Girl · 697th of 30,306
Raya
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
7,165
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2023
Peak Popularity Year
865
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Raya stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Raya has Hebrew origins, meaning 'friend' or 'companion', and can also imply 'shepherd'. It has evolved from ancient Hebrew forms to modern usage. The name is often associated with warmth and friendliness, with no specific biblical relevance. Its popularity has increased in recent years, partly due to cultural influences and media representation.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈreɪ.ə/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Raya is derived from the Hebrew word 'ra'ah', meaning 'to see' or 'to shepherd'. It is often interpreted as 'friend' or 'companion'.
Meaning
friend, companion, shepherd
Language Evolution
Raya (modern usage), Ra'ah (Hebrew origin)
Historical Usage
The name Raya has gained popularity in various cultures, especially in Hebrew-speaking communities, and has become more widely recognized in recent years due to its use in popular media.
Variants & Derivatives
Raya (common form), Raia (variant)
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Raya is perceived as a modern and friendly name, often associated with positive traits such as companionship and warmth.
Famous People
Raya Abirached (Lebanese TV presenter), Raya and the Last Dragon (animated film character)
Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Rising
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Moderately Popular name with 865 peak births in 2023
Geographic Spread
Popular across 45 US states, with strongest presence in Washington
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 5 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 6 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 5 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 10657th of 12526 | 11 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 7450th of 19264 | 87 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 4088th of 27321 | 369 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 1812th of 35406 | 1,737 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 697th of 30306 | 4,961 |