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 name Arai experienced a notable surge in popularity between 2007 and 2009, with six births each year, before declining slightly from 2012 onwards. The highest number of births recorded was seven, occurring twice, first in 2013 and again in 2017. Overall, there have been a total of sixty-four births since the year 2001.