Thais

♀ Girl

Pronounced tah-EES /tɑˈis/Medium

Meaning: From Greek Thais — possibly 'bandage/headband', borne by a famous Athenian and an opera heroine; etymology uncertainLow

In 30 seconds: Classical and lyrical: Thais was a famed Athenian (and a Massenet opera heroine) — its meaning uncertain but its sound exquisite. Elegant and rare.

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Origin MediumGreek

MeaningFrom Greek Thais — possibly 'bandage/headband', borne by a famous Athenian and an opera heroine; etymology uncertain

U.S. rank (2025)#5087 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births26 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2001

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,225

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Thais comes from Greek Thais — possibly 'bandage, headband' (the etymology is uncertain, which we note) — borne by a famous Athenian and immortalized in Massenet's opera. A graceful name, popular in Brazil and beyond.

In the U.S. it appears in Brazilian and Greek families. Rare, uncertain at the root, and elegant.

Did you know? Thais was a celebrated Athenian companion of Alexander the Great — and the heroine of Massenet's opera 'Thaïs'; the name is exquisite, its meaning uncertain.

Overall data confidence 65%

Behind the Name — Thais — etymology uncertain

Variations

ThaísTaisTaís

Nicknames

Tai

Famous Bearers

★Thaïs
4th-century Egyptian courtesan who converted to Christianity and was later venerated as a saint
★Thaïs Garrido
Brazilian actress known for her work in telenovelas on Globo network

If you like Thais…

Thalia— a fellow Greek classical name

Tessa— a companion crisp name

Iris— another Greek name

Cleo— a fellow elegant Greek pick

Explore names like Thais

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Thais mean?

Thais is an ancient Greek name, possibly 'bandage/headband'; the etymology is uncertain, so we note it.

How do you pronounce Thais?

It's said tah-EES /tɑˈis/ — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Thais a boy or girl name?

Thais is a girl's name.

How popular is Thais?

Thais is a rare name in the U.S.