"morning glory, morning well (depending on kanji)"
Origin: Japanese
Language: Japanese
Asai
Does Asai flow with your last name?
A crisp Japanese name evoking morning freshness
Japanese
American
Unique
Modern
Minimalist
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Things to Know About This Name
- May be confused with acai berry (the Amazonian superfruit)
The Story of Asai
Asai is a Japanese name whose meaning depends on the kanji used. Common interpretations include 'morning glory' (朝井), 'morning well' (朝井), or names using characters for morning (朝), shallow (浅), or hemp (麻) combined with well (井) or other elements. As a given name in the West, Asai has a contemporary, minimalist feel that resonates with the growing appreciation for Japanese aesthetic values like simplicity and clarity.
Asai is gaining attention among parents who appreciate Japanese-influenced aesthetics and names that feel unique yet pronounceable. The name's similarity to the trendy 'acai' (the Brazilian superfruit) has incidentally increased its visibility in health-conscious Western cultures, though the two are unrelated.
Japanese given names often carry poetic natural imagery — morning, water, light — that reflects the Shinto appreciation for the beauty of the natural world. A name like Asai with its morning associations invokes freshness, new beginnings, and the quiet beauty of dawn.
Historical Record
Asai first appeared in US Social Security records in 2012.
Over 256 babies have been named Asai in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Asai is a new entry on the US charts , currently ranked #3,419 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Asahi (旭), meaning 'morning sun' or 'rising sun,' is related in sound and shares the morning imagery
- The acai berry (different word origin from Tupi language) has made this sound familiar in Western health culture
- Japanese names are typically written in kanji characters, with each possible kanji giving the name a different meaning and nuance
Asai in Other Languages
English
Asai
Spanish
Asai
Japanese
朝井 or 浅井
Popularity Over Time
#3,419
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
New Entry
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Asai
A
Asai Ryoi
Writer
Japanese novelist of the Edo period (1612-1691), one of the earliest practitioners of ukiyo-zoshi (tales of the floating...
Japanese novelist of the Edo period (1612-1691), one of the earliest practitioners of ukiyo-zoshi (tales of the floating world) literature
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #3,419
- Total SSA Count
- 34
- Cultural Origins
- Japanese American
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Sai
Ace
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Asai
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Asai is also used as a girl name, ranked #24775.
View Asai as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Asai
What does the name Asai mean?
"morning glory, morning well (depending on kanji)" (from Japanese). Asai is a Japanese name whose meaning depends on the kanji used. Common interpretations include 'morning glory' (朝井), 'morning well' (朝井), or names using characters for morning (朝), shallow (浅), or hemp (麻) combined with well (井) or other elements. As a given name in the West, Asai has a contemporary, minimalist feel that resonates with the growing appreciation for Japanese aesthetic values like simplicity and clarity.
What is the origin of the name Asai?
Asai has Japanese and American origins. In Japanese, it means "morning glory, morning well (depending on kanji)".
Is Asai a boy or girl name?
Asai is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #3419. As a girl name, it is ranked #24775. Asai is more commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Asai?
Asai is currently ranked #3419 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Asai?
Common nicknames for Asai include Sai and Ace.
What are good middle names for Asai?
Popular middle name pairings include Asai James, Asai Lee, Asai Kai, Asai Ren, Asai Alex, and Asai Noah.
What are good sibling names for Asai?
Names that pair well with Asai as siblings include Kai, Zara, Ren, Mia, Sora, and Kira.
How many syllables does Asai have?
Asai has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Asai a common or rare name?
Asai is an uncommon name, ranked #3419 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Asai?
About the Name Asai
Asai is a boy name with Japanese and American origins . The name means "morning glory, morning well (depending on kanji)" in Japanese .
Is Asai a boy or girl name? Asai is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #3,419 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #24,775. Asai is more commonly used as a boy name.
Asai is currently ranked #3,419 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Asai has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Asai include Sai and Ace. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Asai include Asa, Asaiah, Asad, Asael, Asaad . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis