Names

Q: Why are some Hebrew names seemingly always joined together, like Dov-Baer or Arye-Leib?

A: Many times names are linked because they share a similarity of meaning.  In the first example cited, “Dov” is Hebrew for ‘bear.”  The second name, Arye, means “lion” and Leib means “heart.”  Throughout history the two names -- lion and heart --are connected (think of f Richard the Lionhearted).

When father Jacob blesses his son Judah he compares Judah to a lion.  It is therefore not surprising to also see names like Yehuda (Judah) Leib or Yehuda Arye Leib.

Another interesting linkage is Alexander Sender.  These names go together often because Sender is a diminutive form of Alexander.  Menachem Mendel is the same.  Mendel is a shortened version of Menachem.