Raya

More unusual alternative to Maya, Raya has risen in popularity due to the introduction of the newest Disney Princess from the 2021 film Raya and the Last Dragon. One of those truly multi-cultural names, Raya has its origins in Hebrew, Russian, Japanese, Arabic, and English,

On one hand, Raya can be a variation of the Yiddish Rayna meaning "clear, pure", however, it may also link the Reigna and Regina, meaning "queen". Alternatively, it has Hebrew roots, from which it means "friend, beloved", or perhaps Russian origins, as a short form of Raisa meaning "hero" or "rose". Also linked to the Arabic word for fragrance and aroma, it is used in Japan too, as a floral name.

As for the Disney princess, her name was chosen for its Malay meaning, in which it means "celebration" and is associated with joy and family gatherings.

Having been outside the US Top 1000 before 2020, it has since tripled in popularity. In the UK meanwhile, it entered the Top 100 in 2023.

Pronounced RAH-yuh.

As of October 2026, Raya ranked #369 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #353 in 2023, Nameberry popularity #201.