Rising since 1987, #1,030 for boys today.
Popularity of Shai since 1968
Babies named Shai per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1960s | 11 | 0 |
| 1970s | 64 | 34 |
| 1980s | 86 | 80 |
| 1990s | 450 | 254 |
| 2000s | 349 | 354 |
| 2010s | 342 | 570 |
| 2020s | 569 | 1,177 |
Meaning & origin
Shai is a short, modern-sounding name that has seen a steady rise in popularity since 1987. In 2025, it ranked 1030th in the United States, with a 1-in-7945 occurrence rate. Its peak year was 2023, suggesting growing appeal. The name is most common in Connecticut, Maryland, and New Jersey, reflecting a concentration in the northeastern United States. Shai's origins are debated: it may be a Hebrew name meaning 'gift', or a modern coinage. Its simplicity and unisex nature contribute to its contemporary charm.
Shai may derive from the Hebrew word 'shai' (שַׁי), meaning 'gift' or 'present', making it a unisex name in Hebrew. Alternatively, it may be a modern invented name or a variant of names like Shay or Shae. As a Hebrew name, it has been used in Israel for both boys and girls. Its use in English-speaking countries is more recent, often as a short form or independent name.
Where Shai is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Shai” around the world
Where Shai lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Shai
Names that share Shai's style, for a brother or sister.
