Sugai is a Japanese surname that can also be used as a given name. In Japanese, it is typically written as 菅井 or 須貝. The meaning can vary depending on the kanji characters used, but common interpretations include “sedge well” (菅井) or “essential shell” (須貝).

As a given name, Sugai is quite rare, even in Japan. It’s more commonly encountered as a family name. The popularity of Sugai as a first name is limited, making it an unusual and distinctive choice.

Parents might be inspired to choose Sugai as a name to honor Japanese heritage or to pay homage to a notable person with this surname. It could also be selected for its unique sound and the depth of meaning found in its kanji characters.