Rising since 2001, #3,757 for boys today.
Popularity of Rai since 1952
Babies named Rai per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1950s | 15 | 0 |
| 1960s | 10 | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 | 0 |
| 1980s | 5 | 0 |
| 1990s | 6 | 31 |
| 2000s | 6 | 68 |
| 2010s | 54 | 125 |
| 2020s | 45 | 155 |
Meaning & origin
Rai is a short, versatile name that has seen a steady rise in use in the United States since 2001. First recorded in 1993, it reached its peak popularity in 2023, and by 2025 it ranked 3,757, with about 1 in 58,899 newborns given the name. Its top state of use is California, reflecting its appeal in diverse, trend-conscious communities. The name's multiple possible origins, including Japanese and modern invented usage, give it a broad, cross-cultural feel. Rai fits a modern preference for concise, vowel-rich names and is used for both boys and girls, though it leans slightly masculine in recent data.
Rai has multiple origins. In Japanese, it is often a short form of longer names like Raiden (meaning 'thunder and lightning') or can mean 'trust' or 'belief' as a standalone word. In modern English usage, it also emerged as a short, stylish name, sometimes derived from Irish or Scottish surnames like O'Rai, but this is less common. Its use as a unisex name in the U.S. has been rising since 2001, reflecting a trend toward simple, vowel-heavy names.
Where Rai is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Rai
Names that share Rai's style, for a brother or sister.
