Israel baby names 5786 data reveals Mohammed, Ariel and Avigail as the leading choices ahead of Rosh Hashanah. New Population Registry figures also show 179,398 babies registered, while Jerusalem recorded the highest number of births among Israeli cities.
Top Boy Names in Israel
Mohammed ranked as the most common name for boys across Israel's overall population during Hebrew year 5786, according to figures released by Israel's Population and Immigration Authority. Ariel followed in second place, with Yosef, Adam, David, Omer, Rafael, Lavi, Michael and Eitan completing the national top 10.
The rankings show how both traditional and modern names continue to shape naming choices across different communities. Mohammed has remained a prominent name nationally, while names such as Ariel, David, Rafael and Eitan continue to hold strong positions among Jewish families.
Jewish Baby Names Show Different Rankings
Among Jewish boys, Ariel claimed the top position, followed by David, Rafael, Lavi and Uri. Michael, Eliya, Eitan, Yehuda and Ari completed the top 10. The separate ranking highlights how national totals can differ from patterns within individual population groups.
Traditional Hebrew and biblical names remain highly visible, but shorter modern choices such as Lavi and Ari also appear prominently. The mix reflects continuity in naming traditions alongside changing preferences among younger families.
Avigail Leads Top Girl Names
Avigail ranked first for girls both across Israel's general population and among Jewish families. In the overall ranking, Miriam came second, followed by Lia, Libi, Tamar, Yael, Ayala, Sarah, Ella and Naya.
Among Jewish girls, Libi ranked second behind Avigail, followed by Tamar, Yael, Lia, Ella, Ayala, Sarah, Noa and Naya.
The results underline the lasting appeal of traditional names while also showing the growing popularity of choices such as Libi, Lia and Naya.
Israel Births Reach 179,398
The Population and Immigration Authority reported that 179,398 babies had been registered in Israel's Population Registry as of the morning of September 6, 2026. Jerusalem led the country with 23,336 registered births, well ahead of Bnei Brak with 8,225 and Tel Aviv-Jaffa with 7,405.
Beit Shemesh followed with 6,974 births, while Ashdod recorded 4,031. Haifa, Rishon LeZion, Netanya, Petah Tikva and Modi'in Illit completed the top 10 cities.
Rankings Arrive Ahead of Rosh Hashanah
The figures were released as Israel prepared to enter Hebrew year 5787. Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Friday, September 11, 2026, and continues through Sunday, September 13.
The annual data offers a snapshot of demographic and cultural trends through one of the most personal family decisions: choosing a child's name. For internal linking, this story fits naturally with Israel news, Rosh Hashanah coverage, culture articles, family features and demographic news pages.
