The nameRaya

Raya is a girl's name found in several languages, from Arabic to Bulgarian. It has risen in England and Wales since Disney's Raya and the Last Dragon.

Meaning

Raya can come from the Arabic raya, "banner" or "satisfied", from the Bulgarian Raya, "paradise", or from the Hebrew re'a, "friend".

Origin

Several origins.

History

Disney's film Raya and the Last Dragon (2021) gave the name a boost. It reached 82nd place in England and Wales in 2024 and 2025, its best rank since 1996.

Popularity of the name Raya

Raya in the United States

363rdmost popular girls' name in the United States in 2024
2023peak year (865 births)
7,165babies named Raya in the United States since 1880
0433865 18801900192019401960198020002020
Births per year in the United States. Source: Social Security Administration, names given at least 5 times a year.

Raya was most popular in the United States in the 2020s, with 3,419 births over the decade, 48% of all recorded babies named Raya. Its rise began around 2003, and it peaked in 2023. Half of all babies named Raya in the United States were born before 2019, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 684 births a year on average, against 229 in the five years before.

Raya in the United Kingdom

82ndmost popular girls' name in the United Kingdom in 2025
2024peak year (640 births)
3,724babies named Raya in the United Kingdom since 1997
0320640 200020052010201520202025
Births per year in the United Kingdom. Source: ONS, NRS and NISRA (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland), names given at least 3 times a year.

Raya was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2020s, with 2,669 births over the decade, 72% of all recorded babies named Raya. Its rise began around 2013, and it peaked in 2024. Half of all babies named Raya in the United Kingdom were born before 2022, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 507 births a year on average, against 108 in the five years before.

Sibling names for Raya

Names from the same generation as Raya, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.

For a sister

For a brother

How many people are named Raya? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz

Compare Raya with another name

Meaning, origin and popularity of Raya side by side with the name of your choice.

Raya in our baby name lists

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Raya mean?

Raya can come from the Arabic raya, "banner" or "satisfied", from the Bulgarian Raya, "paradise", or from the Hebrew re'a, "friend".

What is the origin of the name Raya?

Several origins.

Is Raya a girl's or a boy's name?

Raya is a girl's name.

How popular is the name Raya?

In 2024, Raya was the 363rd most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 859 births.

What are good sibling names for Raya?

Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Sylvie, Maeve, Alessia and Florence for a sister, Teo, Walker, Sonny and Emir for a brother.