"fire, light of God"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
Uri
Pronunciation: [ y-ER-ee ]
Boy Name
#3,066 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
2 Syllables
A small name that carries the light of ancient Israel
Israeli
Jewish
Hebrew
Spiritual
Minimalist
Elegant
Unique
Gentle
Meaning & Origin
The Story of Uri
Uri is a Hebrew name derived from the root or (אוּר), meaning light or flame. It appears in the Hebrew Bible as the name of two minor figures, including the father of Bezalel, the chief craftsman who built the Tabernacle in the wilderness as described in Exodus. The name has been continuously used in Jewish tradition for over 3,000 years and is now popular in modern Israel.
Uri is a popular name in Israel and among Jewish communities worldwide. In English-speaking countries, it gained some recognition through Uri Geller, the Israeli-British illusionist and self-described psychic, though this association is not necessarily negative. The name is increasingly chosen by Jewish diaspora parents seeking authentic Hebrew names with a modern sound.
Light and fire hold profound spiritual significance throughout Jewish tradition. The Menorah (lamp) in the Temple, Shabbat candles, Hanukkah lights, and the Havdalah flame all embody this connection. A child named Uri inherits this luminous symbolism. The root or (light) appears in dozens of Hebrew names including Ori, Lior, Orly, and Meir.
Fun Facts
- Uri's root, the Hebrew word or meaning light, is one of the first words in the Bible (Bereishit 1:3: Let there be light)
- Uri Geller became internationally famous in the 1970s for his claimed psychic ability to bend spoons
- Bezalel, whose father Uri built the Tabernacle, is considered the first artist specifically commissioned by God in the Bible
Uri in Other Languages
Arabic
Noor (light, similar concept)
Hebrew
אוּרִי
Israeli
Uri
Yiddish
Uri
Famous People Named Uri
U
Uri Geller
Entertainer
1946
Israeli-British illusionist and self-described psychic, internationally famous for his claimed ability to bend spoons wi...
Israeli-British illusionist and self-described psychic, internationally famous for his claimed ability to bend spoons with his mind
U
Uri Avnery
Activist
1923
Israeli journalist, author, and peace activist, founder of the Gush Shalom peace movement
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #3,066
- Total SSA Count
- 40
- Cultural Origins
- Israeli Jewish Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Pairs Well With
Uri Elan
Uri Ben
Uri Or
Uri Ilan
Uri Amir
Uri Gal
Uri Niv
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Uri is also used as a girl name, ranked #9222.
View Uri as a girl name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
Can't decide?
Start a tournament bracket with Uri and other names you're considering.
Start a TournamentLike this name?
Check how Uri sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.
Analyze This NameExplore More Generators
-
🧝
Fantasy Name Generator
Create names for D&D and RPG characters
-
🐾
Pet Name Generator
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
-
🎭
Character Name Generator
Names for fictional characters across genres
Frequently Asked Questions About Uri
What does the name Uri mean?
"fire, light of God" (from Hebrew). Uri is a Hebrew name derived from the root or (אוּר), meaning light or flame. It appears in the Hebrew Bible as the name of two minor figures, including the father of Bezalel, the chief craftsman who built the Tabernacle in the wilderness as described in Exodus. The name has been continuously used in Jewish tradition for over 3,000 years and is now popular in modern Israel.
What is the origin of the name Uri?
Uri has Hebrew, Israeli, and Jewish origins. In Hebrew, it means "fire, light of God".
Is Uri a boy or girl name?
Uri is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #3066. As a girl name, it is ranked #9222. Uri is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Uri?
Uri is pronounced y-ER-ee.
How popular is the name Uri?
Uri is currently ranked #3066 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Uri?
Popular middle name pairings include Uri Elan, Uri Ben, Uri Or, Uri Ilan, Uri Amir, Uri Gal, and Uri Niv.
What are good sibling names for Uri?
Names that pair well with Uri as siblings include Ari, Noa, Tal, Ori, Maya, Lior, and Eden.
How many syllables does Uri have?
Uri has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Uri a common or rare name?
Uri is an uncommon name, ranked #3066 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Uri
Uri is a boy name with Israeli, Jewish, and Hebrew origins . The name means "fire, light of God" in Hebrew .
Is Uri a boy or girl name? Uri is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #3,066 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #9,222. Uri is more commonly used as a boy name.
Uri is currently ranked #3,066 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Uri has 2 syllables and is pronounced y-ER-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Uri include Uriel, Uriah, Urijah, Uriyah, Urias . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.