Names/Avi/Avi Kaplan
EntertainmentAmerican1989 – present

Avi Kaplan

Founding member of Pentatonix, a cappella artist

Biography

Avi Kaplan (born April 2, 1989) is an American singer and founding member of the five-member a cappella group Pentatonix, which rose to prominence after winning the third season of NBC's 'The Sing-Off' in 2011. Born in Visalia, California, Kaplan contributed bass vocals and arrangements to the group, helping establish Pentatonix as a pioneering force in modern a cappella music. The group achieved unprecedented success for an a cappella ensemble, earning Grammy Awards, gold and platinum certifications, and sold-out global tours. Pentatonix became known for their innovative, layered arrangements of pop, rock, and holiday music, demonstrating that a cappella could achieve contemporary commercial and critical appeal. Kaplan's deep, resonant bass voice became a signature element of the group's sound. In 2017, he departed Pentatonix to pursue a solo career, releasing the album 'Floating' in 2019 and continuing to perform and record independently. His work has inspired a resurgence of interest in vocal harmony groups among young musicians and audiences worldwide.

The Name Avi

Avi Kaplan represents the modern American usage of the Hebrew name Avi among contemporary artists and entertainers.

Quick Facts
Category

Entertainment

Nationality

American

Born

1989

Thinking about the name

Avi

Hebrew origin

A brief, modern name with Hebrew origins meaning 'my father' (from 'av'), or functioning as an independent contemporary creation with global appeal. The simplicity and cross-cultural recognizability make it increasingly popular in diverse communities. It has a friendly, approachable quality while carrying potential spiritual or familial significance.