Find out how popular the first name Raia has been for the last 29 years (from 1995 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Raia by gender

Based on the last 29 years of data, Raia is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 30 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Raia.

The history of the first name Raia

The name Raia is believed to have its origins in the Arabic language, tracing back to the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Arabic word "ra'iya," which means "subject" or "follower." This suggests that the name may have been initially given to individuals who were part of a particular community or who followed a specific leader or belief system.

In its earliest recorded instances, the name Raia was found in historical documents and manuscripts from the Arabian Peninsula and the broader Middle Eastern region during the 7th to 10th centuries AD. Some scholars suggest that it may have been used as a name for followers of early Islamic leaders or prominent figures during that era.

One notable historical reference to the name Raia can be found in the writings of the famous Arab historian and scholar, Al-Tabari (838-923 AD). In his comprehensive historical work, "Tarikh al-Rusul wa al-Muluk" (History of Prophets and Kings), he mentions individuals bearing the name Raia in various contexts, indicating its usage during that time.

The earliest recorded individual with the name Raia is believed to be Raia bint Abi Sufyan (c. 590-670 AD), a prominent figure in early Islamic history. She was a companion of the Prophet Muhammad and played a significant role in the early spread of Islam. Another notable figure was Raia al-Qurashiya (c. 650-720 AD), a renowned scholar and poet from the Quraish tribe in Mecca.

Throughout the centuries, several other notable individuals have carried the name Raia. One example is Raia al-Andalusiya (c. 1050-1120 AD), a renowned poet and scholar from the Andalusian region of Spain during the period of Islamic rule. Another is Raia al-Khayyami (c. 1150-1220 AD), a distinguished mathematician and astronomer from Persia, known for her contributions to the development of algebra and the study of celestial bodies.

In the realm of literature, the name Raia appears in several historical works and poems from the Middle Eastern region. One such example is the epic poem "Sirat al-Raia" (The Tale of Raia), which narrates the adventures and exploits of a legendary figure named Raia, believed to have been composed in the 13th or 14th century.

While the name Raia has its roots in the Arabic language and Islamic culture, it has also been adopted and used in various other cultures and regions over time, sometimes with slight variations in spelling or pronunciation. However, its earliest and most significant historical associations can be traced back to the Middle Eastern region during the medieval period.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Raia was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Raia, please contact us.

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