אוֹרִי
Ori / Ori
“My light”
Ori (אוֹרִי, Ori) is a Hebrew boy's name meaning “my light,” pronounced “o-RI.” From Hebrew אוֹר (or, 'light') + the possessive suffix -i ('my'). The word 'or' is one of the most significant in the Hebrew Bible — it was the first thing God created (Genesis 1:3) and represents divine presence, truth, and salvation throughout Scripture.
| Hebrew | אוֹרִי |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Ori |
| English Name | Ori |
| Meaning | My light |
| Pronunciation | o-RI |
| Gender | Boy |
| Category | Modern Hebrew Names |
| Variants | Or, Orit, Oriya, Uriel |
| Key Scripture | Psalm 27:1 |
Ori is a name of pure radiance — 'my light' — derived from one of the first words God ever spoke: 'Let there be light' (Genesis 1:3). In Hebrew, 'or' (אוֹר) is light, and the possessive suffix -i makes it personal: 'my light.' The Psalms are filled with light imagery: 'The LORD is my light (ori) and my salvation — whom shall I fear?' (Psalm 27:1). Light in Hebrew thought is not merely physical illumination — it represents truth, wisdom, divine presence, and the goodness of creation. To name a child Ori is to declare that they carry light within them — a personal, possessive light that belongs to them as part of their identity. In modern Israel, Ori is a beloved name that combines spiritual depth with a sleek, contemporary feel.
Key Scripture: Psalm 27:1
“The LORD is my light (ori) and my salvation — whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life — of whom shall I be afraid?”
What Does Ori Mean in Hebrew?
אוֹרִי (Ori) combines אוֹר (or, 'light') with the first-person possessive suffix י (i, 'my'). The root א-ו-ר (aleph-vav-resh) produces 'or' (light), 'me'ir' (illuminating), 'orah' (light/joy), and 'ha'arah' (illumination). The name is related to Uriel (אוּרִיאֵל, 'God is my light'), and Psalm 27:1 uses the exact word: 'YHWH ori' — 'the LORD is my light.'
Ori in the Bible
While Ori as a name is modern, 'or' (light) is foundational in Scripture. Light was the first creation (Genesis 1:3), light and darkness are moral metaphors throughout the Psalms and Prophets, and the messianic age is described as a time when 'the LORD will be your everlasting light' (Isaiah 60:19). Psalm 27:1 — 'The LORD is my light (ori)' — uses the exact word.
Cultural Context & Modern Usage
Light (or) holds special significance in Jewish life: Shabbat candles, Hanukkah lights, the Ner Tamid (eternal flame) in synagogues, and the creation of light as God's first act all elevate 'or' to a sacred concept. Naming a child Ori connects them to this rich web of light symbolism that runs through every aspect of Jewish observance.
Ori is among the top 20 boys' names in Israel and is gaining international recognition. Its short, bright sound and beautiful meaning appeal across cultures. The name has also gained visibility through media and entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ori
What does Ori mean in Hebrew?
Ori (אוֹרִי, Ori) means “My light” in Hebrew. From Hebrew אוֹר (or, 'light') + the possessive suffix -i ('my'). The word 'or' is one of the most significant in the Hebrew Bible — it was the first thing God created (Genesis 1:3) and represents divine presence, truth, and salvation throughout Scripture.
How do you pronounce Ori in Hebrew?
The Hebrew pronunciation of Ori is “o-RI.” The name is written אוֹרִי in Hebrew script.
What does Ori mean in Hebrew?
Ori (אוֹרִי) means 'my light' in Hebrew, from 'or' (light) with the possessive 'my.' It echoes Psalm 27:1: 'The LORD is my light (ori) and my salvation.' Light in Hebrew represents divine presence, truth, salvation, and the goodness of creation — making Ori a name that carries profound spiritual symbolism in its two syllables.
Is Ori a popular name in Israel?
Yes — Ori is among the top 20 boys' names in Israel. Its bright, positive meaning, simple pronunciation, and connection to the foundational biblical concept of light make it a favorite. It represents the modern Israeli trend toward short, meaningful Hebrew names with deep spiritual roots.
Is Ori related to the name Uriel?
Yes — both names share the root 'or' (light). Ori means 'my light,' while Uriel (אוּרִיאֵל) means 'God is my light' — adding the divine element 'El.' Uriel is the name of an archangel in Jewish tradition. Ori is the shorter, more modern form that retains the light imagery without the theophoric element.
Sources & Further Study
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