Rabi is a name of Hebrew origin, derived from the root word "rav," which means "many." It is often translated to mean "great" or "abundant."
The name Rabi first appears in the Old Testament of the Bible, where it is used as an epithet for King David. In 2 Samuel 5:8, it is stated that David took the stronghold of Zion, which is also called the city of David. This verse uses the phrase "Rabi ha'ir," which translates to "the great city."
Throughout history, the name Rabi has been used by various individuals, both within the Jewish community and beyond. One notable figure was Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a prominent sage and mystic in Judaism who lived during the 2nd century CE. He is credited with authoring the Zohar, a foundational text of Jewish mystical tradition.
Today, Rabi continues to be used as a given name for boys within the Jewish community and beyond. It is often chosen for its strong and powerful associations, reflecting its biblical origins and historical significance. Despite its Hebrew roots, the name has gained popularity worldwide, transcending religious and cultural boundaries.
According to the United States Social Security Administration's data on popular baby names, the name Rabi experienced a small increase in usage during the early 1990s. In 1990, there were 5 births where the given name was Rabi. Three years later, in 1993, this number grew to 7 births. This represents an increase of two births over the three-year period.
Overall, from 1990 to 1993, a total of 12 babies were named Rabi at birth in the United States during these four years.