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Raya

Girl name · 200 babies recorded · 1974–2025

The name Raya has several possible origins, but for English and Scottish speakers it is most familiar as a short form of the Slavic name Rada or Rayna, ultimately from the root "rad," meaning "happy" or "carefree." It also shares roots with the Hebrew name "Ra'aya," meaning "friend" or "companion," and appears in Arabic as "Raya," meaning "flag" or "banner." One of its most celebrated bearers is Raya Dumitrescu, a pioneering Romanian-born Canadian physician and human rights advocate. The name also gained modern recognition through Raya and the Last Dragon, Disney’s 2021 animated film, introducing it to a new generation. While no major settlements bear the name, the etymologically linked "Rada" appears in many Eastern European place names. A charming variant is the Greek name "Rhea," which shares a similar sound but a separate meaning.