Declining since 2020, #5,238 for girls today.
Popularity of Rei since 1974
Babies named Rei per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 5 | 0 |
| 1980s | 20 | 5 |
| 1990s | 27 | 31 |
| 2000s | 101 | 123 |
| 2010s | 217 | 167 |
| 2020s | 180 | 152 |
Meaning & origin
Rei is a compact, internationally appealing name with Japanese and Hebrew roots. In the United States, it first appeared in Social Security records in 1974, and its usage grew steadily, reaching its peak rank in 2020. Since then, it has been on a gradual decline, falling in rank each year through 2025, when it stood at 5,238 with roughly 1 in 66,969 births. The name is most common in California, reflecting its popularity in diverse, multicultural areas. Its cross-cultural resonance and simple, strong sound give it enduring appeal for parents seeking a gender-flexible option.
Rei is a name of diverse origins. In Japanese, it is a common given name with various kanji combinations, each carrying different meanings such as 'spirit' (霊), 'bell' (鈴), or 'zero' (零). As a Hebrew name, Rei is considered a modern variant of Reuven (Reuben), meaning 'behold, a son', though it is not widely used in that context. The name gained international recognition through its use in popular culture, including the character Rei Ayanami from the 'Neon Genesis Evangelion' series.
Where Rei is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Rei
Names that share Rei's style, for a brother or sister.
