Chaim

Chaim is a masculine given name of Hebrew origin. It derives from the Hebrew word chai, meaning life, and traditionally conveys the idea of vitality or living. The name appears in Jewish liturgy and is common in Hebrew-speaking communities and in the diaspora. Variants in spelling include Chaim, Haim, Chayim, and Khayim, with Chayim and Haim often used in Yiddish or transliterations from Hebrew.

Chaim is a traditional name in Jewish culture, used across Ashkenazi and Sephardi communities and in modern Israel. It is sometimes chosen to honor relatives or historical figures, and it has given rise to compound names such as Chaim-Leib or Chaim-Yosef. The word chai also appears as a common Jewish symbol for life, often used in jewelry and art.

Notable people named Chaim include Chaim Potok, American author and rabbi; Chaim Weizmann, chemist and first President of Israel; Chaim Herzog, Israeli president and general; Chaim Topol, Israeli actor known as Topol; and Chaim Saban, Israeli-American media entrepreneur.