Find out how popular the first name Pai has been for the last 1 years (from 1990 to 1990) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Pai by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Pai is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1990, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Pai.

The history of the first name Pai

The name Pai originates from the Thai language and culture, with its earliest known usage dating back to the 13th century during the Sukhothai period of Thai history. The name is derived from the Thai word "พาย" (pai), which translates to "voyage" or "journey," reflecting the seafaring and trading traditions of ancient Thai civilizations along the rivers and coastlines of Southeast Asia.

In Thai mythology, Pai is mentioned as the name of a celestial nymph who accompanied the god Indra, the ruler of the heavens in Hindu cosmology. This association with divine beings and celestial realms added a sacred and auspicious connotation to the name's meaning.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Pai can be found in the Sukhothai inscriptions, a collection of stone inscriptions from the Sukhothai Kingdom, which flourished between the 13th and 15th centuries. These inscriptions document the lives and achievements of various Thai rulers and nobles during this period, including individuals with the name Pai.

Throughout Thai history, several notable figures bore the name Pai. One such individual was Pai Srisongkhram (1567-1627), a celebrated military leader and governor of Nakhon Si Thammarat during the Ayutthaya period. He played a crucial role in defending the kingdom against Burmese invasions and is remembered for his strategic acumen and bravery.

Another prominent figure was Pai Rueangrit (1780-1854), a renowned Thai poet and playwright during the Rattanakosin period. His works, which included dramatic plays and literary compositions, significantly influenced the development of Thai literature and performing arts.

In the realm of Thai Buddhism, Pai Buddhadasa (1906-1993) was a highly revered Buddhist monk and scholar. He founded the Suan Mokkh International Dharma Hermitage and was known for his innovative interpretations of Buddhist teachings, making them accessible to modern audiences.

Pai Daoruang (1914-1991) was a celebrated Thai author and historian, renowned for her extensive contributions to the preservation of Thai culture and literature. Her works, including novels, short stories, and historical accounts, shed light on various aspects of Thai society and traditions.

Moving beyond Thailand, the name Pai has also been adopted in other cultures and contexts. For instance, in Maori culture (indigenous to New Zealand), the name Pai can mean "good luck" or "fortune," reflecting the name's positive connotations across different linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

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

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

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