Uzzi is a masculine name appearing in the Old Testament, meaning "my power" or "my strength" in Hebrew. It is a possessive form derived from the Hebrew root ʿoz, meaning "strength, power." The name is borne by several minor biblical characters, most notably a high priest of Israel who was a descendant of Aaron (1 Chronicles 6:5, 51; Ezra 7:4). In the various manuscripts of the Bible, the name is rendered in different forms—e.g., Ozi (Latin) and Ozi (Biblical Latin). It is also closely related to the Hebrew Uzi (עֻזִּי).
Etymology
The name Uzzi belongs to a family of biblical names built on the root ע־ז־ז (ʿ-zz), which conveys the concept of strength. It is a short form of longer theophoric names such as Uzziah ("Yahweh is my strength") or Uziel ("God is my strength"). In Samaritan tradition, a high priest named Uzzi ben Sashai is recorded in genealogical records; this figure may be identical to the biblical Jewish high priest, though the differing patronym suggests either an adoption, levirate marriage, or a separate lineage. According to Samaritan lore, Uzzi hid the tent sanctuary of the desert wandering (the Mishkan) in a cave on Mount Gerizim when the Israelites established the cult in Shiloh.
Cultural and religious significance
Although most of its biblical bearers are relatively obscure, the name Uzzi illustrates the pattern of hypocoristic name formation in Hebrew. Its occurrence in both Jewish and Samaritan traditions underscores its enduring identity across different scriptural communities.
- Meaning: "My strength" or "my power"
- Origin: Hebrew
- Type: First name
- Usage regions: Hebrew Bible, English Bible contexts
Sources: Wikipedia — Uzzi