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Maryam vs Raya

Which is more popular?
Maryam is more popular than Raya today: about 869 US babies were given the name Maryam in 2025, compared with 831 named Raya.
MaryamRaya
Meaning Arabic form of Mary / Miriam Fragrance; or banner
Origin arabic arabic
Gender Girl Girl
Pronunciation MAR-yam RAH-yah
Syllables 2 2
First appeared19461958
Peak year2025 (869)2023 (867)
In 2025869831
TrendNear its peakNear its peak
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Maryam Raya
1960198020002020

Source: US Social Security Administration.

Births by decade

DecadeMaryamRaya
2020s 4,304 4,256
2010s 4,932 2,087
2000s 2,455 1,052
1990s 1,191 385
1980s 600 138
1970s 284 64
1960s 66 16
1950s 0 5
1940s 13 0

What does Maryam mean?

Maryam (مريم) is the Arabic form of the biblical Mary/Miriam, borne by Maryam, mother of the prophet 'Isa (Jesus), who is highly honoured in Islam and has a Quranic chapter (Surah Maryam) named for her. The name is ultimately pre-Arabic, from Hebrew Miryam, and its original meaning is debated among scholars (proposed senses include 'beloved', 'bitter', and an Egyptian root meaning 'beloved'). Mariam is a common alternate transliteration.

What does Raya mean?

As an Arabic name Raya has two attested sources: rayya (ريا) 'aroma, fragrance, perfume', and raya (راية) 'flag, banner, ensign'; the intended sense varies by family, so it is best treated as disputed. Disambiguation: Raya also means 'celebration' in Malay (Hari Raya) and appears in Hebrew ('friend') and Slavic use - unrelated origins.

Frequently asked questions

Is Maryam or Raya more popular?

Maryam is more popular than Raya today: about 869 US babies were given the name Maryam in 2025, compared with 831 named Raya.

What is the difference between Maryam and Raya?

Maryam means Arabic form of Mary / Miriam (arabic origin), while Raya means Fragrance; or banner (arabic origin).

Which name is older, Maryam or Raya?

In US records, Maryam first appears in 1946 and Raya in 1958, so Maryam has the longer recorded history.