Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Rey originates from Spanish, meaning 'king,' and traces back to the Latin word 'rex.' It evolved from Latin to Old Spanish, maintaining its royal connotation. The name is positively perceived in modern culture, especially influenced by its presence in media. It does not have biblical relevance.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/reɪ/
Origin
Spanish
Etymology
The name Rey is derived from the Spanish word for 'king,' which itself comes from the Latin 'rex.'
Meaning
king
Language Evolution
Latin: Rex, Old Spanish: Rey
Historical Usage
Rey gained popularity as a given name in the Spanish-speaking world and has become widely recognized due to its use in popular culture, particularly through characters in films and literature.
Variants & Derivatives
Reyes, Reyhan, Reya
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Rey is viewed positively and is associated with strength and leadership, partly due to its use in contemporary media, such as the character Rey from the Star Wars franchise.
Famous People
Rey Mysterio (professional wrestler), Rey Liotta (actor)
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 394 peak births in 2021
Geographic Spread
Popular across 29 US states, with strongest presence in Texas
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 8 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (8 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 8 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
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
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 3530th of 7545 | 85 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 2343rd of 6773 | 188 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1360th of 7552 | 619 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1231st of 10718 | 736 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1122nd of 16616 | 1,355 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 949th of 24088 | 3,047 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 817th of 23106 | 3,401 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 3695th of 30306 | 502 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - |
76.36% 872nd/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
70.68% 1663rd/2353 |
68.97% 1067th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- |
49.71% 1208th/2430 |
33.12% 945th/2853 |
29.84% 828th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
55.16% 1620th/2937 |
33.39% 1163rd/3483 |
25.16% 885th/3518 |
23.42% 947th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
38.18% 1407th/3685 |
26.08% 1167th/4475 |
17.98% 934th/5194 |
13.25% 837th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
32.15% 1473rd/4582 |
24.73% 1277th/5164 |
12.28% 898th/7313 |
8.82% 658th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
32.71% 1303rd/3984 |
29.86% 1340th/4487 |
12.28% 838th/6822 |
8.95% 562nd/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
79.92% 3184th/3984 |
- |
81.41% 5554th/6822 |
39.39% 2472nd/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Texas across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been too falling for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, too falling for male in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, too falling for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 3530th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2343rd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1360th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1231st out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1122nd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 949th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 817th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 3695th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.