Masai Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Masai originates from the Maasai people of East Africa, referring to those who speak the Maa language. Its meaning relates to the pastoralist community known for their unique culture. The name has evolved from its original form to the modern spelling, gaining popularity with increased global interest in the Maasai culture. It does not have biblical relevance but is significant in terms of cultural identity. The modern perception of the name is tied to heritage and tourism.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Masai"
Pronunciation
/məˈsaɪ/
Origin
Maasai
Etymology
The name Masai derives from the Maasai people of East Africa, particularly Kenya and Tanzania. It is believed to come from the Maa language, where it denotes 'those who speak the Maa language.'
Meaning
The term Masai relates to the indigenous pastoralist community known for their distinctive customs and dress.
Language Evolution
Masai, Maasai
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as anthropological interest in the Maasai culture grew.
Variants & Derivatives
Maasai, Masai Mara
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Masai is often associated with cultural pride and heritage, as well as tourism due to the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Famous People
David Karanja Masai, Kikuyu Masai
📊 Masai Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Masai Name Visualizations
✨ Masai Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 95 peak births in 2024
Geographic Spread
Popular across 9 US states, with strongest presence in Pennsylvania
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 5 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Masai" - Complete Guide (2 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Masai". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 2 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Masai" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Masai"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Masai"
"Masai" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 7574th of 10718 | 21 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 10422nd of 16616 | 29 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 6726th of 24088 | 168 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 2795th of 23106 | 530 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 28476th of 30306 | 6 |
Regional Popularity of "Masai" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- |
71.90% 3713th/5164 |
- | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
79.99% 3187th/3984 |
34.46% 1546th/4487 |
40.63% 2772nd/6822 |
54.14% 3398th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Masai" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Masai"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Masai" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Masai" in the United States
The name Masai is most popular in Pennsylvania, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Masai has been stalled for male in MidWest, falling for male in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Masai' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 7574th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 10422nd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 6726th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2795th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 28476th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Masai' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.