At a glance
- U.S. rank 2025
- #10,695 of boy names (outside the top 1,000)
- Babies in 2025
- 6 (<0.01% of boys)
- Trend
- Slipping #8,739 in 2020 to #10,695 in 2025
- Peak
- #6,032 in 2021
- First recorded
- 2017
Meaning of Unai
Unai dances into the spotlight like a spirited song carried on a mountain breeze, introducing itself with the warm invitation of Basque tradition—oo-NYE, meaning “shepherd.” In its homeland, this name conjures images of verdant hills dotted with grazing flocks, where young caretakers whistle tunes at dawn. Today, Unai tiptoes onto American birth certificates in tiny but growing numbers—just a handful of little shepherds, ranked around the low 900s in popularity, bringing a fresh, rustic charm to playgrounds coast to coast. It’s a name that feels both timeless and adventurous, as if every Unai carries a dash of wanderlust mixed with down-to-earth reliability. For families seeking a playful nod to heritage, nature, and a dash of mythic storytelling, Unai steps forward with a grin, ready to lead the flock.
How to pronounce Unai
Basque
- Pronounced oo-NYE /uˈnai/
Popularity of Unai in the U.S.
Notable people named Unai
- Unai Emery is a Spanish football manager known for leading Aston Villa and his record-breaking success in the UEFA Europa League.
- Unai Simon is a Spanish goalkeeper who plays for Athletic Bilbao and the Spain national team.
- Unai Elgezabal Udondo is a Spanish footballer who plays as a central defender or defensive midfielder for SD Eibar.
- Unai Gomez Etxebarria is a Spanish footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Udinese.
- Unai Garcia is a Spanish footballer who plays as a centre-back for Greek club Panetolikos.