Find out how popular the first name Thai has been for the last 50 years (from 1975 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Thai by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Thai is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 85% of people named Thai being male.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Thai.

The history of the first name Thai

The given name Thai is believed to have originated from the Thai language, which is spoken primarily in Thailand, a country located in Southeast Asia. The Thai language has its roots in the Tai-Kadai language family, which has been spoken in the region for centuries.

The name Thai is thought to be derived from the Thai word "ไทย" (Thai), which means "free" or "independent." This could be a reference to the independent spirit and resilience of the Thai people, who have successfully maintained their cultural identity and sovereignty throughout their history.

In ancient Thai literature and historical records, the name Thai appears to have been used as a designation for the Thai ethnic group and their language. It is believed that the name was initially used to differentiate the Thai people from other ethnic groups in the region.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Thai can be found in the Sukhothai inscription, a collection of stone inscriptions dating back to the 13th century CE. These inscriptions were created during the Sukhothai Kingdom, which is considered the first Thai kingdom and played a significant role in the development of Thai culture and language.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who have borne the name Thai. One of the most renowned figures was Thai Butr, also known as Thai Phra, who was a famous Thai poet and playwright from the 17th century CE. His works, such as the epic poem "Khun Chang Khun Phan," are regarded as masterpieces of Thai literature.

Another prominent figure with the name Thai was Thai Sawan, a renowned Thai architect and sculptor who lived during the late 18th and early 19th centuries CE. He was responsible for designing and constructing several famous temples and monuments in Bangkok, including the iconic Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

In the modern era, Thai Nguyen was a Vietnamese revolutionary and military leader who played a crucial role in the Vietnamese independence movement against French colonial rule in the early 20th century.

Thai Van Nguyen was a Vietnamese-American author and poet who gained recognition for her works exploring themes of identity, displacement, and cultural heritage. She was born in 1944 and her poetry collections, such as "The Galaxie Circus" and "The Truong Hart Monologues," received critical acclaim.

Thai Jones is an American professional basketball player who was born in 1994. He currently plays in the NBA for the Milwaukee Bucks and is known for his defensive skills and athleticism on the court.

While the name Thai has its roots in the Thai language and culture, it has also gained popularity and recognition globally, transcending its original cultural boundaries.

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

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

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