Find out how popular the first name Raya has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Raya by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Raya is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 862 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Raya.

The history of the first name Raya

The name Raya is of Arabic origin and dates back to the early days of Islam. It is derived from the Arabic word "ra'a," which means "to see" or "to have vision." The name Raya can be translated to mean "beautiful vision" or "one who sees clearly."

In its earliest form, the name was spelled "Rayya" or "Raiah." It was a popular name among Arab families, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa. The name gained prominence during the medieval period, when it was associated with several influential figures in the Islamic world.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Raya can be found in the writings of the renowned Arab philosopher and scholar, Al-Farabi, who lived in the 9th-10th century. He referred to a student of his named Raya, whom he praised for her exceptional intellect and keen observations.

Another notable historical figure with the name Raya was Raya al-Muqaddasi, a 10th-century Arab geographer and travel writer. She is best known for her detailed accounts of the Middle East and her descriptions of various cities and regions she visited.

In the 12th century, a famous Sufi mystic and poet from Persia, Raya al-Din Rumi, gained widespread recognition for her spiritual teachings and poetic works. Her collection of poetry, known as the "Diwan-e Shams-e Tabrizi," is considered a masterpiece of Persian literature.

During the Ottoman Empire, the name Raya was also popular among Turkish families. One notable figure was Raya Pasha, a 16th-century Ottoman statesman and military leader who served as the Grand Vizier under Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent.

In more recent history, Raya Dunayevskaya (1910-1987) was a Russian-born American Marxist philosopher and activist. She is best known for her contributions to the theory of Marxist humanism and her work on the concept of "alienated labor."

While the name Raya has its roots in the Arabic language, it has gained popularity in various cultures and regions around the world. Its meaning and historical significance continue to resonate with those who appreciate its rich heritage and its association with vision, clarity, and intellectual pursuit.

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 Raya was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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