Tu Bishvat is around the corner, and the chorus to that song I learned in Jewish day school has been stuck in my head for the past week… And if you went to Hebrew school as a kid — or your kids are enrolled in one now — then surely you know the one: Tu Bishvat higiyah, chag Ha’Ilanot! (“Tu Bishvat is here, the holiday for trees!”).
Although it’s technically regarded as a minor holiday, let’s all agree that Tu Bishvat is seriously important (not to mention awesome). Celebrating trees and planting new ones as our ancestors did reminds us of our roots (heh) and teaches us to value the beautiful earth we walk on. It’s basically the Jewish Earth Day, but more fun because we get to drink four cups of wine — hey, it’s a mitzvah!
Tu Bishvat also happens to be a lovely holiday to inspire your baby’s name. If your baby is due around January 20 (Tu Bishvat starts Sunday evening and ends the following Monday evening), then we peruse this list of Tu Bishvat inspired names. And if you haven’t found what you’re looking for, check out our rad baby name bank.
Girls
1. Shkediah. Shkediah is a Hebrew name for girls that means “almond.” It’s customary to eat the fruit of plants associated with Israel, like almonds from a palm tree.
2. Gina. Gina is a Hebrew name for girls that means small “garden.”
3. Elana. Elana is a Hebrew name for girls that means “oak tree,” or “god answered.”
4. Alanna. Alanna or Ilana is a Hebrew name for girls that means “tree.”
5. Tamar. Tamar is a Hebrew name for girls that means “palm tree” or “date.” Dates are one of the most common fruits Jews eat to celebrate Tu Bishvat.
6. Neta. Neta is a Hebrew name for girls that means “seedling.”
7. Rimon. Rimon is a Hebrew name for girls that means “pomegranate.”
8. Dalia. Dalia is a Hebrew name for girls that means “branch.”
Boys:
1. Shaked. Shaked is a Hebrew name for boys that means “almond.”
2. Tamir. Tamir is a Hebrew name for boys that means “palm tree” or “date.”
3. Erez. Erez is a Hebrew name for boys that means “cedar tree.”
4. Yaniv. Yaniv is a Hebrew name for boys that means “to yield” or “produce.”
5. Ilan. Ilan is a Hebrew name for boys that means “tree.”
6. Adam. Adam is a Hebrew name for boys that means “earth.”
7. Lavan. Lavan is a Biblical name for boys that means “white.” It’s customary for people to wear all white on Tu Bishvat. Lavan isn’t commonly used today, but I think it’s time for a comeback.
8. Amir. Amir is a Hebrew name for boys that means “treetop.”
9. Gefen. Gefen is a Hebrew name for boys that means “grapevine.” It’s customary to drink four cups of wine on Tu Bishvat.
