Ittai

Ittai is a masculine given name of Hebrew origin, best known from the Old Testament. It is anglicized from the Hebrew names אִתַּי (ʾIttai) or אִיתַי (ʾIṯai), both meaning “with me.” The name appears in the Bible as one of King David’s mighty men, a group of elite warriors. In the King James Version and other English translations, the name is rendered as Ittai, though a variant form Ithai also occurs.

Etymology

The name Ittai derives from the Hebrew root ʾtt or ʾṯ, conveying the sense of accompaniment. The meaning “with me” reflects a personal or relational quality, likely chosen to express loyalty or togetherness. The Biblical Old Testament mentions at least two individuals named Ittai: one is the aforementioned warrior of David (2 Samuel 23:29), and the other is a man of Gath who remained faithful to David during the rebellion of Absalom (2 Samuel 15:19–22). The latter figure, a Philistine believer, symbolizes undivided loyalty, as he declared, “As the Lord lives, and as my lord the king lives, surely in whatever place my lord the king shall be, whether for death or for life, there also will your servant be.”

Notable Bearers

Aside from the biblical figures, the name Ittai has been used sporadically in Jewish and Christian communities. A related form, Itai, appears in modern Hebrew and is sometimes used in Israel. The English usage is rare but continues as a direct borrowing from the Bible.

Variant Forms

The name appears in various forms across languages: Ithai is an English variant; ʾIttay is the Biblical Hebrew original (with uncertain vowels); and Itai is the modern Hebrew transliteration.

• Meaning: “with me”
• Origin: Hebrew
• Type: Biblical name
• Usage Regions: English Bible translations, modern Hebrew / Jewish communities