Neria is a modern Hebrew name, sometimes used as a feminine form of the biblical name Neriah. In Hebrew, Neriah means "lamp of Yahweh" (from elements ner "lamp, light" and yah referring to the Hebrew God). Neriah is primarily known in the Old Testament as the father of the prophet Baruch (e.g., Jeremiah 32:12). While historically Neriah was a masculine name, the modern form Neria has gained usage as a feminine name in Israel, following a trend of adapting ending-less or patriarchal biblical names for girls (e.g., Noa, Shiloh).Etymology and Biblical ContextThe name Neriah is derived from two Hebrew roots: ner (נֵר) meaning "lamp" or "light," and the shortened form Yah (יָה) representing the divine name YHWH. The verb ner may also figuratively imply guidance or presence. In the Hebrew Bible, Neriah is mentioned only as a patronymic for Baruch, the scribe who transcribed the prophecies of Jeremiah. This gives the name a strong scriptural connection to the themes of writing, faith, and endurance.Modern Usage and CultureIn contemporary Israel, Neria has been adopted for both genders, though it is more common for girls. The name reflects a style preferred by Israeli parents who desire modern sabra names tied to Jewish heritage without sounding antiquated. It is not especially common in the diaspora and remains rare outside Hebrew-speaking communities.Related NamesThe name Neria is directly linked to Neriah and its Biblical Hebrew variant Neriya. The root name Yahweh — the Tetragrammaton — is central too, though it is never pronounced in Jewish tradition. Other names sharing the Yah ending include many biblical theophoric names such as Jeremiah, Isaiah, and Hezekiah.Despite its uncertain linguistic roots — הָוָה (hawa) meaning "to be" — Jewish tradition associates Yahweh with the light and existence imagery, complementing the “lamp” motif in Neriah/Neria.Notable BearersNo widely known historical or public figures bear the feminine name Neria; its significance lies in its Old Testament basis and modern Israeli appeal.Meaning: light/lamp of YahwehOrigin: Hebrew (Biblical root Neriah)Type: First name (uni) used in Hebrew cultureUsage Regions: Israel largely, occasionally in Jewish diaspora