Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Jai
BoySanskrit, Hindi· “victory”
- Meaning
- victory
- Origin
- Sanskrit, Hindi
- Pronunciation
- JY
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #1,460
- US babies 2025
- 122
- Best rank
- #1,016 (2014)
- Peak year
- 2014
Meaning and origin of Jai
Jai is a Sanskrit and Hindi name that means “victory”.
Jai comes from the Sanskrit word jaya, meaning victory. It is widely used in India, often as an element in longer names such as Jaidev or Jaiveer, and it appears in the common expression jai, meaning hail or long live. The name is short, bright and easy to pronounce, usually said JY in English, rhyming with sky. Jai feels modern, strong and cheerful. It suits families with South Asian heritage and those who want a simple name with a positive meaning. It pairs well with longer middle names.
Popularity over time
Jai first appears in US Social Security records in 1959. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,016 in 2014, the same year it reached its highest count of 201 babies. In 2025, 122 babies were named Jai, and it ranked #1,460 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #1,193 in 1980, #1,325 in 2000, #1,176 in 2010, and #1,460 in 2025. Of the 5,160 US boys named Jai since records began, 30% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 1,387 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Taj, Cormac, Corban, Aayden, and Kenton.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Jai ranked highest in Massachusetts, California, and Pennsylvania.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | #833 | 5 |
| California | #945 | 24 |
| Pennsylvania | #955 | 8 |
| New Jersey | #1096 | 5 |
| North Carolina | #1198 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 80% of US babies named Jai over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Jai is usually pronounced JY, with one syllable. It has three letters, starts with J and ends in “-ai”.
Middle names for Jai
A few middle names that flow with Jai: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Jai
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Lists that include Jai
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Jai mean?
Jai is a Sanskrit and Hindi name that means “victory”.
What is the origin of the name Jai?
Jai has Sanskrit and Hindi roots. Jai comes from the Sanskrit word jaya, meaning victory.
Is Jai a popular name?
Not especially. Jai ranked #1,460 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Jai a boy or girl name?
Jai is mainly a boy's name. About 80% of US babies named Jai over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Jai?
Jai is usually pronounced JY. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings