Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Rea
GirlItalian, Greek· “variant of Rhea”
- Meaning
- variant of Rhea
- Origin
- Italian, Greek
- Pronunciation
- REE-uh
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #5,363
- US babies 2025
- 24
- Best rank
- #1,102 (1910)
- Peak year
- 1958
Meaning and origin of Rea
Rea is an Italian and Greek name that is usually said to mean “variant of Rhea”.
Rea is a spelling of Rhea, the name of the Titan mother of Zeus in Greek mythology, whose meaning is uncertain. In Italian, Rea Silvia is the form used for Rhea Silvia, the mother of Romulus and Remus in Roman legend, which is why the spelling Rea is found in Italy. It can also be a short form of names like Andrea or Rebecca. In the US it is usually said REE-uh, though RAY-uh is heard. The name is short, simple and classical. It pairs well with a longer middle name.
Other spellings with the same sound: Ray, Rae, Rey, Raye, Wray.
Popularity over time
Rea first appears in US Social Security records in 1892. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,102 in 1910, and the most babies received it in 1958, when 29 were named Rea. In 2025, 24 babies were named Rea, and it ranked #5,363 nationally. That is 60% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #2,061 in 1920, #2,412 in 1950, #5,814 in 1980, #6,416 in 2000, #16,523 in 2010, and #5,363 in 2025. Of the 1,873 US girls named Rea since records began, 11% were born in the 1950s, its biggest decade. The 1920s come next, with 183 babies. Since 2010, 278 more have been named Rea.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Collene, Laree, Delorse, Jonni, and Deniece.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Rea ranked highest in Connecticut and New York.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | #611 | 5 |
| New York | #1626 | 8 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Rea is usually pronounced REE-uh, with one syllable. It has three letters, starts with R and ends in “-ea”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Ray, Rae, Rey, and Raye.
Middle names for Rea
A few middle names that flow with Rea: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Rea
Similar names
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Lists that include Rea
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Rea mean?
Rea is an Italian and Greek name that is usually said to mean “variant of Rhea”.
What is the origin of the name Rea?
Rea has Italian and Greek roots. Rea is a spelling of Rhea, the name of the Titan mother of Zeus in Greek mythology, whose meaning is uncertain.
Is Rea a popular name?
Not especially. Rea ranked #5,363 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Rea a boy or girl name?
Rea is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Rea?
Rea is usually pronounced REE-uh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings