Jakhai
A masculine name of African origin, meaning "prosperous" or "victorious".
Name Census estimates that about 409 living Americans carry the first name Jakhai. It is a predominantly male name (98.8% of registrations). The average person named Jakhai today is around 12 years old, and the year with the single highest number of Jakhai births was 2022 (29 babies).
This page is the full Name Census profile for Jakhai. Below you will find a gender breakdown showing how the name splits between male and female registrations, a year-by-year popularity chart stretching back to 1880, decade-level totals, the top US states for this name, its meaning and etymology, and a set of frequently asked questions with data-backed answers.
People living today
409
~ 1 in 838,030 Americans
Peak year
2022
29 babies that year
Average age
12
years old
2024 SSA rank
#5,297
Tracked since 1997
Gender
Gender distribution for Jakhai
Jakhai leans heavily male at 98.8% of total registrations, but 5 girls have also been registered with the name over the years, giving it a small but present crossover presence.
Jakhai as a male name
- Ranked #5,297 in 2024
- 18 male births in 2024
- Peak: 2022 (29 births)
Jakhai as a female name
- Ranked #18,765 in 2007
- 5 female births in 2007
- Peak: 2007 (5 births)
Popularity
Jakhai: popularity over time
The SSA tracks Jakhai from the 1990s through to the 2020s, spanning 4 decades of birth certificate data. The biggest single decade for the name was the 2010s, with 191 total registrations. Although the numbers have come down from the 2010s peak, Jakhai remains solidly in use and shows no sign of disappearing from maternity wards.
Babies born per year
Decades
Jakhai by decade
The table below breaks the full SSA timeline into ten-year windows. Each row shows how many male and female babies were given the name Jakhai during that decade, along with a combined total. This is useful for spotting eras where the name surged or retreated.
Geography
Where Jakhais live
Origin
Meaning and history of Jakhai
The name Jakhai originates from the ancient Thai language, with roots traced back to the Khmer Empire of the 9th to 15th centuries AD. The name is believed to be derived from the Sanskrit words "jah" meaning "to leave" and "khai" meaning "born," suggesting a connection to the act of being born or coming into the world.
During the reign of the Khmer Empire, the name Jakhai was commonly used among the royal families and nobility. It is found inscribed on stone tablets and ancient manuscripts, indicating its widespread use during this period. However, the exact meaning and significance of the name remain shrouded in mystery, as the Khmer culture and language were heavily influenced by Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
The earliest recorded instance of the name Jakhai can be traced back to a prominent Khmer prince who lived during the 12th century. Prince Jakhai was renowned for his military prowess and his role in expanding the Khmer Empire's territories. He is mentioned in several ancient chronicles and is celebrated as a hero in Khmer folklore.
Another notable figure bearing the name Jakhai was a Buddhist monk who lived in the 14th century. This monk, known as Jakhai the Wise, was highly respected for his teachings and his contributions to the preservation of Khmer culture and literature. His writings and teachings have been passed down through generations, influencing the spiritual and intellectual traditions of the region.
In the 16th century, a renowned Thai artist and architect named Jakhai gained recognition for his intricate and sophisticated designs. His masterpieces, including several stunning Buddhist temples, are still standing today and are considered architectural marvels of the Ayutthaya period.
During the 19th century, a Thai nobleman named Jakhai played a pivotal role in the modernization efforts of the Kingdom of Siam (now Thailand). He was a trusted advisor to King Rama IV and was instrumental in promoting educational reforms and establishing diplomatic ties with Western nations.
Another notable figure was Jakhai Sihamoni, a revered Buddhist monk and scholar who lived in the early 20th century. He was highly respected for his contributions to the preservation of Theravada Buddhist teachings and his efforts to promote education and social welfare in Thailand.
While the name Jakhai has ancient roots and a rich cultural heritage, it remains a relatively uncommon name in modern times, particularly outside of Southeast Asia. However, its unique blend of Thai and Sanskrit origins, coupled with its historical significance, make it a name with a fascinating and multifaceted story.
People
Jakhai + last name combinations
How many people share a full name with Jakhai as the first name? Click a combination below to see the estimate, or search any pairing.
Related
Other names starting with J
Other first names starting with J with a similar number of bearers.
FAQ
Jakhai: questions and answers
How many people in the U.S. are named Jakhai?
Name Census puts the figure at roughly 409 living Americans. We arrive at this by taking every SSA birth registration for Jakhai going back to 1880 and adjusting each cohort for expected survival using CDC actuarial life tables. The result is an age-weighted living-bearer count, not a raw birth total. That works out to about 1 in 838,030 US residents.
Is Jakhai a common name?
We classify Jakhai as "Very Rare". It ranks above 82.5% of all first names in the SSA dataset by living bearers. Across the full history of the data, 413 babies have been registered with this name.
When was Jakhai most popular?
The single biggest year for Jakhai was 2022, when 29 babies received the name. The fact that the average living Jakhai is about 12 years old gives you a rough sense of which era contributed the most bearers who are still alive today.
Is Jakhai a male name?
Yes, 98.8% of people registered as Jakhai in the SSA data are male. You can see the full per-sex comparison in the gender distribution section above, which includes the latest year rank, birth count, and peak year for each sex.
Where does this data come from?
First-name figures come from the Social Security Administration's national baby name files, which cover every name on a birth certificate from 1880 to 2024. Living-bearer estimates layer in CDC actuarial life tables broken out by sex to account for mortality. The population baseline (342,754,338) is the Census Bureau's latest national estimate. You can read the full calculation on our methodology page.