Rising since 1986, #1,003 for girls today.
Popularity of Reya since 1982
Babies named Reya per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 27 |
| 1990s | 62 |
| 2000s | 314 |
| 2010s | 1,060 |
| 2020s | 1,476 |
Meaning & origin
Reya is a name that has been steadily gaining attention in the United States since its first recorded use in 1982. As of 2025, it ranks 1003 nationwide, with 1 in 6429 newborns receiving the name. Its popularity peaked in 2024, reflecting a broader trend toward names with melodic vowel endings and cross-cultural appeal. Reya's trajectory has been rising since 1986, but the most notable growth occurred in the 2020s. The name is most popular in Oregon, New Jersey, and Washington state, indicating a concentration on the West Coast and in the Northeast. Etymologically, Reya is a name of uncertain origin, with possible roots in Sanskrit ('flowing') or Arabic ('flag' or 'banner'). This ambiguity adds to its modern, adaptable quality. It fits alongside other short, vowel-rich names like Maya, Aria, and Kira. While not yet a household name, Reya's steady climb suggests it may continue to gain favor among parents seeking a distinctive yet intuitive choice.
Reya has multiple possible sources. In Sanskrit, it can be related to the word 'raya' meaning 'flow' or 'stream'. In Arabic, it may be a variant of 'Raya' meaning 'flag' or 'banner'. It emerged as a given name in the United States in the 1980s, likely influenced by similar-sounding names like Maya or Raya. Its usage has steadily increased since the mid-2010s.
Where Reya is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Reya” around the world
Where Reya lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
4
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ray, Ree
Sibling names for Reya
Names that share Reya's style, for a brother or sister.
