Yair is a unique and distinctive given name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew word "yayar," which means "to enlighten" or "to illuminate." This name has deep roots in Jewish culture and history, with several notable figures throughout history sharing this name.
In the Bible, Yair was the son of Manasseh, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. He is mentioned in Genesis 50:23-24 as a brave and courageous leader who stood up against the threats posed by his brothers and their allies. This story has made Yair a symbol of strength and resilience among Jews.
Throughout history, many notable figures have carried the name Yair. One prominent example is Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a 2nd-century sage and author of the Zohar, a foundational work of Jewish mysticism. Another famous bearer of this name is Yair Lapid, an Israeli politician who served as Minister of Finance from 2013 to 2014.
Today, Yair remains a popular choice for boys' names among Jews around the world. Its unique sound and powerful meaning make it stand out, while its rich history ensures that it carries with it a sense of tradition and cultural significance.
The name Yair experienced a significant increase in popularity between the years 1976 and 2023, with a total of 4782 births recorded over this period. The number of births fluctuated annually, ranging from a low of 5 to a high of 311. A notable spike occurred around the late 1980s and early 1990s, with the highest peak in 1997 having 45 births. Since then, the popularity has somewhat stabilized, remaining consistently between 100 to 200 births per year.