Ilai

Origin

The name 'Ilai' originates from Hebrew roots, coming from the biblical context where it appears as a name in the Old Testament. It is a variant spelling of 'Ilai,' meaning 'My God is Yahweh.' The phonetic pronunciation in Hebrew is /iˈlaːi/. In Australian contexts, the name has been adopted occasionally due to multicultural influences, particularly from Jewish communities and linguistic adaptations.

Meaning

Literal translation: 'My God is Yahweh.' In Australian English contexts, it connotes a spiritual or divine connection, often admired for its melodic sound and religious significance.

Pronunciation

/ˈilaɪ/ (Australian English pronunciation, stress on the first syllable) .In Hebrew, it’s /iˈlaːi/.Implementation: The 'Ilai' name is pronounced with a long 'i' and a slight glide at the end, reflecting its Hebrew pronunciation adapted to Australian English.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 20 July (Feast of Saint Ilai)
• 25 December (Christmas Day, sometimes used for baptisms and religious celebrations in Jewish communities)
• Māori Matariki celebrations (dates vary, related to the Māori New Year, acknowledging ancestors and culture)

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with ilai:

• James and Ilai (classic pairing in Australia)
• Charlotte and Ilai (modern and harmonious)
• Oliver and Ilai (popular Australian names)

Fun Facts

• 'Ilai' is occasionally used as a given name for boys in Australia, especially among multicultural families.
• The name appears in historical biblical texts, albeit rarely, and has seen revival with increased interest in biblical and traditional names.
• In contemporary Australia, the name 'Ilai' is considered unique and culturally rich, often chosen by parents seeking meaningful and distinctive names.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name ilai:

• spiritual
• melodic
• traditional
• unique
• thoughtful

Aesthetic Qualities

The name has a soft, melodic visual appeal, with symmetrical spelling and gentle phonetic flow, making it attractive for modern Australian naming tastes.

Geographical Distribution

More common among Jewish communities in Melbourne and Sydney, with minor presence noted in multicultural and religious schools nationwide. No significant regional concentration beyond these communities.

Numerological Significance

Name number 3, associated with creativity, communication, and joy. This number is considered auspicious for expressive and charismatic personalities in numerology.

Astrological Connections

Corresponds with the Gemini and Pisces zodiac signs, reflecting traits of adaptability, emotional depth, and intellectual curiosity, often linked to the planetary influences of Mercury and Neptune.

Historical Context

Biblically, Ilai was a prince of the tribe of Dan, mentioned in the Old Testament. The name has been used sporadically in historical records of Jewish communities in Australia, though it remains rare. Modern Australian writers and artists have occasionally used the name in personal branding to evoke cultural depth.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name adapts smoothly across languages; in Latin-based languages, it retains its phonetic form, while in non-Latin scripts, phonetic transliterations vary (e.g., Илай in Cyrillic).

Famous People Named ilai

• Ilai Gerner (Israeli jazz musician)
• Ilai Shalgi (Israeli historian)
• Ilai Tabib (Australian artist)

Popularity in Australia