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Shai Unisex

Popularity: #725 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: SHY //ʃaɪ//

Origin: Hebrew; Chinese

Meaning: Hebrew: 'gift'; Chinese: 'victory'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Shai has its roots in Hebrew, deriving from the word "שַׁי" (pronounced "shai"), which translates to "gift" or "present." This etymology reflects a deep cultural significance, as names in Hebrew often carry meanings that reflect virtues, attributes, or blessings. The name has been used in various forms throughout Jewish history, and its adoption into other languages and cultures has been influenced by the Hebrew diaspora and the spread of Jewish communities across the globe.

Historically, the name Shai has been associated with various figures in Jewish texts and traditions. While it may not be linked to a specific biblical character, its meaning resonates with the themes of gratitude and divine gifts, which are prevalent in Jewish liturgy and teachings.

The name has been used in various forms in Hebrew literature and religious texts, particularly during the medieval period when Hebrew names were often adopted by Jewish communities in Europe. The name's presence in these texts underscores its cultural and spiritual significance within Jewish tradition.

Culturally, Shai embodies the notion of appreciation and the value of life’s blessings, making it a name that carries positive connotations. The name has also been embraced in modern Hebrew-speaking communities, where it is often used as a standalone name or as a diminutive of longer names that incorporate the root "shai." This adaptability has allowed the name to maintain its relevance across generations, reflecting the enduring nature of its meaning and the cultural values it represents.

Famous people named Shai

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a professional basketball player best known for playing with the Oklahoma City Thunder and being an NBA All-Star.
Shai Agassi is an entrepreneur best known for founding Better Place and his work in electric vehicle technology.

Fictional characters named Shai

Shai is a fictional character from the novel The Shadow of What Was Lost by James Islington. She is a powerful and enigmatic figure who plays a crucial role in the unfolding events of the story.

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U.S. Historical Usage

The name Shai was first seen in the United States in 1971. Shai has ranked as high as #1152 nationally, which occurred in 2023, and has been most popular in New York, California, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Texas. In the past 5 years the name Shai has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Shai (2024)

State Births Share
CA 30
19%
NY 22
14%
FL 14
9%
IL 12
8%
TX 12
8%
PA 10
6%
OH 8
5%
VA 7
4%
GA 7
4%
MD 6
4%
MI 6
4%
WA 6
4%
TN 6
4%
NC 5
3%
DC 5
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19717
19725
19747
19768
19797
19807
19819
19827
19837
198411
19858
19865
198710
19888
19898
199016
19917
199212
199344
199440
199538
199628
199725
199827
199917
200026
200123
200235
200334
200433
200527
200634
200742
200855
200945
201045
201144
201255
201350
201435
201550
201652
201766
201875
201998
2020120
2021199
2022219
2023224
2024200