Tzvi is a Hebrew masculine given name meaning "deer" or "fawn". It comes from the word צבי (tzvi), which is derived from the root צ-ב-י (ts-b-y), meaning "to shine" or "to glow". The name Tzvi has been used for centuries among Jewish communities, particularly in Eastern Europe and Israel.
The name Tzvi is often associated with the biblical figure of Tsivi, who was a son of Yaakov (Jacob) and Leah. In Genesis 29:35, it is stated that "And she bare also a son, whose name was Tsivi," which can be translated as "deer." This connection has contributed to the popularity of the name among Jewish families.
In Jewish tradition, the deer is seen as a symbol of grace, speed, and beauty. The Talmud compares the righteous to deer, stating that they run quickly in the performance of mitzvot (good deeds). Thus, giving a boy the name Tzvi reflects the hope that he will grow up to be swift and graceful in his actions, and shine brightly like the deer.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Tzvi. Among them is Tzvi Hirsch Shapira, an 18th-century Ashkenazi rabbi known for his scholarly works on Jewish law and ethics. Another notable figure is Tzvi Nussim, a leading Yemenite Jewish scholar and poet from the 19th century.
Today, Tzvi remains a popular choice among Jewish families, and it has also been adopted by some non-Jewish parents who appreciate its meaning and sound. It is often spelled in various ways, such as Tsvi or Tsevi, but its pronunciation generally remains /t͡svɪ/. Regardless of its spelling, the name Tzvi carries a rich history and a beautiful meaning that continues to resonate with families around the world.
The name Tzvi has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States, with a total of 3834 babies given this name since 1961.
From the 1960s to the early 1970s, the number of births per year fluctuated between 5 and 12. However, starting from 1978, there was a noticeable increase in popularity, with the number of births per year rising steadily from 18 in 1978 to 40 in 1990.
The late 1990s saw an even more dramatic surge in popularity, with the number of births per year doubling from 53 in 1991 to 125 in 2009. This trend continued into the 2010s, with over 140 babies named Tzvi born each year since 2015.
In recent years, the popularity of the name Tzvi has shown no signs of slowing down. In fact, 2021 saw a record-breaking 192 babies given this name, and 2022 and 2023 have both seen 180 births each. This consistent growth in popularity over several decades is a testament to the enduring appeal of the name Tzvi among American parents.