Records show that the earliest burials took place in 1744, Plymouth Council said.
Councillor Patrick Nicholson, the local authority’s deputy leader, said many of those buried worked in trades which supported the Royal Navy, such as tailors.
He said: “I’m so pleased with this listing especially as the decision recognised that this is one of the earliest Jewish burial grounds in the country.
“It’s a fascinating place and one which helps explain Plymouth’s story.
“To have it confirmed we have one of the oldest Jewish burial grounds helps celebrate our rich history.”
The Plymouth Jewish community celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2012, and its shul is believed to be the oldest Ashkenazi synagogue in the English-speaking world.
