Rising since 1998, #4,265 for girls today.
Popularity of Raia since 1995
Babies named Raia per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 19 |
| 2000s | 103 |
| 2010s | 120 |
| 2020s | 169 |
Meaning & origin
Raia is a modern name that first appeared on the U.S. Social Security list in 1995, and it has been steadily rising in usage. In 2025, it reached a rank of 4,265, with approximately 1 in 48,705 newborn girls receiving the name. Its peak year so far was 2024, and the name has been on an upward trajectory since 1998, particularly since the early 2000s. The highest usage has been in New York and California, suggesting a trend among diverse, metropolitan families. While its etymology is uncertain, its soft sound and resemblance to more established names like Raya and Aria may contribute to its appeal. As a modern coinage, Raia represents a growing category of names that gain traction through phonetic appeal rather than historical roots.
Raia first appeared in U.S. records in 1995, and its origins are unclear. It may be a respelling of Raya (derived from the Hebrew name meaning 'friend' or the Arabic name meaning 'flag'), or a modern invention inspired by similar-sounding names. Its usage has grown steadily since the late 1990s.
Where Raia is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Raia” around the world
Where Raia lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Sibling names for Raia
Names that share Raia's style, for a brother or sister.
