Samai first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Samai has been for the last 23 years (from 2001 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Samai

A Thai name meaning "precious" or "valuable".

Popularity of Samai by gender

Based on the last 23 years of data, Samai is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 97% of people named Samai being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 8 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Samai.

YearMale CountFemale Count
202308
202205
202108
201960
2018010
201709
2016010
201507
201409
201308
201206
201107
201005
2009018
2008010
200709
200609
2005010
200406
200306
200205
200106

The history of the first name Samai

The given name Samai has its origins in the Thai language and culture, dating back to the ancient Siamese kingdoms of Southeast Asia. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "samaya," which means "time" or "season." The name is believed to have been used as early as the 7th century CE during the Dvaravati period, when Indian cultural and religious influences were strong in the region.

Samai is a unisex name, although it has been more commonly used for males throughout history. In ancient Thai society, the name was often given to children born during auspicious times or seasons, as a way of honoring the significance of the moment. It was seen as a way to bestow blessings and good fortune upon the child.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Samai can be found in the Ramkhamhaeng inscription, a famous stone inscription from the 13th century CE, during the reign of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great of the Sukhothai Kingdom. This historical document is considered one of the earliest examples of the Thai script and language.

Over the centuries, several notable figures have borne the name Samai. One such individual was Samai Chaloemla (1904-1965), a renowned Thai painter and sculptor who played a significant role in the development of modern Thai art. Another was Samai Khampila (1920-1988), a celebrated writer and novelist who contributed greatly to the Thai literary canon.

In the field of politics, Samai Tingsabadh (1885-1939) was a prominent Thai politician and diplomat who served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and later as the Prime Minister of Thailand in the early 20th century. Samai Petta (1894-1970) was a revered Buddhist monk and scholar who played a crucial role in the revival of traditional Thai Buddhist practices and teachings.

Additionally, Samai Hinsarn (1919-2000) was a respected Thai artist and educator who helped shape the country's art education system and promoted traditional Thai art forms. These are just a few examples of notable individuals who have carried the name Samai throughout history, demonstrating its enduring presence and significance in Thai culture.

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

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

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