Find out how popular the first name Rayyan has been for the last 28 years (from 1996 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Rayyan by gender

Based on the last 28 years of data, Rayyan is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 92% of people named Rayyan being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 146 male babies and 18 female babies born with the name Rayyan.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 18 baby girls were named Rayyan in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Rayyan

Rayyan is a masculine given name of Arabic origin, derived from the Arabic root word "ra'a," meaning "to pasture" or "to graze." The name holds significance in Islamic culture and is often associated with concepts of prosperity, abundance, and spiritual nourishment.

The earliest recorded use of the name Rayyan can be traced back to the 7th century CE, during the Islamic Golden Age. It was mentioned in various Arabic literary works and historical records, often referring to individuals who embodied qualities of generosity and benevolence.

One notable historical reference is found in the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam, where the word "rayyan" is used to describe the gardens of paradise, symbolizing eternal bliss and spiritual sustenance. This association has contributed to the name's popularity among Muslim communities worldwide.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Rayyan. One such individual was Rayyan al-Umawi (670-725 CE), a renowned Arab poet and scholar from the Umayyad dynasty, renowned for his mastery of Arabic literature and his expertise in various fields of knowledge.

Another prominent figure was Rayyan ibn al-Walid (688-765 CE), a military commander and governor during the Abbasid Caliphate, known for his strategic prowess and leadership in numerous military campaigns and conquests.

In the 12th century, Rayyan al-Baghdadi (1106-1185 CE) was a prominent Islamic scholar and philosopher, renowned for his contributions to the fields of logic, metaphysics, and epistemology. His works had a significant impact on the development of Islamic philosophy and intellectual discourse.

The 13th century witnessed the rise of Rayyan al-Hilli (1210-1287 CE), a renowned Islamic jurist and theologian from the city of Hillah in present-day Iraq. He was widely respected for his expertise in Islamic jurisprudence and his influential teachings on various aspects of Islamic law and theology.

In more recent times, Rayyan al-Shawaf (1913-1998) was a Palestinian writer, journalist, and political activist who played a significant role in advocating for Palestinian rights and raising awareness about the Palestinian cause through his literary works and activism.

These are just a few examples of notable figures throughout history who have borne the name Rayyan, each leaving an indelible mark in their respective fields and contributing to the rich tapestry of cultural heritage associated with this remarkable name.

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

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!