Rai

Diminutive of Raymond, word name, English

"wise protector; beam of light"

Rai Origin and Meaning

The name Rai is a boy's name.

Rai is a multicultural masculine name with diverse origins across several languages. In Japanese, it means 'thunder' or 'trust,' while in Hindi it can mean 'king' or 'chief.' The name also appears in Hebrew as a short form of Raizel, meaning 'rose,' though this usage is typically feminine. In Western contexts, Rai sometimes serves as a shortened form of Raymond or as a modern, minimalist name choice. Its single-syllable simplicity gives it a contemporary feel while its cross-cultural presence offers global appeal. Rai has maintained modest usage without becoming common, making it attractive to parents seeking a brief, distinctive name with international versatility and positive connotations of strength and leadership.

The name Rai in Pop Culture

• Pronounced Rye not Ray