"gift"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
Shai
Pronunciation: [ sh-EYE ]
Does Shai flow with your last name?
A simple, profound Hebrew name meaning gift
Israeli
Hebrew
Jewish
Minimalist
Modern
Gentle
Unique
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"tribute, offering"
Origin: Aramaic
Language: Aramaic
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The Story of Shai
Shai is a Hebrew and Aramaic name meaning gift, derived from the root shai (שַׁי) which appears in biblical texts referring to tribute or gifts brought to leaders. In modern Hebrew usage, it functions as a given name for both boys and girls, though it has become increasingly popular as a girl's name in Israel and among Jewish communities worldwide.
Shai has gained popularity in Israel and among diaspora communities seeking short, meaningful Hebrew names. Its crossover appeal comes from its simple pronunciation and universal theme of being a gift.
In Hebrew culture, naming a child Shai (gift) expresses the parents' feeling that their child is a precious gift. The concept of children as divine gifts is central to many Jewish naming traditions.
Historical Record
Shai first appeared in US Social Security records in 1968.
Over 1,793 babies have been named Shai in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Shai is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #1,958 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Shai appears in the Hebrew Bible as a word for tribute or gift brought to kings
- Israeli basketball star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (known as SGA) has brought this name international recognition
Shai in Other Languages
French
Shai
Hebrew
שַׁי
Aramaic
Shai
English
Shai
Popularity Over Time
#1,958
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Shai
S
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Athlete
1998
Canadian-Israeli professional basketball player and NBA star for the Oklahoma City Thunder
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #1,958
- Total SSA Count
- 101
- Cultural Origins
- Israeli Hebrew Jewish
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-3 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, minimalist style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, gentle style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, gentle style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Hebrew heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Shai
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Shai is also used as a boy name, ranked #1087.
View Shai as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Shai
What does the name Shai mean?
"gift" (from Hebrew). "tribute, offering" (from Aramaic). Shai is a Hebrew and Aramaic name meaning gift, derived from the root shai (שַׁי) which appears in biblical texts referring to tribute or gifts brought to leaders. In modern Hebrew usage, it functions as a given name for both boys and girls, though it has become increasingly popular as a girl's name in Israel and among Jewish communities worldwide.
What is the origin of the name Shai?
Shai has Hebrew, Aramaic, Israeli, and Jewish origins. In Hebrew, it means "gift". In Aramaic, it means "tribute, offering".
Is Shai a boy or girl name?
Shai is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1958. As a boy name, it is ranked #1087. Shai is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Shai?
Shai is pronounced sh-EYE.
How popular is the name Shai?
Shai is currently ranked #1958 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Shai?
Popular middle name pairings include Shai Rose, Shai Maeve, Shai Elise, Shai Renee, Shai Pearl, and Shai Jade.
What are good sibling names for Shai?
Names that pair well with Shai as siblings include Lev, Tali, Noam, Avi, Dalia, and Yarden.
How many syllables does Shai have?
Shai has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Shai a common or rare name?
Shai is an uncommon name, ranked #1958 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Shai?
About the Name Shai
Shai is a girl name with Israeli, Hebrew, and Jewish origins . The name means "gift" in Hebrew .
Is Shai a boy or girl name? Shai is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,958 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #1,087. Shai is more commonly used as a boy name.
Shai is currently ranked #1,958 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Shai has 1 syllable and is pronounced sh-EYE, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Shai include Shay, Sharon, Shayla, Shannon, Shanaya . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis