Find out how popular the first name Jakai has been for the last 30 years (from 1994 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Jakai by gender

Based on the last 30 years of data, Jakai is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 94% of people named Jakai being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 362 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Jakai.

The history of the first name Jakai

Jakai is a name with roots tracing back to the indigenous Mayan civilization of ancient Mesoamerica. It is believed to have originated around the 3rd century BCE in the region now known as Guatemala, Belize, and parts of Mexico and Honduras. The name is derived from the Mayan words "ja'k" meaning "spirit" and "ai" meaning "path," potentially signifying a spiritual path or journey.

While no specific mentions of the name have been found in ancient Mayan texts or hieroglyphs, linguistic experts have drawn connections to its possible origins through the analysis of modern Mayan dialects and their historical evolution. The name's distinct phonetic structure further supports its proposed Mesoamerican roots.

One of the earliest recorded individuals bearing the name Jakai was a prominent Mayan warrior and village chief who lived in the 8th century CE during the Late Classic period of the Mayan civilization. Historical accounts suggest he led his people in battles against rival tribes and played a significant role in the expansion of his settlement's influence.

Another notable figure was Jakai the Scribe, a revered Mayan scholar and calligrapher who lived in the 11th century CE during the Postclassic period. He was renowned for his exceptional skill in creating intricate codices and preserving the knowledge and history of his people through his meticulous writings.

In the 16th century, during the Spanish conquest of the Americas, a Mayan leader named Jakai is documented as having negotiated with Spanish conquistadors, seeking to preserve the autonomy and traditions of his people. While ultimately unsuccessful, his efforts are recorded in the chronicles of Spanish explorers and historians of the time.

In more recent history, Jakai Nez (1917-2005) was a prominent Native American artist and potter from the Navajo Nation. He is celebrated for his contributions in reviving and preserving traditional Navajo pottery techniques and designs, and his works are featured in numerous museums and collections worldwide.

Additionally, Jakai Lovelace (1942-1974) was a notable activist and advocate for Native American rights during the civil rights movement of the 1960s and 1970s. He was instrumental in organizing protests and advocating for the recognition of indigenous peoples' sovereignty and cultural preservation.

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

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

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