Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Rey
BoySpanish· “king”
- Meaning
- king
- Origin
- Spanish
- Pronunciation
- RAY
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #908
- US babies 2025
- 262
- Best rank
- #755 (2018)
- Peak year
- 2021
Meaning and origin of Rey
Rey is a Spanish name that means “king”.
Rey is the Spanish word for king, from the Latin rex. It is also used as a short form of names such as Reynaldo and Reyes. The name took on a new life through Rey, the heroine of the Star Wars sequel films, which has made it familiar for girls in English-speaking countries as well, although in Spanish tradition it is masculine. Rey is short, bold and easy to spell, and its meaning adds a quiet sense of dignity. Its single syllable makes it a flexible first or middle name. Ray is the English equivalent in sound.
Other spellings with the same sound: Ray, Rae, Raye, Rea, Wray.
Popularity over time
Rey first appears in US Social Security records in 1915. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 27 different years, starting in 1999. Its best national rank was #755 in 2018, and the most babies received it in 2021, when 328 were named Rey. In 2025, 262 babies were named Rey, and it ranked #908 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #3,434 in 1920, #1,693 in 1950, #1,406 in 1980, #985 in 2000, #852 in 2010, and #908 in 2025. Of the 9,696 US boys named Rey since records began, 26% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 1,955 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Bear, Kiaan, Kenji, Kaiser, and Wesson.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Rey ranked highest in Texas, California, and Arizona.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | #458 | 74 |
| California | #478 | 67 |
| Arizona | #666 | 10 |
| Washington | #721 | 9 |
| Colorado | #934 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 91% of US babies named Rey over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Rey is usually pronounced RAY, with one syllable. It has three letters, starts with R and ends in “-ey”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Ray, Rae, Raye, and Rea.
Middle names for Rey
A few middle names that flow with Rey: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Rey
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Lists that include Rey
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Rey mean?
Rey is a Spanish name that means “king”.
What is the origin of the name Rey?
Rey has Spanish roots. Rey is the Spanish word for king, from the Latin rex.
Is Rey a popular name?
Yes. Rey ranked #908 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Rey a boy or girl name?
Rey is mainly a boy's name. About 91% of US babies named Rey over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Rey?
Rey 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