Avishai: meaning of the Hebrew name
אֲבִישַׁי
Pronounced ah-vee-SHAI
Meaning of Avishai
Avishai is commonly read as avi shai, "my father is a gift." In the Bible he is the son of Zeruiah, David's sister, and one of King David's loyal warriors.
Then answered David and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother to Joab, saying: ‘Who will go down with me to Saul to the camp?’ And Abishai said: ‘I will go down with thee.’
וַיַּעַן דָּוִד וַיֹּאמֶר ׀ אֶל־אֲחִימֶלֶךְ הַחִתִּי וְאֶל־אֲבִישַׁי בֶּן־צְרוּיָה אֲחִי יוֹאָב לֵאמֹר מִי־יֵרֵד אִתִּי אֶל־שָׁאוּל אֶל־הַמַּחֲנֶה וַיֹּאמֶר אֲבִישַׁי אֲנִי אֵרֵד עִמָּךְ׃
Avishai in Hebrew
Avishai is written אבישי in Hebrew (with vowel points: אֲבִישַׁי). Hebrew is read from right to left.
- אAlef
- בBet
- יYod
- שShin
- יYod
Gematria value: 323 (Alef 1 + Bet 2 + Yod 10 + Shin 300 + Yod 10)
About the name
- GenderBoy
- OriginBiblical
- Meaningmy father is a gift
- Pronunciationah-vee-SHAI
- Hebrewאבישי
- Syllables3
Popularity in Israel
In 2024, Avishai ranked #141 among boys' names given to Jewish newborns in Israel (100 babies). Its highest rank in 2014-2024 was #104, in 2014.
All years 2014-2024
| Year | Rank | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 141 | 100 |
| 2023 | 134 | 117 |
| 2022 | 140 | 113 |
| 2021 | 141 | 114 |
| 2020 | 116 | 153 |
| 2019 | 119 | 154 |
| 2018 | 125 | 135 |
| 2017 | 122 | 145 |
| 2016 | 113 | 168 |
| 2015 | 109 | 167 |
| 2014 | 104 | 171 |
Source: Israel Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), first names given to Jewish newborns, 2014-2024. Ranks cover the 150 most common names per year.
Similar names
Questions about Avishai
What does the name Avishai mean?
Avishai is commonly read as avi shai, "my father is a gift." In the Bible he is the son of Zeruiah, David's sister, and one of King David's loyal warriors.
How do you pronounce Avishai?
Avishai is pronounced ah-vee-SHAI in modern Israeli Hebrew. The syllable in capital letters is stressed.
How do you write Avishai in Hebrew?
Avishai is written אבישי in Hebrew (with vowel points: אֲבִישַׁי).
Is Avishai a biblical name?
Yes. Avishai appears in the Hebrew Bible, in 1 Samuel 26:6.
How popular is the name Avishai in Israel?
In 2024, Avishai ranked #141 among boys' names given to Jewish newborns in Israel (100 babies). Its highest rank in 2014-2024 was #104, in 2014. Source: Israel Central Bureau of Statistics.
What is the gematria of Avishai?
In gematria, the Hebrew spelling אבישי adds up to 323 (Alef 1 + Bet 2 + Yod 10 + Shin 300 + Yod 10).
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