Rising since 2001, #5,608 for boys today.
Popularity of Abishai since 1995
Babies named Abishai per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 0 | 20 |
| 2000s | 0 | 60 |
| 2010s | 26 | 137 |
| 2020s | 0 | 116 |
Meaning & origin
Abishai is a biblical name that has maintained a steady presence in the United States since it first appeared in the Social Security records in 1995. As of 2025, it ranks approximately 5,608 in popularity, meaning about 1 in 106,755 boys receives the name. The name reached its peak year in 2024, and its trajectory has been rising since 2001, indicating growing if still modest interest. Abishai offers parents a name with strong Old Testament roots and a clear, distinctive sound, making it a choice that stands out without being unfamiliar. Its Hebrew etymology ('my father is a gift') adds a layer of personal meaning that resonates with many families.
Abishai is a biblical name from the Hebrew אֲבִישַׁי (Avishai), composed of 'av' meaning 'father' and 'shai' meaning 'gift'. In the Old Testament, Abishai was a nephew of King David and a loyal soldier in his army. The name has been used among Jewish communities for centuries and has seen occasional modern use in other cultures.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Avishai, Abishay
Sibling names for Abishai
Names that share Abishai's style, for a brother or sister.
