Find out how popular the first name Riyaan has been for the last 17 years (from 2007 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Riyaan by gender

Based on the last 17 years of data, Riyaan is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 95% of people named Riyaan being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 55 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Riyaan.

The history of the first name Riyaan

The name Riyaan is derived from the Arabic word "rayyan," which means "sweet basil" or "fragrant herb." It is a popular name in the Middle East, particularly among Arabic-speaking countries.

The earliest known usage of the name Riyaan can be traced back to the medieval Islamic period, around the 7th to 13th centuries. It was often given to boys born in regions where Arabic was the predominant language, such as the Arabian Peninsula, North Africa, and parts of the Levant.

While the name Riyaan does not appear to have any direct references in religious scriptures or ancient texts, its connection to the word "rayyan" may have symbolic significance in Islamic culture. The fragrance of basil is often associated with purity and sweetness, making it a desirable name for a newborn child.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Riyaan was Riyaan al-Kindi, an Arab philosopher and mathematician who lived in the 9th century CE. He made significant contributions to the fields of optics, medicine, and philosophy.

Another notable figure was Riyaan al-Ramli, a 15th-century Syrian scholar and poet known for his works on Islamic jurisprudence and Arabic literature. He was born in Damascus and spent most of his life teaching and writing in the city.

In the 16th century, Riyaan al-Jazari was a renowned Islamic polymath and inventor from present-day Turkey. He is best known for his groundbreaking work on mechanical engineering, including the development of advanced water clocks and automated machines.

During the 18th century, Riyaan al-Khalidi was a prominent Egyptian scholar and theologian. He wrote extensively on Islamic theology and jurisprudence, and his works were widely studied throughout the region.

More recently, Riyaan Parag is a South African cricketer who made his international debut for the South African national team in 2022. He is a right-handed wicket-keeper and batsman, hailing from Johannesburg.

While the name Riyaan has its roots in Arabic, it has gained popularity across various cultures and regions, particularly in South Asia and parts of Africa, where it is sometimes spelled slightly differently, such as Riyan or Rayan.

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

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

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