Avishai is a Hebrew male given name that means "my father is my strength." The name originates from the Biblical story of Gideon who receives this message from an angel during his trial of faith. In the story, God sends an angel to speak with Gideon, who initially addresses him as "Sir," but the angel corrects him and says, "Peace be unto you; fear not, for thou shalt not die." Then, the angel tells Gideon that he will have a son named Avishai, which means "my father is my strength."
Throughout history, several prominent figures in Jewish culture have borne this name. For instance, there was Avishai the son of Zeruiah, who was one of David's mighty men and the brother of Joab (1 Chronicles 2:16). There was also Avishai Cohen, an Israeli jazz bass player known for his virtuosic technique and his ability to blend musical styles from around the world.
Overall, Avishai is a name with deep roots in Jewish history and culture, carrying with it a powerful message of strength and divine protection.
The name Avishai experienced a significant increase in popularity over time, with a steady rise from the late 90s to its peak in recent years. Between 2020 and 2023 alone, there were a total of 65 births, marking a substantial jump compared to previous decades.