Chaim

A name that feels both lively and serious, Chaim was once more familiar as Hyman or Hymie. Now, the original form is on the rise, ranking in the Top 700 in the US, the Top 30 in Israel, and the Top 1000 in England and Wales in a recent year.

Bestselling author Chaim Potok, writer of The Chosen and The Promise, may have helped to familiarize more people with the name, while other notable bearers include actor Chaim Topol and French painter Chaïm Soutine.

Pronounced as KHA-yeem in Hebrew, it may sometimes be said as KHYME in English. Chayim, Haim, and Hyam are alternative forms of the name.

Chaim is also given to girls.

Pronounced KHY-im.

As of October 2026, Chaim ranked #9474 in US births in 1985 SSA.