"gift, wealthy"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
Yishai
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The biblical father of King David, a name of deep roots
Hebrew
Jewish
Israeli
Spiritual
Classic
Traditional
Literary
Earthy
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Meaning & Origin
"father of King David"
Origin: Biblical Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
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The Story of Yishai
Yishai (יִשַׁי) is the original Hebrew form of Jesse, the father of King David in the Hebrew Bible. The name's etymology is debated among scholars: some derive it from the Hebrew 'yesh' (יֵשׁ) meaning 'there is' or 'God exists,' while others connect it to 'yasha' meaning 'gift' or to a root meaning 'wealthy' or 'God's gift.' Whatever the etymology, Yishai carries enormous biblical weight as the father of the greatest king in Israelite history.
In Israel and among diaspora Jewish communities, Yishai has maintained steady use as a name deeply embedded in biblical tradition. It's most common among religious Jewish families who prefer original Hebrew biblical forms over their anglicized equivalents (Jesse). The name has seen renewed interest as Hebrew names gain appreciation for their depth and distinctiveness.
In Christian theology, the 'root of Jesse' (Isaiah 11:1) is a prophetic reference to the Messiah, making Yishai a name with profound significance in both Jewish and Christian traditions. Jesse's sons were anointed by the prophet Samuel, with David — the youngest — becoming Israel's greatest king. The 'Jesse Tree' is a traditional Christian Advent symbol.
Historical Record
Yishai first appeared in US Social Security records in 1990.
Over 413 babies have been named Yishai in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Yishai is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #5,942 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Yishai was the father of King David — meaning every descendant of David carries Yishai's bloodline
- The 'root of Jesse' appears in Isaiah 11:1 and is one of the most famous prophetic passages in the Hebrew Bible
- Jesse (the anglicized form) became a popular American name in the 19th century through outlaw Jesse James and later Jesse Owens
Yishai in Other Languages
Greek
Ιεσσαί
Latin
Isai
Arabic
إيشاي
Hebrew
יִשַׁי
English
Jesse
Popularity Over Time
#5,942
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Yishai
Y
Yishai Ribo
Musician
1985
Israeli singer-songwriter known for blending traditional Jewish liturgical music with modern pop
J
Jesse Owens
Athlete
1913
American track and field athlete who won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, defying Nazi racial ideology
J
Jesse (Yishai)
Other
Father of King David in the Hebrew Bible; a prosperous farmer and leader from Bethlehem in the tribe of Judah
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Compare Yishai with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #5,942
- Total SSA Count
- 15
- Cultural Origins
- Hebrew Jewish Israeli
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Low
Common Nicknames
Shai
Yish
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, Hebrew heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, literary style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, traditional style, extended 2-3 combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Hebrew heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Yishai
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Yishai
What does the name Yishai mean?
"gift, wealthy" (from Hebrew). "father of King David" (from Biblical Hebrew). Yishai (יִשַׁי) is the original Hebrew form of Jesse, the father of King David in the Hebrew Bible. The name's etymology is debated among scholars: some derive it from the Hebrew 'yesh' (יֵשׁ) meaning 'there is' or 'God exists,' while others connect it to 'yasha' meaning 'gift' or to a root meaning 'wealthy' or 'God's gift.' Whatever the etymology, Yishai carries enormous biblical weight as the father of the greatest king in Israelite history.
What is the origin of the name Yishai?
Yishai has Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew, Jewish, and Israeli origins. In Hebrew, it means "gift, wealthy". In Biblical Hebrew, it means "father of King David".
Is Yishai a boy or girl name?
Yishai is primarily used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Yishai?
Yishai is currently ranked #5942 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Yishai?
Common nicknames for Yishai include Shai and Yish.
What are good middle names for Yishai?
Popular middle name pairings include Yishai Ben, Yishai David, Yishai Avi, Yishai Noam, Yishai Eitan, Yishai Natan, and Yishai Or.
What are good sibling names for Yishai?
Names that pair well with Yishai as siblings include Ruth, Boaz, Rivka, Tamar, Calev, Naomi, and Shimon.
How many syllables does Yishai have?
Yishai has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Yishai a common or rare name?
Yishai is an uncommon name, ranked #5942 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Yishai
Yishai is a boy name with Hebrew, Jewish, and Israeli origins . The name means "gift, wealthy" in Hebrew .
Yishai is currently ranked #5,942 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Yishai has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Yishai include Shai and Yish. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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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