Rising since 1987, #1,852 for boys today.
Popularity of Sai since 1972
Babies named Sai per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 0 | 5 |
| 1980s | 49 | 116 |
| 1990s | 35 | 183 |
| 2000s | 161 | 405 |
| 2010s | 124 | 556 |
| 2020s | 94 | 431 |
Meaning & origin
Sai has been recorded in the United States since 1972, but its real ascent began in the mid-1980s. The name has been rising steadily since 1987, and reached its highest rank (1852) in 2025, reflecting growing interest among families seeking short, distinctive names with Indian heritage. With a one-in-20,095 birth rate, Sai remains relatively uncommon but climbing. The name's popularity is most concentrated in New Jersey, New York, and Georgia, states with sizable Indian American communities. As a unisex name, Sai offers flexibility, though it leans slightly masculine in current usage.
Sai is a name of debated Sanskrit origin, possibly derived from सह (saha) meaning 'accompanying' or 'together'. It gained prominence in India as a unisex name, often used as a short form for longer names like Saisha or Saivya, and is also associated with the spiritual figure Sai Baba. The name has seen increasing use in the United States, particularly among families of Indian descent.
Where Sai is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Sai
Names that share Sai's style, for a brother or sister.
