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Home › Baby Names Directory › Chai

Chai

♀ Girl

Pronounced CHY /ˈtʃaɪ/High

Meaning: Chai is a word-name from the spiced tea (Hindi chai, ultimately from Chinese), and separately the Hebrew word chai, meaning 'life' and a symbol in Jewish tradition. Both routes are noted.Low

In 30 seconds: A warm one-beat name: Chai is the spiced tea and, in Hebrew, means 'life' (said 'CHY'). Both routes noted.
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Origin LowHindi, Hebrew
MeaningChai is a word-name from the spiced tea (Hindi chai, ultimately from Chinese), and separately the Hebrew word chai, meaning 'life' and a symbol in Jewish tradition. Both routes are noted.
U.S. rank (2025)#8468 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births12 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2020
Total births (all-time)≈ 263

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202019772025

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Chai is a word-name from the spiced tea (Hindi chai) and, separately, the Hebrew word chai meaning 'life' — a treasured symbol in Jewish culture. Both routes are noted (said 'CHY').

For girls in the U.S. it appears only rarely. Short, warm, and meaningful.

Did you know? Chai carries two meanings — the cozy spiced tea and the Hebrew word chai, 'life', a cherished symbol in Jewish tradition. A short, warm pick said 'CHY'.
Overall data confidence 42%
References — Chai — Tea word-name / Hebrew 'chai' meaning 'life'

Variations

ChayaChaimChae

Nicknames

Chai-ChaiCha

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Chai…

Chaya— a like Hebrew 'life' cousin
Maya— a similar warm short pick
Tia— a like breezy one-word name
Kai— a similar crisp single-beat name

Explore names like Chai

By themeword-nameshortmeaningfulmulticultural
By meaningLife

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Chai mean?

Chai is a word-name for the spiced tea, and in Hebrew means 'life'; both routes are noted.

How do you pronounce Chai?

It's said CHY /ˈtʃaɪ/ — one syllable, rhyming with 'sky'.

Is Chai a boy or girl name?

Here Chai is used as a girl's name; it can be used across sexes.

How popular is Chai?

Chai is a very rare name for girls in the U.S.

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