Hebrew is a Northwest Semitic language of the Afroasiatic language family. Historically, it is one of the spoken languages of the Israelites and their longest-surviving descendants, the Jews and Samaritans. It was largely preserved throughout history as the main liturgical language of Judaism (since the Second Temple period) and Samaritanism. Hebrew is the only Canaanite language still spoken today, and serves as the only truly successful example of a dead language that has been revived. It is also one of only two Northwest Semitic languages still in use, with the other being Aramaic.
The earliest examples of written Paleo-Hebrew date back to the 10th century BCE. Nearly all of the Hebrew Bible is written in Biblical Hebrew, with much of its present form in the dialect that scholars believe flourished around the 6th century BCE, during the time of the Babylonian captivity. For this reason, Hebrew has been referred to by Jews as Lashon Hakodesh since ancient times. The language was not referred to by the name Hebrew in the Bible, but as Yehudit (transl. 'the language of Judah') or Səpaṯ Kəna'an (transl. "the language of Canaan"). Mishnah Gittin 9:8 refers to the language as Ivrit, meaning Hebrew; however, Mishnah Megillah refers to the language as Ashurit, meaning Assyrian, which is derived from the name of the alphabet used, in contrast to Ivrit, meaning the Paleo-Hebrew alphabet.
Ephraim is a boy’s name of Hebrew origin. This name translates to “fruitful” and its origins certainly show that. In Genesis, Ephraim is the second son of Joseph and one of the founders of the twelve… Read more »
Zedekiah as a boy's name is of Hebrew origin, and the meaning of Zedekiah is "the Lord is just".
Queturah as a girl's name has Arabic and Hebrew origins. The meaning of Queturah is "incense, scent". Is related to the names Qiturah and Keturah.
Phineas is a boy's name of Hebrew origin, boasting an impressive lineage of leaders, lawyers, and esteemed artists. A variation of the Phinehas, meaning "Nubian," Phineas refers to the original… Read more »
A classic Spanish name derived from the Hebrew Peter, meaning “stone” or “rock,” Pedro is all about strength, tradition, and loyalty. This dashing appellation has athletic undertones, judging from… Read more »
Ike is a masculine name of Hebrew origin meaning “laughter.” This bubbly moniker is often used as a pet name for Isaac, Isaiah, and Isadore. However, Ike’s fun-loving nature has helped establish… Read more »
Zebediah as a boy's name is of Hebrew origin, and the meaning of Zebediah is "gift of Jehovah". Biblical: the father of apostles John and James.
Zipora as a girl's name is of Hebrew origin, and the meaning of Zipora is "bird". Zipora is related to the Hebrew name Zippora. In the bible Zipora was the Daughter of Jethroh first wife of Moses.
Zach is a boy’s name that is popular throughout the English-speaking world. It is diminutive of Zacharias or Zachariah, Hebrew theophoric names that incorporate the name of a deity—in this case the… Read more »
Zuriel is a boy’s name with its origins coming from Hebrew. This biblical name can be found in the old testament and means both “the Lord” and “my rock”. Other translations combine the two meanings… Read more »
Even saying the name "Zulema" aloud evokes a sense of calm and well-being. This makes sense, seeing as this beautiful girl's name means exactly that: "peace." Zulema stems from both Hebrew and Arabic… Read more »
Zephaniah is a masculine name of Hebrew origin that means "hidden by God." This is a biblical name shared with minor prophet in the Hebrew Bible and its meaning is symbolic of God's protection.… Read more »