Chithirai as a Baby Name. Meaning and Origin of Chithirai

What is the meaning of the name Chithirai ?

The baby name Chithirai is a Female name , 3 syllables long and is pronounced tɕi.t̪i.ɾai (approx. "CHI-thi-rye").

Chithirai is Tamil in Origin.

Chithirai is a Tamil given name and calendar term meaning the first month of the Tamil year (mid‑April to mid‑May). The word descends from Sanskrit Chaitra, itself tied to citra “bright, variegated, pictorial,” and to the Chitra (Spica) asterism that marks the season. As a name it carries senses of new beginnings, color, brilliance, and festive auspiciousness.

In Tamil-speaking communities of South India, Sri Lanka, and the diaspora, Chithirai is used for all genders, often bestowed on children born in that month or in honor of the famed Chithirai Thiruvizha of Madurai celebrating Meenakshi and Alagar. Spellings include Chittirai, Chitirai, and Chitrai; the Tamil script is சித்திரை. Related or cognate forms are Chithra/Chitra (feminine), Chaitra (Indic), and Chaitreya (masculine). Usage is modern yet culturally grounded, paralleling other Tamil month-names adopted as given names.

⚙ Chithirai is rarely chosen. We have only 44 recorded uses of it on record, from 9 countries.