MallowbyNames

Massai

mah-SYE · Of uncertain origin; possibly derived from the Maasai people of East Africa.

2025 rank (boys)
#7,679
Babies named in 2025
10
Peak popularity
2017
2025 frequency
1 in 170,808 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Rising since 2010

Rising since 2010, #7,679 for boys today.

Popularity of Massai since 2000

Babies named Massai per year in U.S. Social Security records.

4711200020102020Most births 2017Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
2000s36
2010s59
2020s36

Meaning & origin

Massai first appeared in U.S. Social Security records in 2000, and has since remained an uncommon choice. Its peak popularity came in 2017, though even then it was rare. As of 2025, it ranks 7,679th with an average of 1 in 170,808 boys receiving the name. The name's trajectory has been rising since 2010, yet it has never been recorded in any top state lists, reflecting its niche appeal. Its likely connection to the Maasai people gives it a distinct cultural resonance, though the name's meaning remains uncertain. Parents drawn to Massai may appreciate its strong sound and African roots, but should be aware of its rarity and the potential for mispronunciation.

The name Massai likely derives from the Maasai, a Nilotic ethnic group in Kenya and Tanzania. Its use as a given name in the United States is rare and modern, first appearing in Social Security records in 2000. The name may be a variant of 'Masai' or directly refer to the tribe, reflecting a trend of using cultural or geographical terms as names.

Nicknames & variants

Variants: Masai

Sibling names for Massai

Names that share Massai's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Nala, Zuri, Kaya, Amara, Sahara

Brothers: Mosi, Jabari, Kwame, Simba, Zion

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

M is for Massai, our favorite little boy.

M is for Massai…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Massai's letter becomes Massai's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

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Questions parents ask

What does the name Massai mean?
The meaning of Massai is uncertain, but it is often associated with the Maasai people of East Africa.
How popular is the name Massai?
Massai is very rare. In 2025, it ranked 7,679th in the U.S., with about 1 in 170,808 boys given the name.
Is Massai a boy or girl name?
Massai is predominantly used for boys, according to U.S. Social Security data.