Chaim Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Chaim is a Hebrew name that means 'life', derived from the word 'chai'. The name has evolved from Biblical Hebrew to modern usage. It carries a positive connotation, reflecting the value of life in Jewish culture. While it does not have biblical relevance, it is historically significant, especially in Jewish communities. Variants include Chayim and Hyman, and it is associated with notable figures in Jewish history.
The name Chaim is most popular in New York, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Chaim has been stalled for male in MidWest, too falling for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Chaim' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 5372nd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1390th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1030th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 897th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 812th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 704th out of 23106 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 25632nd out of 27321 names. Discover how the name 'Chaim' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Chaim"
Pronunciation
/ˈχaɪ.ɪm/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Chaim is derived from the Hebrew word 'chai', which means 'life'. It is often associated with the Jewish belief in the value and sanctity of life.
Meaning
life
Language Evolution
Chaim (Hebrew), Chayim (Biblical Hebrew), Chai (Modern Hebrew)
Historical Usage
Chaim has been a common name among Jewish communities for centuries and gained popularity especially in the 19th and 20th centuries due to Jewish migrations and cultural revivals.
Variants & Derivatives
Chayim, Chaimon, Haime, Hyman
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Chaim is viewed positively within Jewish culture, symbolizing life and vitality. It remains a popular name among Jewish families.
Famous People
Chaim Weizmann - Zionist leader and first President of Israel, Chaim Potok - American author and rabbi, Chaim Soutine - French painter
Explore More Chaim Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Chaim"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Chaim"
"Chaim" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 5372nd of 6773 | 17 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1390th of 7552 | 592 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1030th of 10718 | 997 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 897th of 16616 | 1,970 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 812th of 24088 | 3,685 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 704th of 23106 | 4,386 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 25632nd of 27321 | 6 |
Regional Popularity of "Chaim" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- |
75.26% 1171st/1556 |
- | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
63.27% 1409th/2227 |
20.99% 510th/2430 |
- | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- |
12.00% 418th/3483 |
- | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- |
7.28% 326th/4475 |
47.75% 2480th/5194 |
52.49% 3316th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
54.60% 2502nd/4582 |
4.40% 227th/5164 |
36.41% 2663rd/7313 |
41.03% 3062nd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
45.91% 1829th/3984 |
3.94% 177th/4487 |
32.72% 2232nd/6822 |
49.11% 3082nd/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Chaim" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- |
100.00% 4475th/4475 |
- | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Chaim"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Chaim" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.