Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Rei
UnisexJapanese· “varies by Japanese characters”
- Meaning
- varies by Japanese characters (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Japanese
- Pronunciation
- RAY
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #5,364
- US babies 2025
- 24
- Best rank
- #3,269 (2020)
- Peak year
- 2020
Meaning and origin of Rei
Rei is often said to mean “varies by Japanese characters”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Japanese roots.
Rei is a Japanese name used for both boys and girls. Its meaning depends on the characters used to write it; possible writings include characters meaning bell, beautiful jewel, gratitude, spirit or zero, among others. Because a single spelling can stand for many meanings, its meaning cannot be given without knowing the characters. In Portuguese, rei is also the word for king, which some families may like. It is said RAY, in one syllable. The name is short, simple and international in feel.
Popularity over time
Rei first appears in US Social Security records in 1974. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #3,269 in 2020, the same year it reached its highest count of 48 babies. In 2025, 24 babies were named Rei, and it ranked #5,364 nationally. That is 85% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #8,618 in 2010 and #5,364 in 2025. Of the 550 US girls named Rei since records began, 39% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 180 babies.
Other babies' names that peaked around the same time include Salah, Omega, Jae, Lynden, and Ziah.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Rei ranked highest in California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| California | #3429 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
Rei is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 54% of US babies named Rei were girls and 46% were boys.
Rei is usually pronounced RAY, with one syllable. It has three letters, starts with R and ends in “-ei”.
Middle names for Rei
A few middle names that flow with Rei: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Rei
Similar names
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Lists that include Rei
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Rei mean?
Rei is often said to mean “varies by Japanese characters”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Japanese roots.
What is the origin of the name Rei?
Rei has Japanese roots. Rei is a Japanese name used for both boys and girls.
Is Rei a popular name?
Not especially. Rei ranked #5,364 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Rei a boy or girl name?
Rei is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 54% of US babies named Rei were girls and 46% were boys.
How do you pronounce Rei?
Rei is usually pronounced RAY. 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