Arai is a given name of Japanese origin. It has several possible meanings depending on the kanji characters used to write it.
One common meaning of Arai is "new rice paddy," which comes from the combination of the kanji characters for "field" (原) and "rice paddy" (田). This name is often given to boys, as it is considered masculine. It can also be written using other kanji characters that have different meanings but sound similar.
The history of the name Arai is tied to Japan's rice culture. In feudal Japan, landowners would give their fields names based on their location or features. The name Arai may have originated from a field owned by someone with this name, or it could have been given as a metaphorical reference to new beginnings or growth.
Today, Arai is still used as a given name in Japan and has also gained popularity internationally. While its meaning may vary depending on the kanji characters used, it remains a strong and distinctive name that reflects Japanese culture and history.
The given statistics show the annual occurrences of the name Arai in the United States from 2001 to 2023. During this period, there were a total of 64 babies named Arai born in the U.S.
The years with the highest number of births were 2008 and 2009, as well as 2013 and 2017, each with 7 babies named Arai. The lowest number of births occurred in 2001, 2012, 2016, and 2023, with only 5 babies named Arai each year.
Over time, the popularity of the name Arai has remained relatively consistent, fluctuating between 5 to 7 births per year. Despite its limited presence among baby names in the U.S., the name Arai has maintained a steady occurrence over two decades, indicating that it is still chosen for newborns by parents who appreciate its unique sound and meaning.