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Yahya vs Rayan

Which is more popular?
Rayan is more popular than Yahya today: about 499 US babies were given the name Rayan in 2025, compared with 0 named Yahya.
YahyaRayan
Meaning Arabic name of John (the Baptist) well-watered, luxuriant
Origin arabic arabic
Gender Boy Boy
Pronunciation YAH-yaa RY-an
Syllables 2 2
First appeared01973
Peak year2025 (455)2023 (518)
In 20250499
TrendRisingNear its peak
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Yahya Rayan
198020002020

Source: US Social Security Administration.

Births by decade

DecadeYahyaRayan
2020s 1,747 2,804
2010s 1,834 4,216
2000s 700 1,444
1990s 181 268
1980s 96 135
1970s 18 28

What does Yahya mean?

The Arabic name of the prophet John the Baptist, Yahya. Traditionally associated with the root h-y-y (ح-ي-ي, 'to live'), read as 'he lives' or 'shall live', although as a prophet's name its ultimate origin is debated and linked to the Hebrew Yohanan. Hedged accordingly.

What does Rayan mean?

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.

Frequently asked questions

Is Yahya or Rayan more popular?

Rayan is more popular than Yahya today: about 499 US babies were given the name Rayan in 2025, compared with 0 named Yahya.

What is the difference between Yahya and Rayan?

Yahya means Arabic name of John (the Baptist) (arabic origin), while Rayan means well-watered, luxuriant (arabic origin).

Which name is older, Yahya or Rayan?

In US records, Yahya first appears in 0 and Rayan in 1973, so Yahya has the longer recorded history.