The name Thai is of Thai origin and it means "free" in the Thai language. It is traditionally given to boys and it has a long history in Thailand.
In ancient times, the Thai people lived in small settlements scattered throughout Southeast Asia. As these settlements grew larger and more numerous, they began to form into kingdoms and principalities. The Thai people were known for their skill in warfare and their ability to adapt to new environments, which helped them establish several powerful kingdoms over time.
The name Thai is believed to have been first used during the Sukhothai Kingdom (1238-1438), which was one of the earliest and most influential Thai kingdoms. The kingdom was named after the Thai people who lived there, and it is from this period that the use of the name Thai as a personal name can be traced back to.
Over time, the name Thai became popular throughout Thailand and beyond its borders. Today, it is still commonly used in Thailand, as well as among the Thai diaspora around the world. Despite its popularity, however, the meaning of the name has remained constant: "free". This meaning reflects the spirit of independence and freedom that has characterized the Thai people throughout their history.
In conclusion, the name Thai is a proud and historic name with deep roots in Thai culture and history. It carries with it the legacy of a strong and independent people who have made significant contributions to Southeast Asian civilization over the centuries.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Thai has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States, with several trends and fluctuations observed.
From 1975 to 2023, a total of 1,201 babies were named Thai. The name's annual popularity peaked in the late 1980s to early 1990s, with 40 births in 1983 and consistently high numbers throughout the decade, reaching up to 42 births per year from 2000 to 2005.
However, after 2005, there was a noticeable decrease in the popularity of the name Thai. From 2006 onwards, the number of annual births with this name fluctuated between 9 and 36, with a general downward trend. The most recent data from 2021 shows that the name Thai was given to 11 babies born that year.
Overall, while Thai was once a popular choice among parents in the United States during certain periods, its popularity has since declined, as indicated by the decreasing number of annual births with this name in recent years.