Rai
A unisex name of Sanskrit origin, meaning king; ruler.
Babies a year
9
England and Wales, 2025
Rarity
Very rare
among names in use
US popularity
—
outside the top 1000
UK popularity
#2440
9 babies
Rai by the numbers
In 2025, 9 babies in England and Wales were named Rai. In the US, 18 were, though that figure is from 2017, the most recent full year we hold.
For the size of the two countries, it is given several times more often in England and Wales than in the US.
Its American peak was 21 babies in 2016, making it a 2010s name.
Spelled almost the same
Other names in the records within a letter or two of Rai. Close spellings are not always related names, but they are usually worth seeing together.
- Raya form of Raymond; counsel warrior64 in England and Wales (2025)
- Raeewe; a form of Rachel121 in England and Wales (2025)
- Rainrain or counsel; from Rein or Raine134 in the US (2017)
- Reispirit or soul; also a Portuguese coin62 in the US (2017)
- Rasun god or sun14 in the US (2017)
- Raei5 in England and Wales (2025)
Sounds like Rai
Names that are said the same way as Rai, however they are written. Sounding alike does not mean they share a history.
- Raye38 in England and Wales (2025)
Other names that mean a king or ruler
Like Rai, each of these has a king or ruler in its meaning. Different names, different histories, the same idea.
- Henryruler of the home2,295 in England and Wales (2025)
- Averyruler of the elves10,365 in the US (2017)
- Ryanlittle king; descendent of rian8,422 in the US (2017)
- Aubreyelf ruler; noble strength6,029 in the US (2017)
- Kinsleyfrom the king's meadow; an English place name used as given name4,048 in the US (2017)
- Arthurbear; the legendary king3,211 in England and Wales (2025)