Find out how popular the first name Zai has been for the last 24 years (from 2001 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Zai by gender

Based on the last 24 years of data, Zai is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 78% of people named Zai being male.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 28 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Zai.

The history of the first name Zai

The name Zai is believed to have its origins in the Arabic language, with roots dating back to the 7th century CE. In Arabic, the word "zai" can be translated to mean "he who increases" or "one who adds to." This suggests that the name may have been given to children with the hope that they would bring growth, prosperity, and abundance to their families.

During the early Islamic era, the name Zai gained popularity among Arab communities, particularly in regions like the Middle East and North Africa. It is possible that the name was mentioned in ancient Arabic texts or historical records from that period, though specific references are scarce.

One of the earliest recorded individuals bearing the name Zai was a Muslim scholar and philosopher named Zai al-Din al-Razi, who lived from 1149 to 1209 CE. He was renowned for his contributions to the fields of medicine, physics, and metaphysics, and his works played a significant role in the intellectual discourse of the time.

In the 13th century, there was a notable figure named Zai al-Din al-Amidi, who was a prominent Islamic jurist and theologian. Born in 1201 CE, he authored several influential works on Islamic jurisprudence and theology, leaving a lasting impact on the development of Islamic legal thought.

Moving forward in history, the name Zai appears in records of the Ottoman Empire, which spanned parts of Asia, Europe, and Africa from the 14th to the early 20th century. One notable individual from this period was Zai Mahmud Pasha, an Ottoman statesman and military commander who lived from 1670 to 1736 CE. He played a crucial role in the empire's military campaigns and held various high-ranking positions.

In the 19th century, a notable figure named Zai Khan emerged in Afghanistan. Born in 1825, he was a prominent military leader and politician who played a significant role in the country's affairs during the Anglo-Afghan wars. His exploits and influence were widely documented in historical accounts of the time.

Throughout its long history, the name Zai has been carried by individuals from various walks of life, including scholars, rulers, military leaders, and religious figures. While its popularity may have waxed and waned across different regions and time periods, the name's roots in Arabic language and culture have endured, reflecting a rich historical tapestry.

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

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

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