What does Avishai mean and where does it come from?
Avishai (אֲבִישָׁי) is a Hebrew name that is a combination of 'avi' (אבי) meaning 'my father' and 'shai' (שי) meaning 'gift'. It appears in the Hebrew Bible as the name of one of King David’s nephews, a military commander. The name has been popular in Israel and among Jewish communities globally.
Cultural significance
Avishai has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Israel-speaking communities, where it reflects values of my father's gift.
Peak popularity
Reached #5682 in 2017 — currently #7329 in the US.
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Related Reading
Israel-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Avishai?
Avishai works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Avishai Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Avishai Rose
Floral · soft ending
Avishai Mae
Sweet · timeless
Avishai Claire
French influence · crisp
Avishai Jane
Literary · strong
Avishai Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Avishai right now?
Falling — down 2465 spots — currently #7329 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #7329 | 11 | ▼ down 2465 · -45% births |
| 2022 | #4864 | 20 | ▲ up 723 · +25% births |
| 2021 | #5587 | 16 | ▲ up 3484 · +100% births |
| 2020 | #9071 | 8 | ▼ down 2864 · -43% births |
| 2015 | #6207 | 14 | ▲ up 7013 · +180% births |
| 2010 | #13220 | 5 | ▼ down 7071 · -62% births |
| 2005 | #6149 | 13 | ▲ up 3875 · +117% births |
| 2000 | #10024 | 6 | — |
The story of Avishai
Avishai is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1996. With 206 total births recorded, Avishai remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #10024 in 2000 to #7329 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Avishai in 2017:
Avishai by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1990s | 12 | |
| 2000s | 73 | |
| 2010s ★ | 113 | |
| 2020s | 8 | |
💎Avishai has only 206 total recorded births since 1996 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Avishai?
What names sound and feel like Avishai?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Avishai also consider these
How is Avishai written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Avishai
What does the name Avishai mean?
Avishai means "My father's gift" — a name rooted in Israel tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Avishai?
Avishai is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Avishai?
Avishai originates from Israel tradition. Israel names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Avishai?
Avishai is a three-syllable name pronounced AA1 V IY2 SH AY1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Avishai?
Avishai pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Israel heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.