Ai - Name Meaning and Popularity -

Meaning of Ai

Ai is a Japanese feminine given name written with the kanji 愛, which means “love” (akin to the Spanish amor) and conveys a universal sentiment. The same character appears in modern Chinese with the identical translation, underscoring its cross-cultural resonance. Pronounced [aɪ], Ai reached its peak U.S. popularity in 1983 at rank 766 and has since maintained modest, steady use—10 newborns bore the name in 2021 (rank 937), with annual placements hovering between 934 and 953 over the past decade. Its brevity, transparent pronunciation and meaningful origin make Ai a concise, culturally layered choice for parents seeking a name that blends Asian roots with a touch of Latin linguistic association.