Avi

♂ Boy

Pronounced AH-vee /ˈɑː.vi/High

Meaning: Hebrew short form meaning 'my father', from the root av (father); used independently and as a short form of names like Avraham (Abraham) or Avigail (Abigail)High

In 30 seconds: Avi is a bright two-syllable Hebrew name meaning my father, used as a standalone name and short form of Abraham or related names in Israeli and Jewish culture. Its warmth and simplicity make it widely appealing.

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Origin HighHebrew

MeaningHebrew short form meaning 'my father', from the root av (father); used independently and as a short form of names like Avraham (Abraham) or Avigail (Abigail)

U.S. rank (2025)#832 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births297 boys (0.02% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2022

Total births (all-time)≈ 6,085

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Avi comes from the Hebrew av, meaning 'father'. The suffix -i in Hebrew creates a possessive, so Avi means 'my father'. It appears as a prefix in many biblical Hebrew names: Avraham (Abraham, 'father of a multitude'), Avigail (Abigail, 'my father is joy'), and Avishai (Abishai, 'my father is a gift'). Avi is used in Israel both as a standalone name and as a familiar short form.

In Israel, Avi became established as an independent given name in the 20th century, reflecting a broader movement in Israeli naming culture toward short, modern Hebrew names that were connected to the language's roots while feeling contemporary. Outside Israel, Avi is used in Jewish communities globally and has gained modest appeal among non-Jewish families who appreciate its warm sound and clear meaning.

Did you know? Avi is one of the most common boys names in modern Israel, reflecting Hebrew naming culture's preference for names with direct, clear meanings rooted in the sacred language — in this case, the fundamental concept of fatherhood.

Overall data confidence 91%

Behind the Name — Avi — Hebrew etymology and Israeli usageU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

AvieAvy

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Avi Arad (1948–present)
Israeli-American film producer known for producing numerous Marvel films including the Spider-Man and X-Men franchises.

If you like Avi…

Eli— same short, two-syllable Hebrew name with warm simplicity

Ira— shares the Hebrew origin and the quiet, literary two-syllable feel

Ori— fellow short Hebrew name meaning something bright and elemental

Ezra— same Hebrew biblical roots and two-syllable Israeli feel

Frequently Asked

What does the name Avi mean?

Avi means my father in Hebrew, from the root av (father), and is used independently and as a short form of names like Abraham.

How do you pronounce Avi?

It is said AH-vee, with two syllables.

Is Avi a Jewish name?

Avi is a Hebrew name widely used in Israel and Jewish communities globally.

Is Avi a popular name?

Avi is common in Israel and is used by Jewish families worldwide; it is less common but recognized in general U.S. naming.