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What are baby names?

Common components of true names given at birth include:
  • Given name: Universal. In most of Western culture, the given name precedes the family name; some other cultures place it after the family name, or use no family name.
  • Patronymic: The given name of a relative, usually the father or mother, or a name derived from this. Many family names are derived from patronymics.
  • Family name: A name used by all members of a family. In Europe, the common use of family names started quite early in some areas (France in the 13th century, and Germany in the 16th century), but it often didn't happen until much later in areas that used a patronymic naming custom, such as the Scandinavian countries, Wales, and some areas of Germany. The compulsory use of surnames varied greatly. France required a priest to write surnames in baptismal records in 1539 (but didn't require surnames for Jews, who usually used patronymics, until 1808). On the other hand, compulsory surnames in the Scandinavian countries did not happen until the 20th century (1923 for Norway), and Iceland still doesn't use surnames for its native inhabitants. Before the use of family names, people were often referred to by a description or nickname, their place of birth or residence, their occupation, or their parent's name. Many modern family names derive from one of these.
  • Middle name: Least common. In royal or aristocratic families, several middle names honoring ancestors, relatives, or political allies are commonly given. In many families, single middle names are simply alternative names, names honoring an ancestor or relative, or, for married women, occasionally their maiden names. Many Catholic families choose a saint's name as their child's middle name or this can be left until the child's confirmation when they choose a saint's name for themselves.
(The Complete Book of Hebrew Baby Names)

The Complete Book of Hebrew Baby Names

Smadar S. Sidi

HarperSanFrancisco, 1989-05-31

Price: $15.00

Keywords: Baby Names, Books for Parents, Books, Music More, Genealogy, Health, Mind Body, Judaism, Personal Health, Pregnancy Childbirth, Reference, Religion Spirituality, Specialty Stores, Women's Health

Reviews:

Don't rely on this book for Hebrew names
As someone who has lived about half my life in Israel and half my life in the States, I was looking forward to reading this book. I thought it would help me find a great Hebrew name for my baby. However, the majority of the names in this book are ridiculously outdated, or even not actual names at all! The book ended up giving my husband and I a great laugh, and good sarcastic comments, but I'm going to have to keep searching other books to find a reliable one from which to name my baby. If you're an American looking to find a Hebrew name, don't rely on this book, unless you or someone you know is fluent in Hebrew and can warn you of the many catastrophic "names".
Complete, but not reliable
Don't assume that a name from this book is genuine Hebrew name and will be familiar in Israel or to a native Hebrew speaker.

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.
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!
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
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.
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