Yishai is the Hebrew form of Jesse — variously read as 'a gift' and 'the Lord exists; my husband' (linked to yesh, 'there is'; routes layered, which we note). In the Bible Yishai (Jesse) was the father of King David. A lyrical, biblical Hebrew name (said 'yee-SHY'; nickname Yish).

In the U.S. it appears in Jewish and devout families. Rare, a-gift-or-the-Lord-exists at the root, and biblical.

Did you know? Jesse comes from the Hebrew Yishai, variously 'a gift' and 'the Lord exists' (linked to yesh, 'there is') — the father of King David — a lyrical, biblical Hebrew name (the routes are layered, which we note; said 'yee-SHY').

Overall data confidence 60%

Behind the Name — Jesse — routes layered

Variations

JesseYshaiIshai

Nicknames

Yish

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Yishai…

Jesse— the English form

Yonatan— a sound-neighbor Hebrew boys' name

Eitan— another Hebrew boys' name

Isai— another biblical pick

Zaccai— a similarly popular pick

Explore names like Yishai

By themeuncertain hebrew biblical gift

By meaningGod / Divine Gift / Blessing

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Yishai mean?

Yishai is the Hebrew Jesse — variously 'a gift' and 'the Lord exists'; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Yishai?

It's said yee-SHY /jiˈʃaɪ/ — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Yishai a boy or girl name?

Yishai is a boy's name.

How popular is Yishai?

Yishai is a rare name in the U.S.