Madai is a unique and captivating name with roots deep in ancient history. Its origin can be traced back to the Old Testament of the Bible, where it appears as one of the sons of Ham, himself a son of Noah. According to this biblical narrative, Madai was the ancestor of the Medes, an ancient Persian tribe that played a significant role in the history of the Middle East.
The name Madai is derived from the Hebrew word "Madas," which means "from Media." This connection further reinforces its association with the ancient Median people and their land. In some translations of the Bible, Madai's name appears as Maddai or Mash.
Despite its biblical origins, the name Madai has not gained widespread popularity in modern times. However, it remains a fascinating and intriguing name, rich in historical significance. For those who choose to bear this name or bestow it upon others, it carries with it a unique connection to ancient history and a distinct identity that sets it apart from more common names.
In terms of its meaning, Madai is often interpreted as "from Media" or "Media." While it does not have a specific individual significance like some other names, its historical context lends it a profound sense of heritage and cultural importance. Those who bear the name Madai can take pride in their connection to ancient history and the rich tapestry of human civilization that has unfolded over centuries.
The name Madai has seen a varied trend in popularity over the past four decades in the United States. From 1979 to 2023, there have been a total of 566 babies named Madai.
The earliest data available shows that 5 babies were named Madai in 1979. The following year, 1980, saw a slight increase with 6 births. However, the number fluctuated between 5 and 7 births per year from 1981 to 1988.
In the early 1990s, there was a notable spike in popularity for the name Madai. In 1993, there were 15 babies named Madai, marking the highest number of births for this name until that point. This trend continued with 12 births in 1994 and 10 births in 1995.
The late 1990s and early 2000s saw a consistent increase in the popularity of the name Madai, peaking at 27 births in both 2005 and 2009. This period also included two years where the name reached its highest popularity with 26 births each (2002 and 2003).
However, since around 2010, there has been a decrease in the popularity of the name Madai. From 2010 to 2023, the number of babies named Madai each year ranged from a low of 5 (in 2022) to a high of 27 (in 2009), with most years falling between these extremes.
Despite the fluctuations in popularity over time, it is clear that the name Madai has remained present in the United States for several decades. Each year, on average, around 11 babies are named Madai, demonstrating a consistent, albeit modest, level of appeal for this name among American parents.