Raya
Meaning of Raya
The name Raya is a beautiful and versatile choice for a baby girl, with rich cultural roots and diverse associations. Originating from Hebrew and Arabic traditions, Raya carries the meanings of "friend" or "companion" in Hebrew and "flag" or "banner" in Arabic. Pronunciation varies slightly across languages: in Hebrew, it is pronounced as rah-YAH (/raja/), while in Arabic it is RAH-yuh (/ræjə/). In English, the name is commonly pronounced as RAY-uh (/ˈreɪə/). The name has seen a steady rise in popularity in the United States over recent years, climbing from rank 4184 in 1996 to rank 353 by 2023. This upward trend reflects its growing appeal among parents seeking a name that is both unique and culturally significant. Variations of the name include Rayah, which offers an alternative spelling while retaining the same melodic charm. Overall, Raya stands out as a modern yet timeless choice that resonates with warmth and inclusivity.
Pronunciation
Hebrew
- Pronunced as rah-YAH (/raja/)
Arabic
- Pronunced as RAH-yuh (/ræjə/)
English
- Pronunced as RAY-uh (/ˈreɪə/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Raya
| Raya Dunayevskaya, also known as Rae Spiegel and Freddie Forest, was an American philosopher who founded the philosophy of Marxist humanism and led the organization News and Letters Committees. |
| Raya Abirached is a well-known Lebanese TV presenter and celebrity journalist at MBC. |
| Raya Meddine, also known as Rana Alamuddin, is a Lebanese American actress recognized for her portrayal of Sabrina Costelana Newman on The Young and the Restless. |
| Raya Garbousova was a Russian Empire-born American cellist and teacher. |
| Raya Embury-Brown is a Caymanian swimmer who represented her country at the 2019 World Aquatics Championships in South Korea. |
| Raya Martin is a Filipino filmmaker known for his works such as Independencia and Manila, which he co-directed with Adolfo Alix, Jr. |
