Find out how popular the first name Rayan has been for the last 47 years (from 1977 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Rayan by gender

Based on the last 47 years of data, Rayan is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 89% of people named Rayan being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 515 male babies and 20 female babies born with the name Rayan.

The history of the first name Rayan

The name Rayan is derived from the Arabic language and has its roots in the Middle East. It is believed to have originated during the Islamic Golden Age, which spanned from the 8th to the 13th centuries. The name is a variation of the Arabic word "rayyan," which means "fresh water" or "paradise."

Rayan was a relatively uncommon name in ancient times, but it gained popularity during the medieval period. One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name can be found in the works of the renowned Persian poet Rumi (1207-1273). Rumi's poetry often featured symbolic references to water and paradise, making the name Rayan a fitting choice for characters in his writings.

In the 14th century, a famous Islamic scholar and philosopher from Persia, known as Rayan al-Din al-Ghazali (1284-1349), gained widespread recognition for his contributions to Islamic theology and philosophy. His works, particularly his treatise on the "Revival of the Religious Sciences," had a profound impact on Islamic thought and scholarship.

During the Ottoman Empire, which ruled over parts of the Middle East and North Africa from the 14th to the early 20th century, the name Rayan was occasionally used by members of the ruling elite. One notable example is Rayan Pasha (1523-1582), a prominent Ottoman statesman and military leader who served as the Grand Vizier, the highest-ranking political advisor to the Sultan.

In more recent history, Rayan Cherki (born 2003) is a French professional footballer of Algerian descent who plays as a forward for Olympique Lyonnais. He is considered one of the most promising young talents in European football and has represented France at various youth levels.

Another notable figure with the name Rayan is Rayan Rayyan (born 1985), a Jordanian-American actor and comedian. He has appeared in various television shows and films, including the critically acclaimed series "Ramy," where he played the role of Ahmed.

While the name Rayan has its origins in the Middle East, it has gained popularity in various parts of the world due to cultural exchange and migration. However, its roots and historical significance remain deeply connected to the rich cultural heritage of the Arabic-speaking world.

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

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

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