Find out how popular the first name Adai has been for the last 19 years (from 2002 to 2020) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Adai by gender

Based on the last 19 years of data, Adai is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2020, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Adai.

The history of the first name Adai

The name Adai is of ancient Tamil origin, tracing its roots back to the classical language of Tamil Nadu, a state in southern India. It is believed to have emerged during the Sangam period, which spanned from the 3rd century BC to the 3rd century AD, a golden age of Tamil literature and culture.

Adai is derived from the Tamil word "adai," which means "dense" or "thick." This etymology suggests that the name may have been initially bestowed upon individuals who were physically robust or strong. It could also have been used to describe someone with a dense or thick-set physical appearance.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Adai can be found in the Purananuru, an ancient Tamil literary work composed around the 1st century BC. The work mentions an individual named Adai who was a chieftain or leader of a tribe or community during that era.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Adai. One such figure was Adai Kadhan (born circa 950 AD), a revered Tamil scholar and poet who lived during the Chola dynasty. His works, particularly those on grammar and linguistics, have left a lasting impact on the Tamil literary tradition.

Another prominent bearer of the name was Adai Pillai (1669-1744), a renowned mathematician and astronomer from Tamil Nadu. He is credited with contributing significantly to the development of astronomical calculations and calendrical systems in India during the 18th century.

In more recent times, Adai Ramanathan (1904-1975) was a distinguished Indian freedom fighter and politician who played a crucial role in the country's independence movement. He served as a member of the Constituent Assembly of India and held various important positions in the government after independence.

Adai Balasubramaniam (1899-1950) was a respected Tamil scholar, writer, and educator who made significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of Tamil language and literature. He authored numerous books and worked tirelessly to establish educational institutions dedicated to the study of Tamil culture.

It is worth noting that while the name Adai has been predominantly found in Tamil communities, it has also been adopted by other linguistic groups in India, though with varying spellings and pronunciations, reflecting the diversity and cultural exchange within the subcontinent.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Adai was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Adai, please contact us.

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