Itay

♂ Boy

Pronounced ee-TIE /iˈtaɪ/Medium

Meaning: The modern Hebrew Itay, from the biblical Ittai — Ittai the Gittite, a foreign-born commander who refused to leave King David during Absalom's revolt, declaring he would go wherever the king went. The name is often read as 'with me,' though its exact root is not firmly settled, which we note.Low

In 30 seconds: A name of loyalty: Itay recalls Ittai, who refused to leave King David's side (said 'ee-TIE'). Steadfast and warm.

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Origin MediumHebrew

MeaningThe modern Hebrew Itay, from the biblical Ittai — Ittai the Gittite, a foreign-born commander who refused to leave King David during Absalom's revolt, declaring he would go wherever the king went. The name is often read as 'with me,' though its exact root is not firmly settled, which we note.

U.S. rank (2023)#10132 ↘ Falling

2023 U.S. births7 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2018

Total births (all-time)≈ 174

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

Itay is a modern Hebrew name from the biblical Ittai. Ittai the Gittite was a foreign-born commander who, when Absalom's revolt drove David from Jerusalem, refused the king's offer to go home and pledged to follow him wherever he went — one of the great small acts of loyalty in scripture. The name is often read as 'with me,' though its root is not firmly settled, which we note. Very common in Israel today, rare in the U.S. (said 'ee-TIE').

It appears rarely in the U.S., far more common in Israel. Rare here, steadfast, and warm.

Did you know? Ittai the Gittite was a foreigner in David's service who, when the king fled Jerusalem, refused to turn back — 'wherever my lord the king shall be, there also will your servant be.' Itay carries that loyalty (said 'ee-TIE').

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Itay — Hebrew; biblical Ittai the Gittite; root not firmly settled

Variations

IttaiItaiEtai

Nicknames

ItiTay

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Itay mean?

Itay comes from the biblical Ittai, the Gittite who refused to leave King David. It is often read as 'with me,' though the root is not firmly settled.

How do you pronounce Itay?

It's said ee-TIE /iˈtaɪ/ — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Itay a boy or girl name?

Itay is a boy's name.

How popular is Itay?

Itay is rare in the U.S. and far more common in Israel.