A new dog or puppy is a member of the family. Making the time to pick out the right name (like you would for a child) just makes sense.
The name for dog in Yiddish is ‘kelev’. If you are searching for a good Yiddish dog name, a strong Biblical dog name that acknowledges your family’s background and traditions is a great start!
This list of the top 100 Yiddish dog names includes a top ten, 50 male names, 50 female names, and ends with some tips for finding the perfect name for the newest member in your family.
Top 10 Yiddish Dog Names
Here is our pick of the top 10 dog Yiddish names for dogs, based on their meaning, sound, and popularity.
Top Yiddish Names for Male Dogs
- Kugel
- Aizik
- Noam
- Manish
- Caleb
Top Yiddish Names for Female Dogs
- Zissa
- Gitel
- Kayle
- Shayna
- Ruth
Yiddish Dog Names Male
There are many male names of Yiddish and Jewish origin to choose from, most involving interesting meanings and background stories.
Here are some of the best jewish dog names for males along with their meaning and background.
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1. Abraham
Means ‘father of many nations’, Abraham is considered the first Patriarch of the Jewish people. Abe for short is a particularly cute Jewish dog name.
2. From
The name From means ‘fruitful’ and would suit a papa dog or male pup you plan on breeding later on.
3. Elye
Elye means ‘height’, making it a great name for big and tall breeds like the Great Dane.
4. Kugel
This dog name was used in a popular children’s book about a girl and her dog on Passover. It is also the name of a Jewish baked casserole dish.
5. Adam
Adam was the first man that God created. This biblical name was derived from the Hebrew noun Adamah, which means ‘the ground’ or ‘earth’. A strong biblical name for dogs.
6. Gel
Gel means ‘yellow’, perfect for a Golden Retriever or other dogs with golden/yellow coats.
7. Alter
Means ‘old man.’ Traditionally, this name was used as a prayer for a long life when a previous child in the family died young. Good if your dog has an old man’s personality or perhaps in tribute to a previous dog or litter mate who passed.
8. Chayim
Means ‘life’ or ‘living’ - a great moniker for an active or highly energetic dog. This name is popular because the concept of life is highly valued in Jewish culture.
9. Chatzkel
A religious name that means ‘God strengthens.’ A Yiddish version of Ezekiel.
10. Abel
The name Abel means ‘breathe’ in Hebrew. A cool Hebrew name for a loving dog!
11. Gil
Gil means ‘happiness’ and is one of those cute Yiddish dog names perfect for a cheerful pup.
12. Bagel
Another food-inspired name. Some other dog name ideas taken from Jewish foods include matzah, babka, and pickles.
13. Fishel
The name Fishel means ‘little fish.’ It would make a good name for a water dog who loves to swim or one who works with a fisherman.
14. Issur
Issur is a Hebrew name that means ‘He who struggles with God.’ It is also a form of Israel.
15. Manish
This name refers to a ‘fierce, strong man’ or just ‘man.’ Ideal for a strong male pup, you could call him Mani for short.
16. Lemel
Means ‘little lamb.’ Ideal name for a small dog who is a little meek, shy, or fearful.
17. Levi
The perfect name for a velcro dog, since the name Levi means ‘attached to me.’
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18. Zipkiyah
The name Zipkiyah means ‘defends mankind.’ A great Jewish name for a dog who is protective or guarding.
19. Achala
Achala means ‘great’, this is a short and strong Yiddish pet name.
20. Noam
Means ‘pleasantness.’ One popular person with this name is Noam Chomsky, an American linguist born in Philadelphia to Jewish immigrants.
21. Aizik
If you are looking for funny Yiddish dog names, the name Aizik translates to ‘laughing’ or ‘he will laugh’.
22. Ahron
The name Ahron means ‘mountain.’ Many dogs would move mountains for the people they love, making it a great name for man’s best friend.
23. David
Speaking of which, what better name for man’s best friend than one that literally means ‘friend’?
24. Mendel
Mendel means ‘comforter’ and was the name of many great sages, another great Hebrew dog name.
25. Feivel
The name Feivel means ‘shining one.’
26. Ezra
Ezra means ‘help or assistance.’ A good name for a service animal or working dog.
27. Jonah
Jonah means ‘dove.’
28. Kuni
The name Kuni means ‘childish’ and is an excellent name for a playful pup.
29. Samson
Samson means ‘bright sun.’ Made famous because of his strength and long locks and his relationship with Delilah. A great name for a long-haired breed like an Afghan Hound or a Lhasa Apso,
30. Eli
The name Eli means ‘elevate.’
31. Motke
Yiddish version of Mordechai, the name of a character in the Book of Esther.
32. Caleb
The name Caleb means ‘faithful.’ It is also the name of the dog in author Asher Kravitz’ The Jewish Dog, a popular book that shows the Holocaust from a dog’s perspective.
33. Velvel
Velvel means ‘wolf.’
34. Hadar
Hadar means ‘greatness.’
35. Azrael
In Jewish and Islamic traditions, Azrael is the angel of death. This name might be good if you’re looking for something a little edgy.
36. Uri
The name Uri means ‘my light’, perfect if your dog is always cheering you up. A very cute Yiddish dog name for a lively dog.
37. Lantz
Yiddish form of Lancer, which means ‘spear’.
38. Anshel
Anshel means ‘fortunate’ or ‘happy’.
39. Aryeh
Aryeh means ‘lion.’ Ideal for a brave dog and also a great dog name for a Shih Tzu, since the name of the breed translates to ‘little lion’.
40. Zundel
An endearing name that means ‘sonny boy’ or ‘small boy’.
41. Alon
Alon means ‘oak tree.’
42. Gavril
Form of Gabriel, the Biblical Archangel who first informed Mary that she would bear the son of God.
43. Kyle
The name Kyle means ‘victorious.’
44. Tevel
Tevel means ‘dearly loved’ and makes a sweet name for a furry companion.
45. Achi
Achi means ‘my brother.’
46. Hirsch
The name Hirch means ‘deer.’
47. Zindel
Zindel means ‘defender of man.’ Another option for a protective pup.
48. Akiva
Means ‘held by the heel’. It was the name of a well-known sage whose story is told in the book Rabbi Akiva: Sage of the Talmud.
49. Tevye
Means ‘good’. This name is popular in part because of Joseph Stein’s musical, Fiddler on the Roof.
50. Haskel
Another Yiddish form of Ezekiel, a Hebrew name meaning ‘God strengthens’.
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Yiddish and jewish female dog names and meanings
If you are searching for awesome Hebrew girl dog names, you have come to the right place.
There are lots of cute female Yiddish names to choose from all with different meanings and history.
1. Alma
Alma is a pretty name that means ‘maiden.’
2. Shayna
From the Yiddish word ‘shein’ which means ‘beautiful.’
3. Henye
A religious name meaning ‘God is gracious.” The Yiddish version of Hannah.
4. Bluma
Hebrew name meaning “bloom” or “flower”.
5. Amira
The name Amira comes from the Hebrew word amir, which means ‘treetop.’
6. Reina
Comes from Yiddish word ‘rein’ meaning ‘clean’ or ‘pure.’
7. Roiza
Roiza is a nice girl’s name that means ‘rose.’
8. Zemirah
Means ‘blessed’, ‘happy in life’.
9. Freida
The name Freida means ‘joy.’
10. Rochel
Yiddish form of Rachel, which means ‘ewe’ or female sheep.
11. Miriam
If you are also considering Aramaic dog names, Miriam is a pretty one that means ‘sea of bitterness.’
12. Breindel
Means brunette in Yiddish. Fitting name for a girl brown-haired dog.
13. Adina
The name Adina is a feminine Hebrew name that means ‘gentle.’
14. Hinda
A female name that is Yiddish for ‘deer.’
15. Libka
Libka means ‘love’ and would make a sweet name for a female dog.
16. Bielka
The name Bielka means ‘beautiful’, ‘white.’
17. Carmel
Means ‘vineyard’, ‘garden’, ‘orchard.’ Also, a good name for a female caramel colored dog.
18. Eidel
Means ‘delicate.’
19. Atara
If you have got a little princess on your hands, the name Atara might be suitable since it means ‘crown.’
20. Fruma
The name Fruma means ‘one who is religious.’ Fruma is the name of a ghost in Fiddler on the Roof.
21. Esther
A good Hebrew name for dogs is Esther, which means ‘hidden.’
22. Keila
Keila means ‘vessel’ and usually refers to someone who is talented. This could be an ideal name for a female show dog or one who competes in dog sports.
23. Bayla
The name Bayla means ‘beautiful.’
24. Perle
If you have a precious lady pup you might give her the name Perle after a pearl.
25. Zissa
An affectionate name meaning ‘sweet girl.’
26. Malka
The name Malka means ‘queen.’
27. Bine
A cute name that means ‘bee.’
28. Leila
This name comes from a Hebrew word meaning ‘night’ or ‘dark beauty.’
29. Pesha
The name Pesha refers to someone who is born on Easter.
30. Shprintza
Shprintza is a unique name that means ‘hope.’
31. Adele
Adele is a Hebrew name that means ‘God is eternal.’ A great choice of Jewish female dog name.
32. Frema
The name Frema means ‘pious one.’
33. Sarah
Sarah is a popular name that means ‘ruler’ or ‘princess.’
34. Adah
If your dog is very beautiful you might choose to name her Adah after an ornament.
35 .Golda
Golda means ‘gold’ and is another great choice for a golden-haired girl.
36. Henda
Henda means ‘favor’ or ‘grace.’
37. Matilda
The name Matilda means ‘strong one’, ‘heroine', a cute Hebrew female dog name.
38. Ruth
Ruth is a simple but pretty name that means ‘friendship’ or ‘friendly.’
39. Tovah
Tovah means ‘a good woman.’ Perhaps a good name for a bachelor who only needs the love of his dog.
40. Zelda
Zelda is a female version of Zelig, means blessed.
41. Shoshanah
A strong Hebrew dog name meaning ‘lily, rose’.
42. Charna
Charna means dark. A good name for a black or darker furred dog.
43. Ita
Means ‘little home ruler.’
44. Blima
The name Blima means ‘blossom.’
45. Kreindel
Kreindel is another name that means ‘crown.’
46. Gruna
The name Gruna, meaning ‘green’ would make a good name for a jealous dog.
47. Gitel
Gitel means ‘good’. A good name for a good pup.
48. Mirele
Mirele means ‘obstinacy, rebelliousness.’ If you have got a stubborn female on your hands this name might suit her nicely.
49. Kayle
The name Kayle means ‘heaven’, a popular female yiddish name.
50. Tzofiya
A beautiful and unique name meaning ‘guard’ or ‘scout.’
Tips for Finding a Dog Name
Finding a dog name should be a fun process!
There are no rules per se, but experts agree that some dog names are better than others in terms of being able to grab your pup’s attention when you need to.
It can be easier if you live alone and can choose any name you want. If you live with other family members, you may need to compromise.
Writing a list down and narrowing them down until you find one you all agree on is a good strategy.
According to an article by Jan Hoffman in the New York Times, the best dog names are short, stand out, aren’t confusing, and will stand the test of time.
So here's four tips to help you choose the best dog name for your dog.
- Keeping it to one or two syllables. If you want to choose a longer name, do so. Many people have longer names for their dogs, and they do fine. But if you want your dog to react quickly when you call, a short name will stand out.
- Choose names ending in hard consonants or long vowels. Ending with sounds like ‘Jack’, ‘Tank’, ‘Toby’ or ‘Sweetie’ helps dogs distinguish their name from other noise and words that they do not understand.
- Avoid names that sounds like commands. If you give your dog a name that sounds like sit, stay, or no, they might get confused easily.
- Choose something unique and meaningful. You might be tempted to name your dog after a trend, but keep in mind your dog will have this name for life.
Choosing a Yiddish, Hebrew, or Jewish name that has meaning for your family and reflects your values is a great start.
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