Rising since 1991, #1,509 for boys today.
Popularity of Masai since 1973
Babies named Masai per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 21 |
| 1980s | 6 |
| 1990s | 39 |
| 2000s | 115 |
| 2010s | 240 |
| 2020s | 443 |
Meaning & origin
Masai is a rare American given name, first recorded in the Social Security data in 1973. Its trajectory has been steadily rising since 1991, and it reached its peak rank of 1,509 in 2025, with approximately 1 in 14,725 newborn boys receiving the name. The name is most common in New Jersey, South Carolina, and Georgia, states with notable African diaspora communities. As a direct reference to the Maasai people, the name carries a strong cultural identity, though its use as a first name is a modern, American phenomenon. Parents choosing Masai may be drawn to its distinctive sound and the cultural prestige associated with the Maasai, known for their pastoral traditions and iconic warrior culture.
Masai is an exonym derived from the Maa language, referring to the Maasai people of Kenya and Tanzania. As a given name, it has been adopted sporadically in the United States since the early 1970s, likely chosen by families with African heritage or those drawn to its distinctive sound and cultural connection. It remains quite rare, with no established variants or nicknames.
Where Masai is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Masai
Names that share Masai's style, for a brother or sister.
