"contentment, satisfaction"
Origin: Arabic
Language: English
Reza
Pronunciation: [ r-EHZ-uh ]
Does Reza flow with your last name?
A name of divine contentment beloved across the Persian world
Iranian
Arabic
Turkish
Muslim
Elegant
Classic
Spiritual
Strong
Minimalist
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Meaning & Origin
"divine approval, God's pleasure"
Origin: Islamic theology
Language: Arabic
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Things to Know About This Name
- Reza Shah was the Iranian monarch whose dynasty was overthrown in the 1979 Islamic Revolution — politically charged in some Iranian contexts
The Story of Reza
Reza (also spelled Ridha or Rida) comes from the Arabic root 'r-d-y' (رضا), meaning 'contentment, satisfaction, or divine approval.' In Islamic theology, reza refers to the state of contentment with God's will — a highly virtuous state of the soul. The name is particularly associated with Ali ibn Musa al-Ridha, the 8th Imam of Twelver Shia Islam, whose shrine in Mashhad, Iran is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world.
Reza is one of the most popular names in Iran and among Iranian diaspora worldwide. It was brought into broader awareness in the West partly through Reza Shah Pahlavi and his son Mohammad Reza Shah, the last Shah of Iran. The name remains deeply loved despite political associations.
Imam Ali al-Ridha (8th Imam) is buried in Mashhad, Iran, at a shrine that attracts 20+ million visitors annually. The name Reza carries deep spiritual weight in Shia Islam. In Persian poetry and literature, 'reza' as a concept — divine contentment — is a recurring spiritual theme.
Historical Record
Reza first appeared in US Social Security records in 1966.
Over 1,155 babies have been named Reza in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Reza is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #3,111 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad attracts over 20 million pilgrims annually, making it one of the most visited holy sites on Earth
- Reza Shah Pahlavi founded modern Iran in 1925 and launched major westernization programs
- Reza is consistently among the top 10 names for boys in Iran
Reza in Other Languages
Urdu
رضا
Arabic
رضا
Persian
رضا
Turkish
Rıza
Popularity Over Time
#3,111
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Reza
R
Reza Pahlavi
Politician
1960
Eldest son of the last Shah of Iran and leader of the Iranian opposition in exile
M
Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi
Royalty
1919
The last Shah of Iran, who ruled from 1941 until the Islamic Revolution of 1979
A
Ali ibn Musa al-Ridha (Imam Reza)
Religious
765
8th Imam of Twelver Shia Islam, whose shrine in Mashhad is among the most sacred sites in the Islamic world
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #3,111
- Total SSA Count
- 39
- Cultural Origins
- Iranian Arabic Turkish Muslim
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Rez
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, classic style, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, classic style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, strong style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Reza
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Reza is also used as a girl name, ranked #11736.
View Reza as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Iranian)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Reza
What does the name Reza mean?
"contentment, satisfaction" (from Arabic). "divine approval, God's pleasure" (from Islamic theology). Reza (also spelled Ridha or Rida) comes from the Arabic root 'r-d-y' (رضا), meaning 'contentment, satisfaction, or divine approval.' In Islamic theology, reza refers to the state of contentment with God's will — a highly virtuous state of the soul. The name is particularly associated with Ali ibn Musa al-Ridha, the 8th Imam of Twelver Shia Islam, whose shrine in Mashhad, Iran is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world.
What is the origin of the name Reza?
Reza has Arabic, Islamic theology, Iranian, Turkish, and Muslim origins. In Arabic, it means "contentment, satisfaction". In Islamic theology, it means "divine approval, God's pleasure".
Is Reza a boy or girl name?
Reza is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #3111. As a girl name, it is ranked #11736. Reza is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Reza?
Reza is pronounced r-EHZ-uh.
How popular is the name Reza?
Reza is currently ranked #3111 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Reza?
Common nicknames for Reza include Rez.
What are good middle names for Reza?
Popular middle name pairings include Reza Ali, Reza Ahmad, Reza Hassan, Reza Omar, Reza Karim, Reza Nasser, and Reza Darius.
What are good sibling names for Reza?
Names that pair well with Reza as siblings include Dara, Cyrus, Nasrin, Shirin, Farid, Dena, and Arash.
How many syllables does Reza have?
Reza has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Reza a common or rare name?
Reza is an uncommon name, ranked #3111 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Reza
Reza is a boy name with Iranian, Arabic, Turkish, and Muslim origins . The name means "contentment, satisfaction" in Arabic .
Is Reza a boy or girl name? Reza is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #3,111 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #11,736. Reza is more commonly used as a boy name.
Reza is currently ranked #3,111 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Reza has 2 syllables and is pronounced r-EHZ-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Reza include Rez. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis