Raya

Friend; flag — a girl name of Hebrew/Arabic origin

GenderGirl
MeaningFriend; flag
PronunciationRY-ah

Popularity of Raya in the United States

#369Rank in 2025
831Births in 2025
#353 in 2023Peak Popularity
↑ Rising10-Year Trend

Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.

Meaning & Origin of Raya

Raya is a short, luminous name with lovely meanings in several traditions: "friend" or "companion" in Hebrew, "flag" or "banner" in Arabic, and a fond short form of Raisa in Slavic use. Warm and easy to say, it gained fresh momentum after Disney introduced the brave warrior heroine of Raya and the Last Dragon. Its soft two-syllable flow places it neatly beside Maya, Aya, and Zaria, and it works beautifully across cultures and languages. For parents seeking a simple, modern name with cross-cultural warmth and a quietly heroic spirit, Raya is a small gem.

Raya Around the World

Raya is used in 3 languages worldwide, with 2+ international variants. A cross-cultural name: Hebrew for "friend," Arabic for "flag," and a Slavic short form of Raisa..

Languages
HebrewArabicSlavic
Details

TypeFemale given name

International Variants
Raia
Rayah

Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.

Nicknames for Raya

Ray

Famous People Named Raya

  • Raya — the warrior princess of Disney's film Raya and the Last Dragon

Similar Names to Raya

If you like Raya, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.

Also consider:AyaZaria

Sibling Name Ideas for Raya

Looking for names that pair well with Raya? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Raya mean?

Raya is a girl name of Hebrew/Arabic origin meaning "Friend; flag." Raya is a short, luminous name with lovely meanings in several traditions: "friend" or "companion" in Hebrew, "flag" or "banner" in Arabic, and a fond short form of Raisa in Slavic use. Warm and easy to say, it gained fresh momentum after Disney introduced the brave warrior heroine of Raya and the Last Dragon.

How do you pronounce Raya?

Raya is pronounced RY-ah. Common variations include Raia, Rayah.

Is Raya a girl name?

Yes, Raya is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Ray.

Need More Name Ideas?

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