Bishoy

Bishoy is a male given name commonly used among Coptic Christians in Egypt and the diaspora. It is the Arabic form of the name associated with Saint Bishoy (Abba Bishoy), a revered early Christian monk and desert father in the Coptic Orthodox tradition. The name has several transliteration variants, including Pishoy, Pisho, and Bishoi, reflecting differences in rendering Coptic and Greek sounds into Latin script.

Saint Bishoy is traditionally dated to the late 3rd and early 4th centuries and is associated with the monastic movement in the Scetes region near the Nile Delta. He is regarded as a foundational figure in Egyptian monasticism, and his memory is honored in Coptic liturgy and tradition. The Monastery of Saint Bishoy (Deir Abu Bishoy) at Wadi El Natrun is named for him and remains one of the most important centers of Egyptian monasticism, attracting pilgrims and scholars interested in early Christian ascetic life.

In modern times, Bishoy continues to be used as a given name within Coptic communities and across Arabic-speaking regions, with the spelling varying by personal or regional preference. Within church contexts, the name may also appear as part of titles for clergy, such as Anba Bishoy, reflecting its ongoing religious and cultural significance. The name thus spans historical veneration and contemporary identity across multiple communities.