Origin & Meaning of the Rai Surname
What does the last name Rai mean?
The surname Rai carries the meaning "Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin." It is derived from the Asian language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 5,295 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Rai ranks as the #6,418 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Rai come from?
The Rai surname has its roots in Asian heritage. Names of Asian origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Rai name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Rai trace back to Asian. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Rai |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of Asian or Pacific Islander origin |
| Origin | Asian |
| Language | Asian |
| US Rank (2010) | #6,418 |
| US Count (2010) | 5,295 |
| Per 100K People | 1.8 |
| First Letter | R |
Ethnic Distribution of Rai
According to the US Census, the Rai surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 5,295 Americans with the Rai last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 3.68% |
| Black | 1.06% |
| Hispanic | 1.4% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 89.99% |
| Native American | 0.57% |
| Two or More Races | 3.31% |
Popularity of Rai Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Rai surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Rai surname increased by 3,189 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Asian Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rai
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