Declining since 2018, #7,133 for girls today.
Popularity of Areej since 1981
Babies named Areej per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 10 |
| 1990s | 79 |
| 2000s | 161 |
| 2010s | 231 |
| 2020s | 131 |
Meaning & origin
Areej, an Arabic name meaning fragrant scent, is a rare but distinctive choice in the United States. It first appeared on the U.S. baby-name charts in 1981, reaching its peak popularity in 2017. Since 2018, its usage has been declining. In 2025, the name ranked 7,133, with an incidence of 1 in 107,151 female newborns. Despite its rarity, Areej carries a rich cultural and linguistic heritage, rooted in Arabic poetry and descriptions of perfume. It remains a meaningful option for families seeking a name with olfactory elegance and deep cultural resonance.
Areej is derived from the Arabic root ʿ-r-j, associated with fragrance and perfume. In Arabic, 'areej' (عَرِيج) specifically refers to a pleasant, strong scent, often likened to musk. The name has been used in Arabic-speaking communities for centuries, appearing in classical poetry and literature. It entered Western naming consciousness more recently, particularly among Muslim families in diaspora communities.
“Areej” around the world
Where Areej lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ari, Ree
Variants: Areege, Arij
Sibling names for Areej
Names that share Areej's style, for a brother or sister.
