| Rayan | Hamza | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | well-watered, luxuriant | lion; strong, steadfast |
| Origin | arabic | arabic |
| Gender | Boy | Boy |
| Pronunciation | RY-an | HAM-za |
| Syllables | 2 | 2 |
| First appeared | 1973 | 0 |
| Peak year | 2023 (518) | 2024 (565) |
| In 2025 | 499 | 0 |
| Trend | Near its peak | Rising |
Source: US Social Security Administration.
| Decade | Rayan | Hamza |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 2,804 | 2,935 |
| 2010s | 4,216 | 3,928 |
| 2000s | 1,444 | 2,694 |
| 1990s | 268 | 863 |
| 1980s | 135 | 143 |
| 1970s | 28 | 10 |
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.
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'.
Rayan is more popular than Hamza today: about 499 US babies were given the name Rayan in 2025, compared with 0 named Hamza.
Rayan means well-watered, luxuriant (arabic origin), while Hamza means lion; strong, steadfast (arabic origin).
In US records, Rayan first appears in 1973 and Hamza in 0, so Hamza has the longer recorded history.