Raya Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated July 9, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Raya Name Meaning

Fact: Raya is the name of the warrior princess in Disney’s “Raya and the Last Dragon.” She is known for her bravery and martial arts skills​

Continue Reading…
A Deep Dive

Raya Overview

Meaning

Friend, companion

Gender

Girl

Origin

Hebrew, Bulgarian

Etymology

Derived from the Hebrew word “רעיה” (Re’aya), meaning “friend” or “companion.”

Pronunciation

/ˈraɪə/

Popularity

Raya is gaining popularity globally, particularly in the United States, Canada, and Ireland. In 2023, it ranked as the 353rd most popular name for girls in the USA​

Syllable

1 syllable

Length

4 letters

Numerology

9 (Humanitarian, Selfless, Creative)

Name Styles

Cool, Short, Aesthetic, Unique

Associated Traits

Creative, vibrant, elegant, friendly

Name Day

September 7th (Bulgaria)
A Deep Dive

Raya Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Rhea, Rayna, Raia

Common Nicknames

Ray, Rara, Rye, Yaya

Diminutives

Riri, Ree, Aya

Famous People

  • Raya El Hassan
    (Lebanese Politician)
  • Raya Abirached
    (Lebanese-British TV Host)
  • Raya Dunayevskaya
    (Ukrainian-American Philosopher)
  • Raya Martin
    (Filipino Filmmaker)
  • Raya Meddine
    (Lebanese Actress)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • Raya
    ("Raya and the Last Dragon," Film)
  • Raya Green
    ("Make It Happen," Film)
  • "Raya's Journey"
    (Novel)
  • Raya
    ("The White Tiger," Film)
  • "Raya's Adventure"
    (Children's Book)

Places

  • Raya Island
    (Phuket, Thailand)
  • Raya Town
    (Uttar Pradesh, India)

What Is the Meaning of Raya?

Raya means “friend” or “companion” in Hebrew. It conveys a sense of warmth and trustworthiness, hinting at someone who is loyal and supportive.

What Is the Origin of The Name Raya?

The name Raya originates from the Hebrew word “רעיה” (Re’aya), meaning “friend” or “companion.” Additionally, in Bulgarian and other Slavic languages, Raya is derived from the word “рай” (rai), meaning “paradise” or “heavenly.”

Raya Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Raya in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#4952021#4002022#3532023
Top 3 Rankings#3532023#4002022#4952021

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Raya

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
2023353
(+47 from 2022)
862
(+81 from 2022)
0.04928
2022400
(+95 from 2021)
781
(+146 from 2021)
0.04356
2021495
(+437 from 2020)
635
(+359 from 2020)
0.03544
2020932
(+127 from 2019)
276
(+37 from 2019)
0.01561
20191059
(+70 from 2018)
239
(+23 from 2018)
0.01303
20181129
(-94 from 2017)
216
(-33 from 2017)
0.01162
20171035
(+53 from 2016)
249
(+12 from 2016)
0.01318
20161088
(+124 from 2015)
237
(+32 from 2015)
0.01224
20151212
(+22 from 2014)
205
(+8 from 2014)
0.01051
20141234
(-28 from 2013)
197
(-1 from 2013)
0.01007
20131206
(+82 from 2012)
198
(+13 from 2012)
0.01027
20121288
(-38 from 2011)
185
(-6 from 2011)
0.00954
20111250
(+129 from 2010)
191
(+23 from 2010)
0.00986
20101379
(+97 from 2009)
168
(+11 from 2009)
0.00857
20091476
(+32 from 2008)
157
(+3 from 2008)
0.00775
20081508
(+217 from 2007)
154
(+28 from 2007)
0.00739
20071725
(-44 from 2006)
126
(+1 from 2006)
0.00595
20061681
(+122 from 2005)
125
(+17 from 2005)
0.00598
20051803
(+106 from 2004)
108
(+10 from 2004)
0.00532
20041909
(-123 from 2003)
98
(-7 from 2003)
0.00486
20031786
(+768 from 2002)
105
(+44 from 2002)
0.00523
20022554
(+44 from 2001)
61
(+3 from 2001)
0.00309
20012598
(-53 from 2000)
58
(-1 from 2000)
0.00293
20002545
(+65 from 1999)
59
(+5 from 1999)
0.00296
19992610
(+279 from 1998)
54
(+9 from 1998)
0.00277
19982889
(-15 from 1997)
45
(+3 from 1997)
0.00232
19972874
(+1310 from 1996)
42
(+17 from 1996)
0.00220
19964184
(-762 from 1995)
25
(-7 from 1995)
0.00130
19953422
(-51 from 1994)
32
(-1 from 1994)
0.00167
19943371
(-837 from 1993)
33
(-16 from 1993)
0.00169
19932534
(+386 from 1992)
49
(+9 from 1992)
0.00249
19922920
(+522 from 1991)
40
(+9 from 1991)
0.00200
19913442
(-216 from 1990)
31
(-3 from 1990)
0.00152
19903226
(+341 from 1989)
34
(+6 from 1989)
0.00165
19893567
(-85 from 1988)
28
(+1 from 1988)
0.00141
19883482
(+2441 from 1987)
27
(+15 from 1987)
0.00140
19875923
(+232 from 1986)
12
(+1 from 1986)
0.00064
19866155
(-477 from 1985)
11
(-1 from 1985)
0.00060
19855678
(+2473 from 1984)
12
(+5 from 1984)
0.00065
19848151
(-2327 from 1983)
7
(-4 from 1983)
0.00039
19835824
(+1644 from 1982)
11
(+3 from 1982)
0.00061
19827468
(-665 from 1981)
8
(-1 from 1981)
0.00044
19816803
(-1559 from 1980)
9
(-4 from 1980)
0.00050
19805244
(-618 from 1979)
13
(-2 from 1979)
0.00073
19794626
(+5125 from 1978)
15
(+10 from 1978)
0.00087
19789751
(-3411 from 1977)
5
(-4 from 1977)
0.00030
19776340
(-357 from 1975)
9
No change from 1975
0.00055
19760
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19755983
(+916 from 1974)
9
(+2 from 1974)
0.00058
19746899
(-233 from 1973)
7
No change from 1973
0.00045
19736666
(-2144 from 1972)
7
(-5 from 1972)
0.00045
19724522
(+2949 from 1969)
12
(+7 from 1969)
0.00074
19710
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19700
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19697471
(-669 from 1967)
5
No change from 1967
0.00028
19680
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19676802
(-794 from 1964)
5
(-1 from 1964)
0.00029
19660
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19650
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19646008
(+98 from 1958)
6
(+1 from 1958)
0.00031
19630
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19620
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19610
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19600
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19590
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19586106
First SSA data recorded
5
First SSA data recorded
0.00024
19570
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19560
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19550
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19540
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19530
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19520
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19510
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19500
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19490
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19480
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19470
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19460
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19450
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19440
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19430
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19420
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19410
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19400
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19390
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19380
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19370
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19360
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19350
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19340
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19330
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19320
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19310
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19300
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19290
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19280
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19270
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19260
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19250
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19240
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19230
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19220
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19210
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19200
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19190
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19180
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19170
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19160
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19150
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19140
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19130
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19120
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19110
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19100
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19090
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19080
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19070
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19060
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19050
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19040
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19030
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19020
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19010
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19000
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18990
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18980
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18970
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18960
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18950
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18940
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18930
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18920
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18910
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18900
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18890
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18880
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18870
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18860
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18850
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18840
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18830
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18820
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18810
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18800
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000

American States Popularity Rankings for Raya

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#4652021#4212022#3012023

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#5522021#5712022#4102023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#4582021#4482022#3622023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#6212021#3932022#4562023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#4112021#3022022#2862023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#4392021#3472022#3852023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#6212021#4102022#3732023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#3482021#5852022#4122023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#3552021#4852022#2832023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#3912021#2252022#3852023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#5162021#3172022#3182023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#3712021#3232022#2302023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#4512021#2852022#2012023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#7202021#4832022#4092023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#6292021#4942022#3682023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#9162021#2922022#3062023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#5122021#4312022#4162023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#3312021#2992022#4642023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#5172021#3742022#2952023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#4562021#4812022#10522023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#6852021#6392022#4332023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#7272021#4552022#3252023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#10312021#5202022#4782023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#4092021#4722022#3442023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#7082021#4142022#5562023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#6852021#3922022#3412023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#6562021#6512022#4192023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#8182021#6232022#3872023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#4822021#2432022#4862023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#6632021#4612022#4602023

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#6202021#5142022#7482023

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#5402021#3062022#4542023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#4202017#4832021#4102023

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#6022021#3092022#4802023

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#2222021#742023

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#3622022#3152023

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#3212021#2512023

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#6242021#5322022

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#1012023

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#1422022

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#1792021

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#3112022

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#1612023

Popularity Rankings for Raya in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Bulgaria

Bulgaria flagBulgaria#52020#42021#52022

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland flagNorthern Ireland#2982021#1472022#952023

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#2052021#2002022#1092023

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#2042021#1502022#2232023

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#4302019#3932020#2032021

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#2992021#2222022#2962023

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#2362023

Popularity in Germany

Germany flagGermany#4212021#3122022#3412023

Popularity in Switzerland

Switzerland flagSwitzerland#5982020#6352021#4202022

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#7642020#5552021#5002022

Popularity in Poland

Poland flagPoland#7342014#6582017#6032019

Popularity in Sweden

Sweden flagSweden#6982023

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Raya a Name for Boys or Girls?

Raya, mainly a girl’s name, is cherished for its melodic sound and meaningful roots. The name’s feminine charm is highlighted by its associations with companionship and heavenliness.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Raya

Raya in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Raya El Hassan (Politician, born 1967): A Lebanese politician who has served as Minister of Finance and Minister of Interior.
  • Raya Abirached (TV Host, born 1977): A Lebanese-British television presenter and journalist known for hosting "Scoop with Raya."
  • Raya Dunayevskaya (Philosopher, 1910–1987): A Ukrainian-American Marxist humanist and philosopher who founded the movement of Marxist Humanism.
  • Raya Martin (Filmmaker, born 1984): A Filipino independent filmmaker whose works have been featured in international film festivals.
  • Raya Meddine (Actress, born 1972): A Lebanese actress known for her roles in American soap operas and films.
  • Raya Bidshahri (Entrepreneur, born 1993): An Iranian entrepreneur and founder of Awecademy, an education technology company.
  • "Raya and the Last Dragon" (2021 Film): A fearless warrior on a quest to find the last dragon and save her kingdom.
  • Raya Green ("Make It Happen," 2008 Film): An aspiring dancer who moves to Chicago to follow her dreams.
  • "Raya's Journey" (2015 Novel): Chronicles the adventures of a young girl named Raya as she discovers her true heritage.
  • Raya ("The White Tiger," 2021 Film): A supporting character in the story of a man's rise from poverty in modern India.
  • "Raya's Adventure" (2017 Children's Book): Follows the whimsical journey of a young girl named Raya through magical lands.
  • "Raya and the Giants" (2018 Animated Series): A brave girl who befriends giants and learns valuable life lessons.
  • Raya Island (Phuket, Thailand): A beautiful island located south of Phuket, popular for its clear waters and coral reefs.
  • Raya Park (Samar, Philippines): A public park in Catbalogan City, featuring landscaped gardens and recreational facilities.
  • Raya River (Sumatra, Indonesia): A river flowing through North Sumatra, contributing to the region's agriculture.
  • Playa de la Raya Beach (Andalusia, Spain): A sandy beach located on the Costa de la Luz, frequented by both locals and tourists.
  • Raya Ghat (Uttar Pradesh, India): A historic ghat on the banks of the Yamuna River, used for religious ceremonies and festivals.
  • Raya Heritage Hotel (Chiang Mai, Thailand): A luxury hotel offering a blend of traditional and modern Thai architecture and hospitality.

Similar Names to Raya

Sibling Names for Raya

Parents Who Like the Name Raya Also Like

As I wrap up our journey through the enchanting world of Raya, I hope you feel inspired and excited about choosing this name for your little one. Ready for more baby name adventures? See you soon!
Helen Doanna

Helen Doanna

Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator

Expertise

Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher

Education

1. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Literature and Journalism
  • Focus: In-depth knowledge of Literature, knowledge and skills to perceive, create literature or work in related fields; Basic knowledge of communications.

2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Education Faculty
  • Focus: Core knowledge of social sciences and humanities – the root for the development of progressive values of education, Multicultural communication in education, Contemporary education in the context of globalization, Learning in the digital technology era, Basic issues of STEAM education, Classroom Management, Special education.

3. Oregon State University, Oregan, US

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Human Development and Family Sciences – Child Development
  • Focus: Different stages of development, from infancy to adulthood; Develop a strong foundation for a career in early childhood programs or classrooms; Learn strategies for supporting young children’s development in early childhood settings.
Facebook
Instagram
Linkedin

Helen is an experienced educational specialist and content creator, known for her innovative approach to children’s learning. With a background in literature and child development, she composes engaging educational content for SimpleKids.net. Her work emphasizes creativity, engagement, and simplicity, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children and their families.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *