Aryeh

♂ Boy

Pronounced ar-YEH /ɑːrˈjɛ/Low

Meaning: Lion, the powerful lionLow

In 30 seconds: Aryeh is the Hebrew word for lion, one of the most powerful symbols in Judaism. The Lion of Judah is the emblem of Jerusalem and the symbol of the tribe of Judah, whose descendant David became Israel's greatest king — making Aryeh a name of royal biblical significance.

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Origin LowHebrew

MeaningLion, the powerful lion

U.S. rank (2024)#1317 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births147 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2024

Total births (all-time)≈ 3,339

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Aryeh is the Hebrew word for lion, from the root ari meaning lion. It is used in Jewish communities as a given name carrying the powerful symbolism of the Lion of Judah. It is often combined as Aryeh Leib (lion in Hebrew and Yiddish) in Ashkenazi communities.

Aryeh is used in observant Jewish communities, particularly in Israel and in Orthodox communities in the United States. Its two syllables have a clean, powerful sound.

Did you know? The Lion of Judah — Aryeh Yehuda — appears in Jacob's deathbed blessing to his son Judah in Genesis 49:9. This same lion became the symbol of Jerusalem, of the tribe of Judah, and eventually of the Ethiopian imperial family.

Overall data confidence 90%

Behind the Name: Aryeh

Variations

AriAryeArieh

Nicknames

Ari

Famous Bearers

★Aryeh Deri (1959-present)
Israeli politician, longtime leader of the Shas party and government minister

If you like Aryeh…

Ari— Short form of same name

Lion— Direct translation as given name

Judah— Hebrew tribe name of same Lion of Judah connection

Caleb— Hebrew dog/faithful name of same biblical tribe tradition

Frequently Asked

What does Aryeh mean?

Aryeh means lion in Hebrew, the same word used in the Lion of Judah symbol from Genesis 49:9.

Is Aryeh a Jewish name?

Yes, Aryeh is widely used in Jewish communities, particularly in Israel and Orthodox communities.

How do you pronounce Aryeh?

Aryeh is pronounced ar-YEH with two syllables.

What names are similar to Aryeh?

Similar Hebrew names include Ari, Judah, and Caleb.