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Sumaya vs Rania

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.
SumayaRania
Meaning Little distinguishing mark; (also read as 'exalted') Gazing intently; beholding
Origin arabic arabic
Gender Girl Girl
Pronunciation soo-MY-yah RAH-nee-ah
Syllables 3 3
First appeared01963
Peak year2016 (109)2006 (128)
In 2025065
TrendSteadyDeclining
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Sumaya Rania
198020002020

Source: US Social Security Administration.

Births by decade

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

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.

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.

Frequently asked questions

Is Sumaya or Rania 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 Sumaya and Rania?

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

Which name is older, Sumaya or Rania?

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