Shammai

Hebrew

"name"

Shammai Origin and Meaning

The name Shammai is a boy's name.

Shammai is a masculine name of Hebrew origin with deep historical and religious significance in Judaism. It refers to the famous Jewish scholar Shammai who lived in the 1st century BCE and was known for his strict interpretation of Jewish law. He founded the House of Shammai, one of two major schools of thought in Rabbinic Judaism. The name itself may derive from the Hebrew word 'shama,' meaning 'to hear' or 'to listen.' Shammai remains relatively uncommon as a given name outside of Jewish communities with strong traditional ties. Those bearing this name carry the connection to an important historical figure associated with scholarship, religious devotion, and principled interpretation of religious texts.

Famous People Named Shammai

• Shammai descendant of patriarch Judah (1 Chr. 2:44)
• Shammai 1st century Jewish scholar of the Mishnah