udai

Udai is a masculine given name of Indian origin. It is used across several Indian languages, including Hindi, Rajasthani, Gujarati, and Marathi, and can appear as a standalone given name or as a form related to other names such as Uday. The spelling Udai is one of several transliterations from Sanskrit and regional languages.

The name derives from the Sanskrit root udaya, meaning rising, dawn, or emergence. As such, Udai is often associated with beginnings, ascent, or the idea of coming into being. In cultural contexts, the name carries a positive connotation of progress and new opportunities.

Historically, the name is associated with figures in Indian history, including Maharana Udai Singh II, a ruler of the Mewar region who founded the city of Udaipur. The association with leadership and emergence is reflected in its continued use in various dynastic, literary, and modern contexts.

Variants and related names include Uday, Udaya, Udey, and Udayan. Differences in spelling typically reflect regional linguistic practices and transliteration choices. Udai may be preferred in certain communities or in Hindi and Rajasthani contexts, while Uday is common in other regions.

Notable people named Udai arise in modern Indian public life, including figures in politics, arts, and academia. The name remains in use across generations as part of traditional naming practices in South Asia. See also Udaipur; Uday; Udayan.