| Hamza | Rayan | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | lion; strong, steadfast | well-watered, luxuriant |
| Origin | arabic | arabic |
| Gender | Boy | Boy |
| Pronunciation | HAM-za | RY-an |
| Syllables | 2 | 2 |
| First appeared | 0 | 1973 |
| Peak year | 2024 (565) | 2023 (518) |
| In 2025 | 0 | 499 |
| Trend | Rising | Near its peak |
Source: US Social Security Administration.
| Decade | Hamza | Rayan |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 2,935 | 2,804 |
| 2010s | 3,928 | 4,216 |
| 2000s | 2,694 | 1,444 |
| 1990s | 863 | 268 |
| 1980s | 143 | 135 |
| 1970s | 10 | 28 |
Commonly understood as 'lion', and also 'strong, steadfast'. Linked to the root h-m-z and to a plant with a sharp, pungent taste. Borne by Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib, the Prophet's uncle, called 'Lion of God'.
A common transliteration variant of Rayyan, from the root r-w-y (ر-و-ي), meaning 'well-watered, luxuriant, lush', and associated with Ar-Rayyan, a gate of Paradise. Spelled Rayan, Rayyan or Raiyan.
Rayan is more popular than Hamza today: about 499 US babies were given the name Rayan in 2025, compared with 0 named Hamza.
Hamza means lion; strong, steadfast (arabic origin), while Rayan means well-watered, luxuriant (arabic origin).
In US records, Hamza first appears in 0 and Rayan in 1973, so Hamza has the longer recorded history.