Shai: meaning of the Hebrew name
שַׁי
Pronounced SHY
Meaning of Shai
Shai means a gift or offering, as in the verse in Psalms "let them bring gifts to Him who is to be feared." A short name for boys and girls.
Vow, and pay unto the LORD your God; Let all that are round about Him bring presents unto Him that is to be feared;
נִדְרוּ וְשַׁלְּמוּ לַיהֹוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם כָּל־סְבִיבָיו יֹבִילוּ שַׁי לַמּוֹרָא׃
Shai in Hebrew
Shai is written שי in Hebrew (with vowel points: שַׁי). Hebrew is read from right to left.
- שShin
- יYod
Gematria value: 310 (Shin 300 + Yod 10)
About the name
- GenderUnisex
- OriginHebrew
- Meaninggift
- PronunciationSHY
- Hebrewשי
- Syllables1
Popularity in Israel
In 2024, Shai ranked #77 among girls' names given to Jewish newborns in Israel (230 babies). Its highest rank in 2014-2024 was #56, in 2021.
In 2024, Shai ranked #129 among boys' names given to Jewish newborns in Israel (125 babies). Its highest rank in 2014-2024 was #92, in 2014.
girlsboys
All years 2014-2024
| Year | Rank (girls) | Babies | Rank (boys) | Babies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 77 | 230 | 129 | 125 |
| 2023 | 78 | 237 | 125 | 129 |
| 2022 | 66 | 276 | 122 | 138 |
| 2021 | 56 | 334 | 110 | 163 |
| 2020 | 59 | 302 | 115 | 154 |
| 2019 | 67 | 286 | 115 | 161 |
| 2018 | 68 | 290 | 103 | 173 |
| 2017 | 68 | 282 | 109 | 170 |
| 2016 | 72 | 264 | 96 | 200 |
| 2015 | 80 | 230 | 95 | 198 |
| 2014 | 84 | 211 | 92 | 193 |
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 Shai
What does the name Shai mean?
Shai means a gift or offering, as in the verse in Psalms "let them bring gifts to Him who is to be feared." A short name for boys and girls.
How do you pronounce Shai?
Shai is pronounced SHY in modern Israeli Hebrew. The syllable in capital letters is stressed.
How do you write Shai in Hebrew?
Shai is written שי in Hebrew (with vowel points: שַׁי).
Is Shai a biblical name?
Yes. Shai appears in the Hebrew Bible, in Psalms 76:12.
How popular is the name Shai in Israel?
In 2024, Shai ranked #77 among girls' names given to Jewish newborns in Israel (230 babies). Its highest rank in 2014-2024 was #56, in 2021. In 2024, Shai ranked #129 among boys' names given to Jewish newborns in Israel (125 babies). Its highest rank in 2014-2024 was #92, in 2014. Source: Israel Central Bureau of Statistics.
What is the gematria of Shai?
In gematria, the Hebrew spelling שי adds up to 310 (Shin 300 + Yod 10).
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