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Uri Unisex

Popularity: #884 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationOO-ree / ˈuːri

Hebrew; Japanese

Meaning

Hebrew: 'my light'; Japanese: 'to be' or 'to exist'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Uri has its roots in Hebrew, derived from the word 'אורי' (Uri), which translates to 'my light' or 'my flame.' This etymological origin reflects a combination of the Hebrew words 'אוֹר' (or), meaning 'light,' and the possessive suffix 'י' (i), indicating 'my.' The name appears in the Hebrew Bible, where it is associated with several figures, most notably Uri, the son of Hur, who is mentioned in the Book of Exodus as an assistant to Moses during the construction of the Tabernacle, dating back to the 13th century BCE.

Historically, the name Uri has been borne by various notable figures throughout Jewish history, contributing to its significance within the culture. In the context of biblical narratives, the name signifies enlightenment and guidance, aligning with the broader themes of light and illumination found in Jewish tradition. The name has also been used in various Jewish texts and commentaries, further embedding it within the cultural and religious fabric of Jewish identity.

Culturally, Uri is often associated with positive attributes such as wisdom and clarity, resonating with the symbolic meanings of light in many traditions. The name has maintained its relevance through centuries, appearing in various forms across different cultures and languages, including adaptations in modern Hebrew. Additionally, diminutive forms such as Uriel, which means 'God is my light,' have emerged, further enriching the name's historical tapestry. Overall, Uri embodies a legacy of illumination and guidance, making it a name of enduring significance.

Trend Summary

Uri has seen a steady presence in the U.S. but remains relatively uncommon.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Urie
  • Ury

International Variants

  • Uriel (Spanish)
  • Uriah (English)

Famous people named Uri

Uri Geller is a magician and illusionist best known for his spoon bending and psychic abilities.

Uri Avnery was an Israeli peace activist and journalist best known for his writings and advocacy for Palestinian rights.

Uri Sivan is a physicist best known for his work in quantum optics and photonics.

Fictional characters named Uri

Uri is a fictional character from the video game series The Legend of Zelda. He is a key figure in the storyline, often associated with the mystical elements of the game world.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Uri was first seen in the United States in 1913. Uri has ranked as high as #1316 nationally, which occurred in 2023, and has been most popular in New York, California, Texas, North Carolina, and Florida. In the past 5 years the name Uri has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Uri (2024)

StateBirthsShare
NY 12
71%
TX 5
29%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19135
19565
19646
19677
19687
19699
19708
197120
197212
197313
197415
197521
197622
197717
197814
197925
198012
198113
198220
198313
198412
198515
198611
198712
198813
198912
19909
199111
199214
199313
199412
199513
19968
199727
199819
199917
200017
200115
200226
200311
200415
200525
200613
200724
200837
200940
201038
201122
201219
201337
201428
201529
201626
201728
201832
201935
202029
202135
202249
202360
202440