13 Jewish grandparent names make comeback

What’s the latest trend in Jewish baby names? While many parents give their children anglicized versions of their Hebrew names —Rachel can be Rachel in either language — others choose distinctive English names.

Parents-to-be may not want to go with what’s popular right now and instead choose something ahead of the curve — meaning, way behind.

So we rounded up some of our favorite names from the past — names that likely sound familiar, as you probably have uncles and grandparents with them. Here’s a baker’s dozen:

1. Hyman. Hyman, a version of Chaim, is a male name in Hebrew that means “life.”

2. Meir is a Hebrew male name meaning “one who illuminates.” (Famous contemporary Jews: Meir Shalev, Meir Ariel)

3. Myron. While Myron is actually Greek, many first generation Jewish men were given the name. It means “fragrant, an aromatic shrub, myrrh.” (Famous contemporary Jews: Myron Waldman, Myron Cohen)

4. Morton/Morty. Similar to Myron in that it’s not a Hebrew or Yiddish name, but in English, it was commonly used for Jewish immigrants. It means “town near the moor.” (Famous contemporary Jew: Morty Seinfeld, Jerry Seinfeld’s TV father on “Seinfeld” played by Barney Martin)

5. Irving. Irving, another name used by Jewish immigrants and first generations, is Scottish and means “green river, sea friend.” Irv for short. (Famous contemporary Jews: Irving Wallace, Irving Stone, Irving Berlin)

6. Harold. Harold, another non-Jewish name used by Jewish people, is Scandinavian and means “army ruler.” Nicknames: Hal or Harry. (Famous contemporary Jews: Harold Ramis, Harold Norse)

7. Melvin. Melvin, a non-Jewish name also commonly used by Jews, is English and means “council protector.” Mel, anyone? (Famous contemporary Jews: Melvin Schwartz, Melvin Rosen, Melvin Calvin, Mel Brooks)

8. Seymour. Seymour, a non-Jewish name also commonly used by Jews, is English and means “marshy land near the sea.” (Famous contemporary Jews: Seymour Siegel, Seymour Melman, Seymour Martin Lipset)

9. Lucille. Lucille, a female non-Jewish name also commonly used by Jews, is French and means “light.” Who doesn’t want to be called Lucy? (Famous contemporary Jews: Maya Rudolph’s daughter Lucille; alas Lucille Ball is not Jewish, though her second husband was)

10. Rhoda. Rhoda, a female non-Jewish name also commonly used by Jews, is Greek and means “rose.” (Famous contemporary Jews: Rhoda Haas Goldman, Rhoda Pritzker; and Rhoda Morgenstern, the TV character played by Valerie Harper)

10. Esther. Esther is a Hebrew girls name meaning “star.” Queen Esther, the Jewish wife of the King of Persia, saved the Jews.

11. Gertrude. Gertrude, a non-Jewish name for girls also commonly used by Jews, is German meaning “strength of a spear.” Trudy is a great nickname. (Famous contemporary Jews: Gertrude Stein, Gertrud Rittmann)

12. Shirley. Shirley, a non-Jewish name typically for girls also commonly used by Jews, is English meaning “bright meadow.” (Famous contemporary Jews: Shirley Povich, the rare man with the name)

13. Sheldon. Sheldon, a non-Jewish name also commonly used by Jews, is English meaning “steep-sided valley.” Shel for short is super cute. (Famous contemporary Jews: Shel Silverstein, Sheldon Leonard)