Hebrew Girl Names That Mean Joy
Hebrew girl names that mean joy come in more forms than you'd expect, from compound blessings like Abigail to Yiddish cousins like Baila and Gitty.
Names128
OriginHebrew
MeaningJoy
GenderGirl
In the Hebrew Bible, joy is often folded directly into a name rather than stated on its own. Abigail literally means 'father's joy,' a name born by a wise, diplomatic biblical woman. Her English nickname Abby and the softer Abbie carry that same meaning forward in shorter, everyday form.
Other names carry joy as a plain description rather than a family blessing. Aliza and Alizah both mean joyful, while Rina means joy itself, and Eden draws its delight from paradise. In Yiddish, the Hebrew word for good became Gitty, still meaning joyful today.
Why There Are So Many Hebrew Girl Names That Mean Joy
Biblical Hebrew builds names from everyday words rather than borrowing them from myth, so a mother could genuinely call a child 'my delight' or 'joyful.' That habit produced a whole cluster here: Noemi, Nyomi, and Nahomy all descend from Naomi's 'pleasantness,' while Baila, a Yiddish name for dancing, expresses the same happiness through movement instead of a single word.
From Familiar to Rare: Choosing a Joyful Hebrew Name
Abigail and Eden are the two names here most parents will already know, both comfortably inside the current U.S. top 100. Further down the list, names like Gitty and Baila are used mainly within Jewish communities and are quietly rising, while Alizah offers the same joyful meaning as Aliza in a less common spelling.
Names List
Abigail#41 in the U.S.Father's joy; my father is joyful; source of joyPronounced AB-ih-gayl▶Eden#70 in the U.S.Delight; paradise — from Hebrew eden, meaning pleasure or delightPronounced EE-dun▶Noemi#583 in the U.S.Italian, Spanish, and French form of Naomi, from Hebrew Na'omi meaning 'pleasantness' or 'my delight,' coPronounced noh-EH-mee▶Aliza#675 in the U.S.From Hebrew alitz or aliza meaning joyful, cheerful, or full of joy; related to the Hebrew root ayin-lamePronounced ah-LEE-zuh▶Abby#731 in the U.S.Short form of Abigail, from the Hebrew Avigayil (אֲבִיגַיִל), meaning 'my father is joyful' or 'father's Pronounced AB-ee▶Nyomi#825 in the U.S.A creative phonetic respelling of Naomi, from the Hebrew naomi meaning 'pleasantness', 'my delight', or 'Pronounced nee-OH-mee▶Baila#1427 in the U.S.Dance, to dance with joyPronounced BY-lah▶Gitty#1443 in the U.S.Good, joyful, a good thingPronounced GIT-ee▶Abbie#1617 in the U.S.A diminutive of Abigail, from Hebrew 'Avigayil' meaning 'my father is joy'.Pronounced AB-ee▶Nahomy#2033 in the U.S.Modern Spanish respelling of the biblical Naomi (Hebrew Na'omi), meaning 'pleasant, sweet, delightful'.Pronounced noh-EH-mee▶Alizah#2296 in the U.S.joyful, cheerful, merryPronounced ah-LEE-zuh▶Rina#2372 in the U.S.joy, song of joyPronounced REE-nuh▶Alyza#2480 in the U.S.joyful, joyPronounced al-IHZ-a▶Asher#2501 in the U.S.Happy, blessedPronounced ASH-uhr▶Avigail#2504 in the U.S.my father's joyPronounced a-vee-ga-EEL▶Niomi#3199 in the U.S.Variant spelling of Naomi, from Hebrew Na'omi, meaning 'pleasantness' or 'my delight', a name carried by Pronounced nee-OH-mee▶Alizae#3690 in the U.S.Variant of Aliza ('joyful', Hebrew) or Alizé (French for the trade wind); a modern -ae spellingPronounced ə-LEE-zay▶Noemie#3791 in the U.S.French form (Noémie) of Naomi — Hebrew No'omi, 'my delight, pleasantness'Pronounced noh-eh-MEE▶Abigael#3877 in the U.S.Variant spelling of Abigail — Hebrew Avigayil, 'my father is joy' — King David's wise wifePronounced AB-ih-gayl▶Abigaelle#3878 in the U.S.French form (Abigaëlle) of Abigail — Hebrew Avigayil, 'my father is joy'Pronounced ab-ih-gah-EL▶Tirzah#3939 in the U.S.From Hebrew Tirtzah, 'delight, she is my pleasure' — a daughter of Zelophehad and a city praised in the SPronounced TEER-zah▶Abbigail#3950 in the U.S.Double-b spelling of Abigail — Hebrew Avigayil, 'my father is joy' — with the nickname Abby built inPronounced AB-ih-gayl▶Naomy#4164 in the U.S.Latino -y spelling of Naomi — Hebrew Naomi, 'pleasantness, sweetness, delight'Pronounced nay-OH-mee▶Hannia#4221 in the U.S.Elaboration of Hannah ('grace, favor') and Arabic Hania ('happiness, contentment'); routes layeredPronounced HAH-nee-ah▶Nohemi#4342 in the U.S.Latino form of Naomi/Noemi — Hebrew Naomi, 'pleasantness, my delight'Pronounced noh-eh-MEE▶Ronni#4345 in the U.S.-i spelling of Ronnie — a pet form of Veronica ('true image' / 'bringer of victory') or Rona; also HebrewPronounced RON-ee▶Alyzah#4371 in the U.S.Spelling of Aliza/Eliza — Hebrew aliza, 'joyful', or a short form of Elizabeth, 'God is my oath'; routes Pronounced ə-LEE-zah▶Aleyza#4463 in the U.S.Modern Latina coinage echoing Aleeza/Aliza ('joyful', Hebrew); construction informalPronounced ah-LAY-zah▶Renna#4850 in the U.S.From Hebrew rina, 'joy, song'; also a short form of Renata ('reborn'); routes layeredPronounced REN-ah▶Aleeza#4877 in the U.S.From Hebrew aliza, 'joy, joyful, merry'; also Arabic 'noble, exalted'; routes layeredPronounced ə-LEE-zah▶Abigale#5004 in the U.S.-gale spelling of Abigail — from Hebrew Avigayil, 'my father is joy; father of exaltation'Pronounced AB-ih-gayl▶Rani#5099 in the U.S.From Sanskrit/Hindi rani, 'a queen'; also Hebrew Rani, 'my joy, my song'; here for girls; routes layeredPronounced RAH-nee▶Avigayil#5306 in the U.S.Hebrew form of Abigail — from Avigayil, 'my father's joy; the father rejoices'Pronounced ah-vee-GAH-yil▶Abigayle#5421 in the U.S.-gayle spelling of Abigail — from Hebrew Avigayil, 'my father's joy; the father rejoices'Pronounced AB-ə-gayl▶Neomi#5542 in the U.S.Spelling of Naomi — from Hebrew Noami, 'pleasantness, my delight, sweetness'Pronounced nee-OH-mee▶Abbey#5597 in the U.S.Pet form of Abigail — from Hebrew Avigayil, 'my father is joy; the father's joy'; also echoes 'abbey', a Pronounced AB-ee▶Reena#5737 in the U.S.From Hebrew rina, 'joy, a song of joy'; also Sanskrit, 'a gem, dissolved/melted'; also a pet of Sabrina/KPronounced REE-nah▶Yarin#5762 in the U.S.From Hebrew yarin, 'he/she will sing out, will shout for joy'; also linked to 'understanding'; here for gPronounced yah-REEN▶Abagail#5780 in the U.S.-aga- spelling of Abigail — from Hebrew Avigayil, 'my father is joy; the father's joy'Pronounced AB-ə-gayl▶Yoadan#6132 in the U.S.From the Hebrew Jehoaddan/Yehoaddan, 'Yahweh delights; the Lord is bliss/pleasure' (a queen of Judah); usPronounced YOH-ah-dahn▶Abi#6145 in the U.S.A short form of Abigail — from Hebrew Avigayil, 'my father is joy; the father's joy'Pronounced AB-ee▶Ashira#6178 in the U.S.From Hebrew — variously 'I will sing' (from shir, 'to sing') and 'wealthy, prosperous' (from osher, 'wealPronounced ah-SHEER-ah▶Noemy#6312 in the U.S.A spelling of Naomi/Noemi — from Hebrew Noomi, 'pleasantness; my delight, my sweetness'Pronounced noh-EH-mee▶Abygail#6371 in the U.S.A spelling of Abigail — from Hebrew Avigayil, 'my father is joy; the father's joy, the father's delight'Pronounced AB-ih-gayl▶Gail#6715 in the U.S.A short form of Abigail — from Hebrew Avigayil, 'my father rejoices; my father's joy'Pronounced GAYL▶Abbygail#6905 in the U.S.A spelling of Abigail — from Hebrew Avigayil, 'my father rejoices; my father's joy'Pronounced AB-ih-gayl▶Nyomii#7146 in the U.S.A modern spelling echoing Naomi/Nyomi — from Hebrew Naomi, 'pleasantness; my delight; agreeable'; routes Pronounced ny-OH-mee▶Roni#7166 in the U.S.From Hebrew roni, 'my joy; my song; my rejoicing'; also a short form of Veronica/Ronald; used for both sePronounced ROH-nee▶Adna#7229 in the U.S.From Hebrew, 'pleasure; delight' (linked to Eden, 'delight'); a biblical name borne by both sexes; here fPronounced AD-nah▶Niyomi#7474 in the U.S.A spelling of Naomi — from Hebrew No'omi, 'pleasantness; my delight; my sweetness'; also echoes the JapanPronounced nee-OH-mee▶Alitza#7581 in the U.S.A form of Aliza — from Hebrew, 'joy; joyful; happiness'; also used as a modern Latin-American coinage; roPronounced ah-LEET-sah▶Alyzzah#7587 in the U.S.A spelling of Aliza — from Hebrew, 'joy; joyful; happiness'; also crossed with Alyssa; routes layeredPronounced ah-LEE-zah▶Naomika#7827 in the U.S.A modern name, an elaboration of Naomi (from Hebrew No'omi, 'pleasantness; my delight') with a -ka endingPronounced nay-oh-MEE-kah▶Ahinoa#7946 in the U.S.Variously a form of Ahinoam ('my brother is delight/pleasant', Hebrew) and the Basque Ainhoa (a Marian plPronounced ah-ee-NOH-ah▶Asherah#7990 in the U.S.From the ancient Semitic — the name of a mother goddess (a consort of El in Canaanite religion); variouslPronounced ash-uh-RAH▶Naomii#8264 in the U.S.A spelling of Naomi — from the Hebrew, 'pleasantness; sweetness; my delight' (the mother-in-law of Ruth)Pronounced nay-OH-mee▶Gayl#8326 in the U.S.Gayl is a trimmed spelling of Gail, itself a short form of Abigail, from Hebrew avigayil, 'my father is jPronounced GAYL▶Alaiza#8432 in the U.S.A form/spelling of Aliza — from the Hebrew, 'joyful; joyous'; also echoing Eliza ('God is my oath'); routPronounced ah-LY-zah▶Gailya#8737 in the U.S.Gailya extends Gail, the short form of Abigail (Hebrew Avigayil, 'my father is joy' or 'my father rejoicePronounced GAY-lee-ah▶Alyzea#8749 in the U.S.Alyzea reads as a decorative elaboration of Aliza/Aleeza, the Hebrew name meaning joyful, with a nod to EPronounced uh-LEE-zee-uh▶Noami#9361 in the U.S.A spelling of Naomi — from the Hebrew No'omi, 'pleasantness; my delight; sweetness'Pronounced noh-AH-mee▶Aby#9527 in the U.S.A pet form of Abigail — from the Hebrew Avigayil, 'my father's joy'; also a short form of Abril; routes lPronounced AB-ee▶Ebbie#9704 in the U.S.A pet form, variously of Abigail ('my father's joy', Hebrew) and Ebba ('strength', Germanic); routes layePronounced EB-ee▶Jocie#9834 in the U.S.A pet form, variously of Jocelyn ('a member of the Gauts', Germanic; linked by sound to 'joy') and JosephPronounced JOH-see▶Marni#9968 in the U.S.Variously from the Hebrew Marnina, 'to rejoice; cause of joy', and a pet form of Marina/Marion ('of the sPronounced MAR-nee▶Niaomi#10020 in the U.S.A spelling of Naomi — from the Hebrew noam, 'pleasantness; my delight; sweetness'; the mother-in-law of RPronounced ny-OH-mee▶Saadia#10107 in the U.S.Variously from the Arabic saadia ('fortunate; happy; blessed', from saad, 'good fortune') and the Hebrew Pronounced sah-AH-dee-ah▶Sairah#10110 in the U.S.A spelling of Sarah/Saira — variously 'a princess; a noblewoman' (Hebrew) and 'a traveler; happy' (ArabicPronounced SY-rah▶Simora#10144 in the U.S.A modern name, variously echoing Simona ('one who hears/listens', Hebrew) or the Hebrew simcha ('joy') wiPronounced sih-MOR-ah▶Abigal#10247 in the U.S.A variant spelling of Abigail, from the Hebrew Avigail, 'my father's joy' (av, 'father', + gil, 'joy')Pronounced AB-ih-gal▶Gila#10520 in the U.S.From the Hebrew Gila (Gilah), 'joy; happiness; rejoicing' (from gil, 'joy'). A warm Israeli virtue name.Pronounced GEE-lah▶Abaigeal#10688 in the U.S.Abaigeal is the Irish Gaelic form of Abigail, a Hebrew name (Avigail) meaning 'my father's joy' or 'my faPronounced AB-ih-gale▶Gaile#10806 in the U.S.Gaile is a decorative spelling of Gail/Gayle, originally a short form of Abigail, from Hebrew Avigail, 'mPronounced GAYL▶Nohemy#10829 in the U.S.A Spanish spelling of Noemi/Naomi, from the Hebrew for 'pleasantness; sweetness; my delight' - the name oPronounced no-EH-mee▶Nyomie#10837 in the U.S.A modern spelling of Naomi/Niomi, from the Hebrew for 'pleasantness; sweetness; my delight' - the name ofPronounced nye-OH-mee▶Abbigal#10870 in the U.S.Abbigal is a variant spelling of Abigail, from the Hebrew Avigayil, usually read as 'my father is joy' orPronounced AB-uh-gal▶Gaila#11034 in the U.S.Gaila is an elaborated form of Gail or Gayle, both short forms of Abigail, from the Hebrew Avigail, 'my fPronounced GAY-luh▶Alayza#11110 in the U.S.A modern name near Aleeza (Hebrew, 'joy; joyful') and Eliza (from Elizabeth, 'pledged to God'). By route Pronounced uh-LAY-zah▶Alayzah#11111 in the U.S.An -h-ending spelling near Aleeza (Hebrew, 'joy; joyful') and Eliza (from Elizabeth, 'pledged to God'). BPronounced uh-LAY-zah▶Aomi#11164 in the U.S.A short modern name read variously as a respin of Naomi ('pleasantness; my delight') or an echo of the JaPronounced ah-OH-mee▶Alyzae#11199 in the U.S.Alyzae is a contemporary American respelling in the family of Alisa and Aliza. Alisa is a form of Alice, Pronounced ah-LEE-zay▶Abagale#11356 in the U.S.Abagale is a respelling of Abigail, from the Hebrew Avigayil, my father's joy. In the Bible Abigail is a Pronounced AB-uh-gail▶Hephzibah#11445 in the U.S.From the Hebrew Hephzibah, 'my delight is in her' — a biblical name of the mother of King Manasseh, and aPronounced HEF-zih-bah▶Naeomi#11799 in the U.S.A spelling of Naomi, from the Hebrew Na'omi, 'pleasantness; my delight; sweetness.' A biblical name (RuthPronounced nay-OH-mee▶Noam#11891 in the U.S.From the Hebrew noam, 'pleasantness; delight; grace.' In Israel it is unisex, leaning male (linguist NoamPronounced NOH-am▶Roniya#11921 in the U.S.Roniya is a modern name built on Roni, from Hebrew ron, 'joy, song,' so 'my joy' or 'my song,' with the fPronounced roh-NEE-uh▶Ryna#11923 in the U.S.A short, modern name read as a spin on Reyna ('queen') or Rina/Rayna ('joy; pure; song'); also a clean coPronounced RY-nah▶Abbi#12129 in the U.S.A short, friendly form of Abigail, from the Hebrew for 'my father's joy; source of joy.' The -i ending giPronounced AB-ee▶Carolann#12375 in the U.S.A combo of Carol (from Charles, 'free man,' also 'song of joy') and Ann (from Hannah, 'grace; favor'), wrPronounced KAIR-oh-lan▶Abegail#12454 in the U.S.Abegail is a respelling of Abigail, a Hebrew name from Avigayil, meaning 'my father is joy' or 'source ofPronounced AB-uh-gayl▶Edynn#12477 in the U.S.A modern -ynn respelling of Eden, from the Hebrew for 'place of delight; paradise.' The trendy ending makPronounced EE-din▶Ezzie#12546 in the U.S.A cheerful nickname-name arising as a pet form of Esther, Esme, Elizabeth, or Ezra-family names. Used on Pronounced EZ-ee▶Abiageal#12716 in the U.S.Abiageal is an Irish Gaelic form of Abigail, which comes from the Hebrew Avigayil, usually read as 'my faPronounced AB-ih-gayl▶Abbigael#13079 in the U.S.Abbigael is an ornate respelling of Abigail, from the Hebrew Avigail, 'my father is joy' or 'joy of the fPronounced AB-ih-gayl▶Rona#13149 in the U.S.Chiefly Hebrew Rona, 'joy; song of joy' (related to Ronit and Roni). Separately, Rona is a Scottish islanPronounced ROH-nuh▶Abbigale#13431 in the U.S.A modern spelling of Abigail, from Hebrew Avigayil, 'my father is joy' (or 'my father rejoices'). In the Pronounced AB-ih-gayl▶Abigayil#13435 in the U.S.A transliteration-style spelling of Abigail, from Hebrew Avigayil, 'my father is joy.' In the Hebrew BiblPronounced ab-ih-GAY-il▶Abbygale#13471 in the U.S.A respelling of Abigail, from the Hebrew for 'my father's joy' (av, 'father,' + gil, 'joy; rejoicing'). APronounced AB-ih-gayl▶Aliyza#13523 in the U.S.Aliyza is a modern respelling of Aliza, a Hebrew girls' name from the root a-l-z, 'to rejoice' — hence 'jPronounced uh-LEE-zuh▶Abbagail#13594 in the U.S.Abbagail is a respelling of Abigail, the Hebrew name meaning 'my father is joy' (or 'my father's joy'). IPronounced AB-uh-gayl▶Abigaile#13595 in the U.S.Abigaile is a variant of Abigail, from the Hebrew Avigayil, usually read as 'my father is joy' or 'my fatPronounced AB-ih-gale▶Joyceann#13665 in the U.S.Joyceann is a mid-century compound of Joyce, from the medieval Josse (and folk-linked to joy), and Ann, tPronounced JOYS-an▶Abbygayle#13809 in the U.S.Abbygayle is a decorative respelling of Abigail, from Hebrew Avigayil, 'my father is joy' or 'source of jPronounced AB-ih-gayl▶Gayle#14005 in the U.S.A spelling of Gail, itself a short form of Abigail, from Hebrew Avigayil — 'my father rejoices' or 'my faPronounced GAYL▶Carolanne#14133 in the U.S.Carolanne joins Carol - a feminine of Charles, from Germanic for 'free man', and also the word for a joyfPronounced KAIR-oh-lan▶Abbe#14570 in the U.S.Abbe is a spelling of Abby or Abbey, the pet form of Abigail, from Hebrew Avigayil, 'my father is joy' orPronounced AB-ee▶Naami#14686 in the U.S.Naami rests on the Semitic root n-'-m, 'to be pleasant; sweet; gracious' — the root behind Hebrew Naomi aPronounced nah-AH-mee▶Raiyna#14858 in the U.S.A modern respelling of Rayna/Reyna, read as 'queen' (Spanish reina) or as the Yiddish/Hebrew Rayna ('purePronounced RAY-nah▶Sadi#14908 in the U.S.Usually a pared-down spelling of Sadie, itself a pet form of Sarah (Hebrew, 'lady; noblewoman'). SeparatePronounced SAY-dee▶Rinna#14938 in the U.S.From the Hebrew rinnah, 'joy; a glad cry; song of praise.' A warm, celebratory virtue name; also read as Pronounced RIN-nah▶Abbye#14968 in the U.S.Abbye is a decorative spelling of Abby, the familiar short form of Abigail. Abigail comes from the HebrewPronounced AB-ee▶Gayla#15242 in the U.S.Most likely an elaboration of Gay or Gayle, from Gail, a short form of Abigail (Hebrew, 'my father's joy'Pronounced GAY-luh▶Abygale#15274 in the U.S.Abygale is a stylized respelling of Abigail, a Hebrew name usually translated 'my father's joy' or 'sourcPronounced AB-ih-gale▶Abbigayle#15306 in the U.S.Abbigayle is a decorative respelling of Abigail, from the Hebrew Avigayil, 'my father is joy' or 'my fathPronounced AB-ih-gayl▶Abigayl#15698 in the U.S.Abigayl is a respelling of Abigail, from the Hebrew Avigayil, meaning 'my father is joy' or 'my father's Pronounced AB-ih-gayl▶Abygayle#15704 in the U.S.Abygayle is a decorated respelling of Abigail, a Hebrew name meaning my father is joy or source of joy. TPronounced AB-uh-gale▶Alysah#15822 in the U.S.Alysah is a decorative respelling that blends Alyssa with Aliza. Alyssa comes from the alyssum flower, whPronounced uh-LEE-suh▶Abagayle#15918 in the U.S.Abagayle is a heavily respelled form of Abigail, from the Hebrew 'Avigayil', usually translated 'my fathePronounced AB-ah-gale▶Abbagale#16446 in the U.S.Abbagale is a phonetic respelling of Abigail, the Hebrew Avigayil, understood as 'my father is joy' or 'mPronounced AB-uh-gayl▶Abagael#16531 in the U.S.Abagael is a rare respelling of Abigail, from the Hebrew Avigayil, 'my father is joy' or 'source of joy.'Pronounced AB-uh-gayl▶Abbee#16533 in the U.S.Abbee is a modern American respelling of Abbie and Abby, the pet forms of Abigail, which comes from the HPronounced AB-ee▶Ranita#16814 in the U.S.Ranita is a Hebrew girl's name from ranah, 'to sing, to rejoice,' giving 'song' or 'joy.' In American usePronounced ruh-NEE-tuh▶Rinah#17098 in the U.S.From the Hebrew Rinah (Rina), 'joy; song; glad shout; rejoicing' — a bright, celebratory virtue name.Pronounced REE-nah▶Rinnah#17099 in the U.S.The Hebrew rinnah itself, 'joy; a glad cry; song of praise' — the fuller spelling of Rinna. A warm, celebPronounced RIN-nah▶Sharol#17259 in the U.S.Sharol reads as a blend of Sharon and Carol. Sharon is a Hebrew place name, the fertile 'Plain of Sharon'Pronounced SHAIR-ul▶Simcha#17261 in the U.S.From the Hebrew simcha, 'joy; gladness' — a word at the heart of Jewish celebration (a simcha is a happy Pronounced SIM-khuh▶Joyanne#17449 in the U.S.Joyanne is a compound name joining Joy, the English word for gladness (from Latin gaudia), with Anne, froPronounced joy-ANN▶AliyzahA modern respelling of Aliza (Alizah), from the Hebrew for 'joyful; joy; merry.' A bright virtue name in Pronounced uh-LEE-zah▶
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Frequently Asked
What does Abigail mean in Hebrew?
Abigail comes from the Hebrew for 'father's joy.' It belonged to a wise, diplomatic woman in the Bible, and its short forms Abby and Abbie carry the same meaning in a more casual, everyday name.