Nissim

Meaning & origin

Nissim is a Hebrew name that has seen a steady rise in U.S. usage since the late 1990s, reflecting increased visibility of Jewish cultural naming traditions. First recorded in Social Security data in 1992, the name reached its highest rank yet in 2025, placing 4707th with a frequency of 1 in 81,337 births. Its trajectory since 1999 shows consistent growth, and its peak year to date is 2025. The name is most common in New York, home to large Orthodox communities, which aligns with its cultural roots. Nissim's strong religious resonance and distinctive sound make it a meaningful choice for families seeking a name with deep historical and spiritual significance.

Nissim derives from the Hebrew noun נֵס (nes), meaning "sign, banner, miracle." In Jewish tradition, the name is often associated with the phrase "Nissim" as in "wonders," and it appears in liturgical texts, such as the phrase "Nissim b'khol yom" (miracles every day). It has been used as a given name among Sephardic and Mizrahi Jewish communities for centuries, and gained some usage in the United States beginning in the late 20th century, particularly within Orthodox Jewish families.