Thai Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name 'Thai' originates from the Thai language, meaning 'free' or 'freedom'. It has evolved from historical forms in Sanskrit and Pali to its modern usage. The name is tied to national pride and identity, reflecting the cultural significance of freedom. There is no biblical relevance associated with the name. The name gained popularity in the 20th century as Thailand became more recognized internationally. It is commonly used to refer to the people of Thailand and is perceived positively in modern contexts, associated with the country's rich culture and hospitality.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Thai"
Pronunciation
/taɪ/
Origin
Thai language
Etymology
The name 'Thai' is derived from the word 'Thai' which means 'free' or 'freedom' in the Thai language, reflecting the national identity and pride of the Thai people.
Meaning
free, freedom
Language Evolution
Sanskrit: तै (tai), Pali: ता (tā), Old Thai: ไทย (Thai)
Historical Usage
The name became popular globally in the 20th century as Thailand opened up to tourism and international relations, leading to increased awareness and appreciation of Thai culture.
Variants & Derivatives
Thais, Thai people
Modern Popularity & Image
The name is often associated with the rich culture, cuisine, and hospitality of Thailand, and it carries a positive connotation of freedom and independence.
Famous People
King Rama IX (Bhumibol Adulyadej), Thai actress and model Aum Patcharapa Chaichua, Thai golfer Thongchai Jaidee
📊 Thai Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Thai Name Visualizations
✨ Thai Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 52 peak births in 2004
Geographic Spread
Popular across 5 US states, with strongest presence in California
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 8 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Thai" - Complete Guide (8 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Thai". 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 8 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 "Thai" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Thai"
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 "Thai"
"Thai" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 4612th of 10718 | 80 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 2209th of 16616 | 480 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 3140th of 24088 | 515 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 7172nd of 23106 | 133 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 17256th of 19264 | 9 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 15284th of 27321 | 38 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 11595th of 35406 | 125 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 17111th of 30306 | 40 |
Regional Popularity of "Thai" 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) |
- | - | - |
57.34% 2319th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
48.23% 2505th/5194 |
20.22% 1277th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- |
76.12% 3931st/5164 |
49.49% 3619th/7313 |
30.93% 2308th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - |
71.13% 4464th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Thai" 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 "Thai"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Thai" 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 "Thai" in the United States
The name Thai is most popular in California, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Millennials (Gen Y) generation in the West 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, Thai has been stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Thai' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 4612th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2209th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 3140th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 7172nd out of 23106 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 17256th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 15284th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 11595th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 17111th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Thai' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.