Rising since 2002, #2,822 for girls today.
Popularity of Raeya since 2000
Babies named Raeya per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 80 |
| 2010s | 323 |
| 2020s | 399 |
Meaning & origin
Raeya is a modern, melodic name that first entered U.S. birth records in 2000. Its popularity has been rising since 2002, reflecting a broader trend toward soft, vowel-heavy names ending in 'a' or 'ya.' In 2025, Raeya ranked 2,822, with approximately 1 in 26,788 girls receiving the name. Its peak year came in 2021, and it remains most common in California. The name's appeal lies in its phonetic resemblance to popular names like Maya and Aria, while its possible Hebrew or Arabic roots offer cultural depth. Although Raeya lacks a long historical record, its steady climb suggests enduring modern appeal.
Raeya is a modern spelling variant of Raya, a name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from Hebrew Raya, meaning 'friend' or 'companion,' or from Arabic rayya, meaning 'satisfied' or 'content.' The name has also been used as a feminine form of Ray, or as a creative respelling of the name Ray. In the United States, Raeya first appeared on the Social Security Administration's baby name records in the year 2000, and its usage has grown steadily, especially in the 2010s and 2020s.
Where Raeya is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ray, Rae, Ya-Ya
Sibling names for Raeya
Names that share Raeya's style, for a brother or sister.
