Shai

שַׁי

• Gender: Unisex
• Origin: Modern Hebrew
• Meaning: gift

• In Hebrew, Shai simply means "gift" — and that directness is exactly what makes it so appealing. It belongs to the beloved tradition of short, punchy Hebrew names that pack enormous meaning into very few letters. Josh Peck, who has spoken proudly about being "100% Ashkenazi Jewish," chose Shai for his son, proving this little name carries real weight.

  Fun fact: Nobel laureate S.Y. Agnon's first name was Shmuel Yosef, but he was widely known by his nickname Shai, proving this name can carry enormous literary stature. It ages beautifully from a toddler to a CEO, and its gender-neutral appeal makes it endlessly versatile. All that meaning in just four letters — Shai delivers.

• Alternate Spellings: Shay
• Potential Sibling Name:
  Revital
  ,
  Sigal
  ,
  Dar
  ,
  Tzlil
• Theme: blessing