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Rania vs Sumaya

Which is more popular?
Rania is more popular than Sumaya today: about 65 US babies were given the name Rania in 2025, compared with 0 named Sumaya.
RaniaSumaya
Meaning Gazing intently; beholding Little distinguishing mark; (also read as 'exalted')
Origin arabic arabic
Gender Girl Girl
Pronunciation RAH-nee-ah soo-MY-yah
Syllables 3 3
First appeared19630
Peak year2006 (128)2016 (109)
In 2025650
TrendDecliningSteady
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Rania Sumaya
198020002020

Source: US Social Security Administration.

Births by decade

DecadeRaniaSumaya
2020s 473 413
2010s 1,024 923
2000s 871 631
1990s 298 144
1980s 264 26
1970s 176 0
1960s 29 5

What does Rania mean?

Rania (رانية, raniya) derives from the root r-n-w and means 'gazing, looking intently', often with a sense of admiring or longing contemplation. It is widely known today through Queen Rania of Jordan.

What does Sumaya mean?

Sumaya (سمية, Sumayya) is a diminutive whose root is debated: classical research links it to the root w-s-m, giving 'a small distinguishing mark' and figuratively 'unique, special', while other sources derive it from s-m-w ('high, elevated') for a sense of 'exalted'. It is historically revered as the name of Sumayya bint Khayyat, regarded as the first martyr of Islam. Also spelled Sumayya or Sumayyah.

Frequently asked questions

Is Rania or Sumaya more popular?

Rania is more popular than Sumaya today: about 65 US babies were given the name Rania in 2025, compared with 0 named Sumaya.

What is the difference between Rania and Sumaya?

Rania means Gazing intently; beholding (arabic origin), while Sumaya means Little distinguishing mark; (also read as 'exalted') (arabic origin).

Which name is older, Rania or Sumaya?

In US records, Rania first appears in 1963 and Sumaya in 0, so Sumaya has the longer recorded history.