Find out how popular the first name Akai has been for the last 49 years (from 1975 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Akai by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Akai is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 93% of people named Akai being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 102 male babies and 10 female babies born with the name Akai.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 10 baby girls were named Akai in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Akai

The name Akai is of Japanese origin and is believed to have roots dating back to the 8th century CE. The word "akai" in Japanese means "red," and the name is thought to have been derived from this word, possibly referring to a person with reddish hair or complexion.

In ancient Japanese texts, such as the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, which are chronicles of early Japanese history and mythology, there are references to individuals with names that resemble "Akai." However, it is difficult to determine with certainty if these references are specifically related to the modern name.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Akai was a Japanese poet and scholar named Akai no Yasunori, who lived during the late Heian period (794-1185 CE). Akai no Yasunori was known for his contributions to the development of Japanese literature and poetry.

Another notable figure in Japanese history with the name Akai was Akai Toshikiyo (1644-1718), a renowned mathematician and astronomer who made significant contributions to the advancement of scientific knowledge in Japan during the Edo period.

In the 20th century, one of the most famous individuals with the name Akai was Akai Naoko (1905-1981), a Japanese actress and singer who was a prominent figure in the early days of Japanese cinema. She appeared in numerous films and was widely celebrated for her talent and beauty.

Akai Tomio (1923-1990) was a Japanese writer and literary critic who gained recognition for his works exploring the human condition and the complexities of modern society. His novels and essays were widely read and admired by both critics and the general public.

Lastly, Akai Teruko (1936-2020) was a renowned Japanese ceramic artist who was celebrated for her intricate and beautiful works of pottery. Her pieces were exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, and she received numerous awards and accolades for her contributions to the art of ceramics.

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 Akai was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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