All about the name

Arai

Female

« Arai is a traditional Japanese male name with multiple meanings, often associated with rice paddies and symbolizing new beginnings. »

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Meaning, origin, history

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.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Arai since 1880

Total births
64
Total since 1880
Peak year
2013
7 births
in 2023
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-56%
vs previous 5 years