fischman (Teaneck, NJ United States)
28 out of 28 found this review helpful

I bought this book to find a name for my second child. I love it. My baby is not even born yet, but it has helped me and my husband a great deal.I have already lent it to my sister and a close friend who have had babies recently. They loved it too. I especially liked the additional resources in back. There are lists of names for twins (boys, girls, and both), babies born in a certain Jewish month, and around various Jewish holidays.

It seems to be quite a comprehensive list. Smadar includes notes on popularity in Israel, as well as origin, meaning, and commonality in general. Also included is a note if the name can be used by either gender. If this is the case, Smadar will tell you if it is more comon for boys or for girls. This is very useful if you dislike names that aren't clearly one or the other. There are some names that I did not realize could be used by both females and males.

In addition to the "traditional" or Biblical names the author includes many newer names and names with beautiful meanings. Smadar did a great job. I highly reccomend it.