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Home › Baby Names Directory › Shamai

Shamai

♂ Boy

Pronounced shah-MY /ʃɑˈmaɪ/Medium

Meaning: Shamai is a Hebrew name most famous as that of Shammai, the great Talmudic sage and rival of Hillel. It is linked to the roots shem, 'name,' or shamayim, 'heavens.' A scholarly heritage name.Low

In 30 seconds: A sage's name: Shamai honors the Talmudic scholar Shammai, linked to 'name; heavens' (said 'shah-MY'). Learned and rooted.
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Origin MediumHebrew
MeaningShamai is a Hebrew name most famous as that of Shammai, the great Talmudic sage and rival of Hillel. It is linked to the roots shem, 'name,' or shamayim, 'heavens.' A scholarly heritage name.
U.S. rank (2024)#12089
2024 U.S. births6 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2024
Total births (all-time)≈ 6

History & Origin

Shamai is a Hebrew name borne most famously by Shammai, the Talmudic sage and counterpart of Hillel. It is linked to shem, 'name,' or shamayim, 'heavens.' A scholarly heritage name (said 'shah-MY').

It appears only rarely in U.S. records, most often in observant Jewish families. Rare, learned, and rooted.

Did you know? Shamai carries the name of Shammai — the great Talmudic sage whose debates with Hillel shaped Jewish law — a name of learning and tradition (said 'shah-MY').
Overall data confidence 50%
References — Shamai — Hebrew name; Talmudic sage Shammai; linked to 'name; heavens'

Variations

ShammaiShamayShammay

Nicknames

ShamMai

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Shamai…

Hillel— a like Talmudic-sage Hebrew name
Shlomie— a like observant Jewish pick
Schneur— a like scholarly heritage name
Sinai— shares the -ai ending
Shaddai— a fellow Hebrew choice

Explore names like Shamai

By themehebrewheritagetraditionalscholarly
By meaningSky / HeavenWisdom

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Shamai mean?

Shamai is a Hebrew name borne by the Talmudic sage Shammai, linked to 'name' or 'heavens.'

How do you pronounce Shamai?

It's said shah-MY /ʃɑˈmaɪ/ — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Shamai a boy or girl name?

Shamai is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Shamai?

Shamai is a rare name in the U.S., seen most in observant Jewish families.

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