Rey

Meaning & origin

Rey entered U.S. naming records in 1915, but for most of the 20th century it remained a rare choice. It has climbed steadily since 1985, rising to rank 906 in 2025, with a peak in 2021. Its one-in-6,519 rate reflects a modest but growing presence. The name is most popular in Texas, California, and Arizona, states with large Hispanic populations, where Rey is a familiar vocabulary word. Its appeal today is driven by its simplicity, strong sound, and the influence of the Star Wars character Rey, which gave the name a modern pop culture boost. As a short, one-syllable name, it fits current tastes for concise and meaningful names, blending Spanish heritage with easy international use.

Rey is the Spanish word for 'king,' derived from Latin 'rex' (genitive 'regis'). As a given name, it has been used in Spanish-speaking communities, particularly in the American Southwest and among Hispanic families. Its usage as a first name gained broader attention in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, partly due to cultural references such as the Star Wars character Rey, though that character's name was not derived from the Spanish meaning.