Chayim

Chayim is a male given name of Hebrew origin. It is commonly transliterated as Chaim, Hayim, or Haim. The name derives from the Hebrew word chayyim (חַיִּים), meaning “life.” As with many Hebrew names, it embodies a blessing or wish for vitality, and the related expression “L’chaim” means “to life,” a common toast at Jewish celebrations.

The name has been widely used among Jewish communities for centuries and remains common in Israel and the diaspora. Variants reflect regional pronunciation and transliteration, with spellings such as Chayim, Chaim, Hayim, and Haim in use. While primarily a given name, it appears in religious and literary contexts within Hebrew and Yiddish texts.

Notable people named Chayim include Chaim Potok (1929–2002), an American Jewish novelist; Chaim Weizmann (1874–1952), a chemist who became the first President of Israel; Chaim Herzog (1918–1997), an Israeli president and former general; and Chaim Topol (1935–2023), an Israeli actor best known for his role in Fiddler on the Roof. The name continues to be used in modern Israeli society and among Jewish communities worldwide.