Rayah
Girl name · 16 babies recorded · 1974–2025
Rayah: 16 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 9 births in 2025.
Rayah is a name with multiple possible origins, most commonly seen as a variant of the Arabic name Raya, meaning "flag" or "banner," or as a feminine form of Ray, which itself derives from the Old German Raginmund, meaning "wise protector." In Hebrew, it can also be linked to Re'aya, meaning "friend" or "companion." While no globally famous bearers immediately spring to mind, the name has a gentle, melodic quality that has seen it rise in popularity across Scotland in recent years, often chosen for its soft sound and cross-cultural appeal. It shares a root with the Scottish place name Rannoch, from the Gaelic *rath*, meaning "prosperity" or "grace." A notable variant is Raya, which is more common in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, while Rayah itself offers a fresh, modern alternative that feels both familiar and distinctive.
Girl 3 of 52 years
- Peak year
- 20259 babies
- Latest (2025)
- #3599 babies
- Total births
- 16since 2016
- 5-year trend
- ≈ stablevs prior 5y