"gift, present"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
Shai
Pronunciation: [ sh-EYE ]
Does Shai flow with your last name?
A Hebrew gift wrapped in one syllable
Israeli
Jewish
Hebrew
Modern
Minimalist
Strong
Unique
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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The Story of Shai
Shai is a Hebrew name meaning gift, derived from the root word for giving or presenting. It has been a popular name in Israel for generations, conveying the idea that the child is a precious gift. The name is short, modern, and carries deep meaning in Hebrew culture.
Shai has gained international visibility through Israeli-American NBA player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who became a star in the early 2020s, bringing the name to basketball fans worldwide.
In Israeli culture, Shai is a beloved and common name for boys, symbolizing the joy and gift of a new child. It is considered a modern classic in Israel.
Historical Record
Shai first appeared in US Social Security records in 1971.
Over 2,254 babies have been named Shai in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Shai is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #1,087 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- NBA All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander brought the name global sports fame
- Shai is one of the shortest Hebrew given names still in common use
Shai in Other Languages
French
Shai
Hebrew
שי
Russian
Шай
Popularity Over Time
#1,087
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-born NBA All-Star who plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder
S
Shai Agassi
Business
1968
Israeli-American entrepreneur who founded Better Place, an electric vehicle company
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Compare Shai with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #1,087
- Total SSA Count
- 200
- Cultural Origins
- Israeli Jewish Hebrew
- 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 1-2 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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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, modern style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, minimalist style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, modern style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Israeli 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 Girl Name
Shai is also used as a girl name, ranked #1958.
View Shai as a girl name →Similar Names
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Hebrew origin
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Natanael
Boy
Hebrew origin
"God has given"
#1,274 in US
Jahziel
Boy
Hebrew origin
"vision of God"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Shai
What does the name Shai mean?
"gift, present" (from Hebrew). Shai is a Hebrew name meaning gift, derived from the root word for giving or presenting. It has been a popular name in Israel for generations, conveying the idea that the child is a precious gift. The name is short, modern, and carries deep meaning in Hebrew culture.
What is the origin of the name Shai?
Shai has Hebrew, Israeli, and Jewish origins. In Hebrew, it means "gift, present".
Is Shai a boy or girl name?
Shai is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1087. As a girl name, it is ranked #1958. 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 #1087 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Shai?
Popular middle name pairings include Shai Elijah, Shai David, Shai Nathan, Shai Aaron, Shai Michael, and Shai Benjamin.
What are good sibling names for Shai?
Names that pair well with Shai as siblings include Tal, Noa, Lior, Avery, Jonah, and Maya.
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 #1087 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Shai?
About the Name Shai
Shai is a boy name with Israeli, Jewish, and Hebrew origins . The name means "gift, present" in Hebrew .
Is Shai a boy or girl name? Shai is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,087 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #1,958. Shai is more commonly used as a boy name.
Shai is currently ranked #1,087 in popularity for boy 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 Shane, Shawn, Shaya, Shaun, Shay . 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