Most Popular Baby Names in Israel Revealed for New Year
As the new Jewish year approaches, Israel's Population and Immigration Authority has released its annual list of the most popular baby names given in the past year, תשפ"ו (2025-2026). The data, updated as of September 6, 2026, shows a mix of traditional and contemporary names continuing to hold sway.
Nationwide, Muhammad was the most common name for baby boys. Following Muhammad in the overall rankings were Ariel, Yosef, Adam, and David. Among Jewish boys specifically, Ariel topped the list, with David in second place, followed by Rafael and Lavi, who remained in the top tier at fourth.
For baby girls, Abigail emerged as the most popular name overall and also led the rankings within the Jewish sector. Miriam secured the second spot in the general list, with Leah, Livy, and Tamar rounding out the top five. In the Jewish sector's girls' list, Livy was second, Tamar third, Yael fourth, and Leah fifth.
The data indicates that while traditional names such as David, Yosef, Miriam, and Sarah continue to be widely chosen, newer names like Lavi, Livy, Ari, and Naya are also gaining significant popularity.
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