Uri

♂ Boy

Pronounced OO-ree /ˈuː.ri/High

Meaning: Hebrew name from ur meaning fire or light; Uri means my light or my flame, also the short form of Uriel meaning God is my lightHigh

In 30 seconds: Uri is a Hebrew name meaning my light, from the root ur (fire, light). A short, luminous name with deep biblical roots, it is widely used in Israel and among Jewish communities worldwide, projecting spiritual brightness.

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Origin HighHebrew

MeaningHebrew name from ur meaning fire or light; Uri means my light or my flame, also the short form of Uriel meaning God is my light

U.S. rank (2024)#3089 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births40 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2023

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,212

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Uri (אוּרִי) is a classic Hebrew masculine name derived from ur (אוּר), meaning fire or light. In the Hebrew Bible, Uri is the father of Bezalel (Exodus 31:2), the supremely gifted craftsman appointed by God to construct the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary of the Israelites in the wilderness. The name therefore carries associations of divine inspiration and creative mastery.

Uri has been continuously used in Jewish communities and is extremely popular in modern Israel. It is also recognized internationally as the first name of Uri Geller, the Israeli illusionist famous for claimed psychic abilities. The name's brevity and spiritual luminosity make it appealing across Jewish denominations and increasingly among non-Jewish parents who appreciate Hebrew names.

Did you know? Uri appears in the Hebrew Bible as the father of Bezalel, the master craftsman chosen by God to build the Tabernacle in the desert — making Uri a name associated with divine artistry and sacred creation.

Overall data confidence 95%

Brown, Driver & Briggs Hebrew Lexicon — ur root meaning fire/lightHebrew Bible — Exodus 31:2 — Uri father of Bezalel

Variations

UrielUrieUry

Nicknames

Famous Bearers

★Uri Geller (1946–present)
Israeli-British illusionist and self-proclaimed psychic internationally famous for his television spoon-bending demonstrations and claimed paranormal abilities.

If you like Uri…

Ari— short Hebrew name with similar Israeli popularity and spiritual feel

Lev— brief Hebrew name of same lyrical brevity and Jewish heritage

Eli— short Hebrew biblical name with same warmth and international appeal

Oz— another short Hebrew name meaning strength, same Israeli naming style

Frequently Asked

What does the name Uri mean?

Uri means my light or my flame, from the Hebrew root ur meaning fire or light.

How do you pronounce Uri?

Uri is pronounced OO-ree, with two syllables and stress on the first.

Is Uri a boy or girl name?

Uri is a boys name.

How popular is Uri?

Uri is a popular name in Israel and well recognized in Jewish communities worldwide. It is a rare but distinctive choice in English-speaking countries.