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Shiloh vs Shai

Which is more popular?
Shiloh is more popular than Shai today: about 1,098 US babies were given the name Shiloh in 2025, compared with 0 named Shai.
ShilohShai
Meaning tranquil, place of rest (disputed) gift
Origin hebrew hebrew
Gender Unisex Unisex
Pronunciation SHY-loh SHY
Syllables 2 1
First appeared19690
Peak year2024 (1,222)2023 (224)
In 20251,0980
TrendNear its peakRising
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Shiloh Shai
198020002020

Source: US Social Security Administration.

Births by decade

DecadeShilohShai
2020s 5,824 1,177
2010s 5,057 570
2000s 2,082 354
1990s 852 254
1980s 650 80
1970s 647 34
1960s 5 0

What does Shiloh mean?

Etymology unsettled. Most often read 'tranquil, peaceful, place of rest,' linked to the sanctuary town Shiloh and a root sh-l-h. The cryptic term in Genesis 49:10 is alternatively read shelo, 'he whose it is' (taken messianically). The popular gloss 'his gift' is not well supported. Hedge as disputed; used for both sexes in modern practice.

What does Shai mean?

From Hebrew shai 'gift'. The 'gift' meaning is widely cited, though the origin is disputed: some sources derive the name instead as a diminutive of Yeshayahu (Isaiah), 'God is salvation'.

Frequently asked questions

Is Shiloh or Shai more popular?

Shiloh is more popular than Shai today: about 1,098 US babies were given the name Shiloh in 2025, compared with 0 named Shai.

What is the difference between Shiloh and Shai?

Shiloh means tranquil, place of rest (disputed) (hebrew origin), while Shai means gift (hebrew origin).

Which name is older, Shiloh or Shai?

In US records, Shiloh first appears in 1969 and Shai in 0, so Shai has the longer recorded history.