Shem
The Israeli Names Portal

חי


Meaning of the name חי

Chai is a short yet profoundly meaningful Hebrew name that expresses the very essence of life itself. The name carries a fundamental and simple significance - 'Chai' means life, existence, breath, and vitality. It is one of the shortest and most meaningful names in Hebrew, composed of only two letters yet carrying an entire world of meanings. The name appears in Jewish culture as a central symbol, especially in the famous expression 'Am Yisrael Chai' (The People of Israel Lives) and in the Chai symbol (חי) whose gematria value of 18 is considered good luck and a blessing. The root of the name Chai is connected to the verb 'to live,' and it appears throughout the Bible and Hebrew literature as an expression of life, existence, and continuity. During the Talmudic period and the Middle Ages, the name Chai was common among Sephardic and Middle Eastern Jews, carrying a traditional and warm character. The name conveys optimism, connection to life, hope, and generational continuity. It expresses the central Jewish value of 'L'Chaim' - the traditional toast that has accompanied the Jewish people for generations. In contemporary culture, the name Chai carries a dual significance - on one hand, it is an ancient traditional name that connects to roots, and on the other hand, it is a modern, short name that suits the spirit of the times. Parents who choose this name express their desire to connect their child to the values of life, optimism, and hope. The name reminds us of the importance of life itself, the beauty of existence, and the blessing in every moment. It is a name that evokes warm feelings, closeness to tradition, and a sense of belonging to the people and the rich Hebrew culture.

The name חי with vowels

חַי

The name חי in English

Chai | Hai | Chay

חי is mainly suitable for

Boy

Is the name חי considered international

No

Origin of the name חי from the Bible

Exodus 3:14 - And God said unto Moses: 'I AM THAT I AM'

Origin of the name חי from Kabbalah

In Kabbalah, the name Chai symbolizes the divine vitality revealed in creation. The number 18 (Chai) is considered a sacred number representing the flow of divine abundance into the world. The name expresses the life-giving force of creation and the eternal connection between the Creator and His creation, symbolizing the spiritual and physical continuity of the Jewish people.

Gematria value for the name חי

18

=

8

ח

+

10

י

Numerology value for the name חי

9

=

8

ח

+

10

י

=

18

=

1

+

8

=

9

Famous people named חי

Hai Adiv - Israeli actor | Hai Davidov - artist and musician | Hai Cohen - businessman and philanthropist

Names similar to חי

Total times the name חי was registered

1813 times

Graph of the name חי

* Source: Central Bureau of Statistics. As of April 2022

חי — Name Meaning | שֵׁם