Nakai
Nakai is a boy's name of Indigenous American origin.
Meaning
Wanderer or traveler; traditionally used in Navajo to refer to Mexicans.
Origin and history
Nakai is a name derived from the Navajo language traditionally referring to wanderers, travelers, or Mexicans. It has seen modest but increasing usage in the United States in recent years as a masculine given name. Its distinct rhythmic sound and indigenous roots give it a unique appeal.
Popularity in the United States
947 babies in the United States have been named Nakai since 1880. It ranks #3732 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1647.
States where it is most popular
- CA (34.7 %)
- NY (33.9 %)
- FL (14.5 %)
- PA (8.1 %)
- NJ (4.8 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 0 |
| 1920-1930 | 0 |
| 1930-1940 | 0 |
| 1940-1950 | 0 |
| 1950-1960 | 0 |
| 1960-1970 | 0 |
| 1970-1980 | 17 |
| 1980-1990 | 0 |
| 1990-2000 | 62 |
| 2000-2010 | 283 |
| 2010-2019 | 305 |
| 2020-2029 | 280 |
Fun facts
- In the Navajo language (Diné bizaad), Nakai historically relates to traveling or wandering.
- While historically rare in public birth records, usage of Nakai has grown steadily in the United States since the 2010s.