Rising since 1988, #1,459 for boys today.
Popularity of Jai since 1957
Babies named Jai per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1950s | 10 | 7 |
| 1960s | 28 | 128 |
| 1970s | 51 | 362 |
| 1980s | 87 | 314 |
| 1990s | 239 | 487 |
| 2000s | 378 | 1,387 |
| 2010s | 384 | 1,549 |
| 2020s | 198 | 926 |
Meaning & origin
Jai, rooted in the Sanskrit word for 'victory', has been used as a given name in India and globally for decades. In the United States, it first appeared on record in 1959 and has been rising in popularity since 1988. Its peak rank came in 2014, and it has maintained a steady presence, ranking 1459th in 2025 with a rarity of 1 in 14,001 births. Top states for Jai include Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and California, reflecting its appeal in diverse, multicultural communities.
Jai comes directly from the Sanskrit 'jaya' (जय), meaning 'victory'. It is a popular given name in India and among the Hindu diaspora, often used in compound names like Jairam or Jaihind. In modern contexts, it has also been adopted in English-speaking countries as a short, simple name.
Where Jai is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Jai” around the world
Where Jai lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
New Zealand
22
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Jai
Names that share Jai's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Anya, Maya, Priya, Kai, Sara, Aja, Samya, Siya, Anjuli, Daya, Jaiyana, Nirvi, Pria, Saachi, Shi, Anavi, Karmah, Reeya, Syrai, Aneri, Anokhi, Baani, Kosha, Lai, Sunjai, Taara
Brothers: Aarav, Ravi, Kiran, Amar, Nikhil, Taj, Kiaan, Tai, Evaan, Yug, Zorawar, Kavari, Kirtan, Tyjai, Vayu, Krishay, Parv
