MallowbyNames

Rayana

ray-AH-nah · Of uncertain origin; possibly a variant of Rayanna, a blend of Ray and Anna, or a creative spelling of Rihanna.

2025 rank (girls)
#3,645
Babies named in 2025
41
Peak popularity
2001
2025 frequency
1 in 39,202 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Rising since 1985

Rising since 1985, #3,645 for girls today.

Popularity of Rayana since 1981

Babies named Rayana per year in U.S. Social Security records.

1938571990200020102020Most births 2001Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1980s27
1990s237
2000s475
2010s260
2020s186

Meaning & origin

Rayana is a modern name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1981. Its usage has been rising since 1985, and it peaked in popularity in 2001. In 2025, it ranked 3,645, with approximately 1 in 39,202 newborn girls receiving the name. The name is most common in Pennsylvania and New York. Rayana's origins are uncertain; it may be a variant of Rayanna (a blend of Ray and Anna) or a creative spelling of Rihanna. As a contemporary coinage, it lacks deep historical roots, but its melodic sound has attracted parents seeking a distinctive yet feminine name.

Rayana first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1981. It is likely a modern coinage, possibly influenced by names like Rayanna (a combination of Ray and Anna) or as a respelling of Rihanna, which gained visibility from the singer. The name has no established meaning in English or other languages.

Where Rayana is most popular

Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Rayana” around the world

Where Rayana lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.

  • France

    30

    babies in 2024

Sources: INSEE (France).

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Ray, Raya, Ana

Variants: Rayanna, Rhianna, Rihanna

Sibling names for Rayana

Names that share Rayana's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Maya, Leila, Ariana, Sienna, Zara

Brothers: Kaden, Jayden, Ethan, Noah, Liam

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

R is for Rayana, our favorite little girl.

R is for Rayana…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Rayana's letter becomes Rayana's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Rayana's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Rayana mean?
Rayana has no definitive meaning. It is likely a modern invented name, possibly a variant of Rayanna or a respelling of Rihanna.
How popular is the name Rayana?
Rayana ranked 3,645 in 2025, with about 1 in 39,202 baby girls given the name that year. Its peak popularity was in 2001.
Is Rayana a boy or girl name?
Rayana is almost exclusively used as a girl's name.