Every Passover, we retell an ancient story that somehow lands in the present tense: oppression and courage, family and identity, fear and hope. And woven through it are names – Hebrew names that have traveled for thousands of years, showing up at Seder tables, on baby name lists, and in family trees. For Jewish and Interfaith couples building a Jewish home today, these names can be a meaningful bridge: a way to honor tradition while choosing something that feels personal, modern and alive.
Moshe (Moses) is the headline name of the Exodus story, but its meaning is surprisingly intimate. In the Torah, Pharaoh’s daughter names him because she “drew him out” of the water (from the Hebrew Masha, to draw out). Moshe then becomes the one who draws a people toward freedom. For many families, it’s a name that signals leadership without perfection – Moshe hesitates, doubts, and yet still shows up. If you’re choosing names with a story, Moshe is a reminder that greatness can begin with vulnerability.
Miryam (Miriam) carries a different kind of power: spiritual imagination. Miriam leads the women in song and dance after the sea splits – an image of celebration that feels like the emotional climax of the holiday. In many homes, Miryam symbolizes resilience and joy and the ability to make room for music and festivity even after hardship. It’s a beautiful choice for families who want a name that embodies strength that sings.
Aharon (Aaron), Moshe’s brother, is often remembered as the spokesperson and later as the first High Priest of the Jewish people. His role is relational: translating big truths into human language, creating connection, and making peace. For Interfaith families especially, Aharon can feel like an emblem of bridging worlds – honoring Jewish tradition while communicating it with warmth and clarity.
There are other names that remind us that the Exodus story extends beyond these three famous MMA (Moses/Miriam/Aaron) heroes – who also happened to be siblings!
Yocheved, their mother, is forced to make impossible choices to save her child. Her name is often linked with God’s honor or glory, but her story is grounded in fierce, practical love. Choosing the name Yocheved can be a way of honoring the quiet courage of parents and grandparents – the ones who protected Judaism in ways large and small across the ages.
Amram, their father, is less discussed at many Seders, yet his presence matters. His name can be translated as “exalted people” or “lofty nation”; the “Am” in Amram is the same Hebrew word as in the expression “AmYisrael Chai”. For some, Amram honors lineage: the idea that Jewish continuity is a family project, passed down through everyday traditions.
Shifra may be one of the most compelling Passover names for our time. Shifra is a midwife who defies Pharaoh’s decree, choosing life over fear. Her name is associated with beauty or improvement – like making the world better by refusing to give in to injustice. For families searching for a name with moral clarity and heart, Shifra is a bold and inspiring choice.
Though they are an inextricable part of the Passover story, these Biblical names continue to have meaning today, at any time of year. Whether naming a child, honoring a relative, or simply noticing which names show up around your Seder table, these Hebrew names invite a kind of participation: not only telling the story of our people, but carrying it forward one name at a time.
