Raya
Raya is a girl name of Hebrew/Arabic origin meaning “Friend; flag”, pronounced RY-ah. It ranked #369 in the United States in 2025, given to 831 babies, and peaked at #353 in 2023. Common nicknames: Ray.
How popular is Raya in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Raya mean, and where does it come from?
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.
How is Raya used 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..
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Raya?
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.
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.