Nakai is a unisex given name of Japanese origin, derived from the verb "naku," which means "to cry." It's often associated with Nakai Koji, a famous Japanese actor and singer born with the name Nakai Tsuyoshi. The name Nakai gained international recognition through his popular music career in the late 1980s to early 1990s as part of the duo Wink, and later for his acting roles in various movies and television dramas. The name is relatively uncommon outside Japan but has been increasingly adopted by parents who appreciate its unique sound and meaning.
The name Nakai experienced significant variation in popularity over the years, with a notable peak in recent times. From 1974 to 2005, it remained relatively stable with fewer than 40 births per year. However, starting from 2006, there was a marked increase, reaching a high of 54 births in 2021. Overall, the name Nakai has been chosen for 844 babies since 1974.