Shem Tov
/ʃɛm ˈtɔːv/noun
A Hebrew phrase meaning “good name,” also used as a Jewish personal name, epithet, or surname.
Did you know?In Jewish wisdom literature, a good name is valued above material wealth, making “Shem Tov” both a blessing and a statement about reputation.
Etymological Timeline
Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew
šēm
“Name, reputation, or renown”
Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew
ṭōv
“Good, pleasant, beneficial, or morally excellent”
Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew
šēm ṭōv
“A good name or honorable reputation”
Second Temple period
Jewish Aramaic/Hebrew
šēm ṭāv
“An honorable name; a phrase associated with moral standing”
Medieval Hebrew
Hebrew
Shem Tov
“A personal name or honorific meaning “good name,” used by numerous Jewish scholars”
Modern English
English
Shem Tov
“A Hebrew personal name, surname, or transliterated phrase meaning “good name””