It’s the moment you were waiting for with bated breath (well maybe not that extreme…), but the results are finally in! The Social Security Administration released its list of the 2015 most popular baby names this morning. And Jewish baby names were all over it.
For the past few years, Jewish boy names were much more popular than Jewish girl names, with five boy names taking the top 10 spots–while four Jewish girl names appeared on the beloved top 10. The Social Security Administration’s list is based on the names given to the estimated four million babies born in the U.S. in 2015.
Social Security Commissioner Carolyn Colvin explained that popular names right now are largely based off of pop culture, not surprisingly–but religion and family play an important role, too:
“The names that are popular now are influenced by pop culture, video games, movies, celebrities, along with religion and family.”
According to Social Security spokesman Mark Hinkle, Charlotte is now more common because of royal baby Princess Charlotte, while Benjamin made its first appearance ever in the top 10.
So, what are the most popular Jewish baby names?
Girls:
1. Abigail. Abigail was a popular Jewish name in 2015, and is officially ranked at #7. You could also opt for Avigail (the Hebrew version which means “My father is joy”). You can use Avi for short, which is fun and cool.
2. Zelda. Zelda, while not on the top 10, made it to the top 100, which is still a big deal. It is a Yiddish name meaning “happiness.”
3. Ava. Ava is a female name that means “life” in Hebrew, which is pretty much the most important thing to be named after…ever. Ava got the #4 spot for girls.
4. Charlotte. Charlotte, while not of Jewish origins, was largely used by Jewish immigrants when immigrating to the U.S. The name itself means “free man” or “petite.” Personally, I love all the nicknames, like Lottie, Lola, and Charlie. Charlotte got the #3 spot for girls for predicted names that will be popular in 2016, but #9 in 2015.
5. Elizabeth. Elizabeth, which means “God is my oath,” was on the top 100 list.
Boys:
1. Noah. Noah is the #1 Jewish boy name for 2015. The name means “comfort” in Hebrew. In the Bible, Noah built an ark to save his family and representatives of each animal species from God’s mighty flood, so you know, a pretty important person to be named after.
2. Jacob. Jacob, which got the #4 spot, means “to follow” in Hebrew. He was also the third patriarch in the Bible, and was father of the 12 tribes of Israel. You can also opt for Jake as a nickname.
3. Ethan. Ethan, which is #6, means “strong” or “enduring” in Hebrew–which are traits you’d want any child to have.
4. Michael. Michael, which is #9, means “Who is like God” in Hebrew, and is also the name of an angel in Jewish tradition.
5. Benjamin. Benjamin, which is #10, is a Hebrew name meaning “Son of Right Hand.” Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob, and was one of the 12 tribes of Israel.
6. Chanan. Chanan, which was in the top 100, means “gracious” in Hebrew, and is the male version of Chana.
7. Elijah. Elijah, which was in the top 100, means “the Lord is my God” in Hebrew, and was one of the most famous prophets in the bible. Eli can be used as a nickname.
8. Daniel. Daniel, also in the top 100, means “God is judge” in Hebrew, and was a wise man of Israel living in the Babylonian court. The Book of Daniel tells his life story. And of course, nicknames like Dan and Danny abound.
Check out our baby name guide for more Jewish names.
Read More:
6 Jewish Baby Names for Girls You’re About to See More of This Year
Don’t Worry—All The Other Moms Are Faking It Too
8 Jewish Baby Names for Boys That Will Be Popular This Year
