Shai

♂ Boy

Pronounced SHY /ʃaɪ/High

Meaning: Gift; from Hebrew shai (gift, present, offering)High

In 30 seconds: A Hebrew name meaning 'gift,' from the same root as the biblical concept of bringing gifts or offerings. Short, bright, and confident — known to basketball fans as the first name of NBA star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

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Origin HighHebrew

MeaningGift; from Hebrew shai (gift, present, offering)

U.S. rank (2025)#1032 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births215 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2023

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,469

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

Shai derives from Hebrew shai (gift, offering), related to the act of bringing gifts. It is used as a given name in Israel and Jewish communities. The name appears in the phrase 'bring shai' (bring gifts) in biblical-era Hebrew.

Shai ranked #1086 for boys in 2024, boosted by NBA star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Did you know? Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (born 2000), the Canadian-Trinidadian NBA star known as SGA, has revived this Hebrew name's profile for an entirely new generation — his distinctive name has become one of basketball's most recognizable.

Overall data confidence 92%

Behind the Name — Shai — Hebrew etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

ShayShaye

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (1998–present)
Canadian NBA basketball player for the Oklahoma City Thunder, known as SGA. An NBA MVP and 2025 NBA Finals MVP and champion.

If you like Shai…

Shay— one-syllable Irish name with the same crisp sound

Shae— -ae spelling of the same sound

Avi— Hebrew one-syllable name (father) with the same Jewish heritage

Eli— Hebrew one-syllable biblical name with the same quiet strength

Explore names like Shai

By themehebrew one-syllable jewish israeli gift basketball

By meaningGift / Blessing

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Shai mean?

Shai means 'gift' in Hebrew, from shai (offering, gift).

How do you pronounce Shai?

It's said SHY — one syllable, rhyming with 'sky.'

Is Shai a boy or girl name?

Shai is used primarily as a boys' name.

How popular is Shai?

Shai ranked #1086 for U.S. boys in 2024.