The first thing you need to know about Purim is that it’s a mitzvah to get so drunk that you can’t tell the difference between Haman, the story’s villain, and Mordechai, one of the story’s heroes. Really!
This year, Purim beings on the evening of March 20, which happens to be a Wednesday, also known as “Hump Day” — convenient, huh? Keeping all these very important facts in mind, we think it’s fair to assume that more than a handful of Jewish babies will be conceived on the day we celebrate how the Jewish people were saved from the wicked, wicked hands of Haman.
Whether you’re welcoming a bundle of joy any minute now, or will soon find yourself expecting one this coming December, these Purim inspired names are perfect for the newest addition to your family. And if you’re itching for more ideas, check out our baby name bank!
Girls
1. Ateret. Ateret is a Hebrew name for girls that means “crown.”
2. Aliza. Aliza is a Hebrew name for girls that means “cheerful.” On Purim, it’s a mitzvah to be happy.
3. Gila. Gila is a Hebrew name for girls that means “joy.”
4. Esther. Esther is a Hebrew name for girls. Queen Esther is the heroine of the Purim story who saves the Jews from being massacred by royal decree.
5. Hadassah. Hadassah is a Hebrew name for girls that means “myrtle.” It is another name for Esther, the heroine of the story of Purim.
6. Bina. Bina is a Hebrew name for girls that means “wisdom,” “wit,” or “intelligence.” By thinking quickly on her feet, Queen Esther saved the Jewish people.
7. Ada. Ada or Adi is a Hebrew name for girls that means “ornament” or “adornment.” At the end of the Story of Esther, King Aheuserus gives Morechai, Queen Esther’s uncle, the ring he originally gave Haman.
8. Adina. Adina is a Hebrew name for girls that means “gentle,” “delicate,” or “tender.” Queen Esther won King Aheuserus’ heart with her delicate (though possibly barely washed!) beauty.
9. Alma. Alma is a Hebrew name for girls that means “young woman.” After banishing (or executing — the text is unclear) his first wife, Vashti, from Shushan, King Aheuserus requests that all the beautiful young women in his kingdom compete to win his heart. (Alma also happens to be the name of our sister site.)
10. Atara. Atara is a Hebrew name for girls that means “crown.”
11. Aviva. Aviva is a Hebrew name for girls that means “spring.” This year, spring begins on the same day as Purim!
12. Azarel. Azarel is a Hebrew name for girls that means “God has helped.” Mordechai tells the Jewish people of Shushan to fast for three days so that God will save them from annihilation.
13. Eden. Eden is a Hebrew name for girls that means “pleasure.” Queen Esther approached the King without warning, which is a crime punishable by death. However, she pleased Aheuserus and he didn’t harm her.
14. Gvira. Gvira is a Hebrew name for girls that means “lady” or “important women.” In our opinion, Queen Vashti and Queen Esther were both VIPs.
15. Chedva. Chedva is a Hebrew name for girls that means “joy” or “happiness.”
16. Chen. Chen is a unisex name that means “charm” or “grace.”
17. Malka. Malka is a Hebrew name for girls that means “queen.”
18. Naama. Naama is a Hebrew name for girls that means “lovely” or “gracious.”
19. Nava. Nava is a Hebrew name for girls that means “beautiful.”
20. Shira. Shira is a Hebrew name for girls that means “song.”
21. Yaffa. Yaffa is a Hebrew name for girls that means “beautiful.”
Boys
1. Amichai. Amichai is a Hebrew name for boys that means “my nation lives.” The Jews survived Haman’s threat and the nation survived, hooray!
2. Moti. Moti is a Hebrew name for boys that’s the shortened form of Mordechai. In the Book of Esther, Mordechai — Esther’s uncle — helps save the Jews.
3. Mordechai. Mordechai is a Hebrew name for boys that honors Mordechai, Esther’s uncle, who helps save the Jews.
4. Nissim. Nissim is a Hebrew name for boys that means “miracles.” It was a miracle in the Book of Esther that Queen Esther was able to save the Jews from peril.
5. Aviv. Aviv is a Hebrew name for boys that means “spring.”
6. Bsora. Besora is a Hebrew name for boys that means “good news.”
7. Gefen. Gefen is a Hebrew name for boys that means “grapevine.” It’s a mitzvah on Purim to become so drunk you can’t tell the difference between Haman and Mordechai.
8. Chayim. Chayim is a Hebrew name for boys that means “life.” The Jews lives were spared because of Esther’s heroic actions.
9. Eyal. Eyal is a Hebrew name for boys that means “strength” or “courage.” It was through Queen Esther’s courage that the children of Israel survived their deathly fate.
10. Gil. Gil is a Hebrew name for boys that means “joy.”
11. Chaggai. Chaggai is a Hebrew name for boys that means “celebrate.”
12. Hoshea. Hoshea is a Hebrew name for boys that means “save” or “rescue.”
13. Nissim. Nissim is a Hebrew name for boys that means “miracles.”
14. Osher. Osher is a Hebrew name for boys that means “happiness.”
15. Raz. Raz is a Hebrew name for boys that means “secret” or “mystery.” Initially, Queen Esther hid her Judaism from King Aheuserus.
16. Ron. Ron is a Hebrew name for boys that means “joy” or “song.”
17. Sason. Sason is a Hebrew name for boys that means “joy.”
18. Shai. Shai is a unisex Hebrew name that means “present,” or “gift.” On Purim, it’s customary to give parcels of treats called mishloach manot to your friends.
19. Uzi. Uzi is a Hebrew name for boys that means “my courage.” This is in reference, of course, to Queen Esther’s valor.
