If your due date falls somewhere in or around Hanukkah, why not give your child a name inspired by the Festival of Lights? After all, your little one is sure to light up your family’s world.
There’s more to Hanukkah than chocolate gelts, spinning dreidels, and lighting candles. Take a look at our list of meaningful, Hanukkah-themed baby names and find a name for the future light of your life.
Girl names inspired by Hanukkah
Eliora
Eliora is a beautiful name, meaning “God is my light.” The feminine form of Elior, this name is mellifluent, gorgeous, and full of elegant vowel sounds. And, seeing as how Hanukkah is all about light, we think a baby girl born close to or during this traditional Jewish holiday deserves a warm and glowing name.
Helena
Helena is a variant of the Greek name Helen, which means “light” or “bright.” The most famous Helen is no doubt the fabled daughter of Zeus in Greek mythology: The kidnapping of Helen, the queen of Sparta and the most beautiful woman in the world, caused the Trojan War.
Hila
Hila means “halo” or “aura” in Hebrew. There’s also an Arabic variant, Hala, meaning “the aura of light around the moon.”
Meira
Meira is the feminine variation of Meir. A common choice for girl babies born around Hanukkah, this special name means “giving light” or “shining one.”
Orli
Orli is a Hebrew name meaning “my light.” Cute, with the y-sound at the end, but also sophisticated, this delightful name has a lot going for it.
Boy names inspired by Hanukkah
Aaron
Aaron was the name of the first high priest of Israel. Aaron appears in the Old Testament as the older brother of Moses. This popular baby name means “of the mountains” or “exalted.”
Barak
Barak is a strong and handsome biblical name, borne by a brave military leader who was summoned by the prophet Deborah to lead an important battle. In Hebrew, this name means “lightning.” Also spelled Barack (like former U.S. President Obama), the name means “blessing” in Arabic and Swahili.
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Judah
Judah derives from the Hebrew name Yehudah, which most likely comes from the Hebrew word yadah, meaning “praise.” It’s also the name of a Jewish priest who led the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire in the second century BCE. Judah Maccabee removed the statues of Greek gods and goddesses in the Jewish temple in Jerusalem and purified it. Hanukkah commemorates the restoration of that temple.
Lev
Lev has two beautiful meanings: In Hebrew it means “heart,” and in Russian it means “lion” – an iteration of Leo. This short name also gives a nod to Kislev, a month on the Jewish calendar that’s ruled by the positions of both the sun and the moon. Although Hanukkah dates vary on the Gregorian calendar, it always begins on the 25th day of Kislev.
Nissim
Nissim is a medieval Jewish name, meaning “miracles” or “wonders.” Hanukkah is a celebration of the miracle of light and commemorates the miracle of the Jewish temple menorah staying lit for eight days and nights, despite only having enough fuel for one day. Nissim is a sweet name for your little miracle.
Yair
Yair means “he will enlighten” and is likely a variant of the name Jair. This uncommon name appeared on the Social Security top 1,000 baby names list for just 10 years, between 2003 and 2013. A handsome name with a brilliant meaning.
Unisex names inspired by Hanukkah
Lior
Lior is another light-themed Hebrew name, meaning “my light.” As a bonus, this name is still decidedly unique for those looking for an out-of-the-mainstream name that chimes with the spirit of Hanukkah.
Jesse
Jesse is an attractive and popular variation on the Hebrew name Yishai, meaning ” God’s gift.” Originally a boy’s name from the Old Testament, this name has long been unisex in English-speaking countries. From Jesse James, the notorious outlaw train robber to Jessie the free-spirited, yodeling, fictional cowgirl in the Pixar film Toy Story, this strong, sibilant name can be just as feminine or masculine as you want it to be.
Paz
Paz has the lovely, warm meaning of “gold” in Hebrew, and “peace” in Spanish. It’s a short version of the Hebrew name Pazel. If you’re looking for a one-syllable name with the high-scoring Scrabble letter z in it, look no further than Paz.
Shai
Shai is a nickname name, sometimes used as a short name for Isaiah. It’s also an alternative to the names Shea or Shay. As with the name Jesse, this lovely name means “present” or “gift,” and represents the distinctly American-influenced practice of gift giving during Hanukkah.
Ziv
Ziv is a short form of the far more popular Ziva, which comes from the Hebrew word for “light” or “glow.” There’s a luminous character on the police procedural show NCIS named Ziva David, played by actress Cote de Pablo.