Find out how popular the first name Uri has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Uri by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Uri is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 89% of people named Uri being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 60 male babies and 11 female babies born with the name Uri.

The history of the first name Uri

The name Uri has its origins in the Hebrew language and can be traced back to ancient times. It is derived from the Hebrew word "ur," meaning "light" or "flame," suggesting a connection to brightness, illumination, and perhaps even divine radiance.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Uri can be found in the Hebrew Bible, where it is mentioned as the name of a gatekeeper in the Book of Ezra (7:10). This reference dates back to around the 5th century BCE, during the post-exilic period of Jewish history.

In ancient Jewish and Israeli culture, the name Uri was sometimes associated with the idea of enlightenment or spiritual guidance. Some scholars believe it may have been used as a symbolic name for individuals who were considered wise or knowledgeable.

Throughout history, there have been several notable figures who bore the name Uri. One of the earliest was Uri ben Hur, a biblical figure mentioned in the Book of Ezra (10:24) as one of the Israelites who had taken foreign wives during the Babylonian exile.

In the 1st century CE, Uri ben Shmuel was a prominent Jewish scholar and member of the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish legal and ecclesiastical court during the Roman period. His teachings and interpretations of Jewish law were highly influential.

Another historical figure was Uri Cohen, a 13th-century Jewish philosopher and kabbalist from Spain. He was known for his works on Jewish mysticism and his contributions to the development of Kabbalah.

In more recent times, Uri Geller, born in 1946, is an Israeli-British illusionist and self-proclaimed psychic who gained significant fame in the 1970s for his claimed ability to bend spoons and other metal objects with his mind.

Uri Avnery, who lived from 1923 to 2018, was an Israeli writer, journalist, and peace activist. He was a prominent figure in the Israeli peace movement and a vocal advocate for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

These are just a few examples of individuals throughout history who have carried the name Uri, showcasing its longevity and cultural significance within the Jewish and Israeli traditions.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Uri was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Uri, please contact us.

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