"courtesy, respect, gratitude"
Origin: Japanese kanji 礼
Language: Japanese
Rei
Does Rei flow with your last name?
One syllable, infinite depth — Japanese minimalism perfected
Japanese
American
Brazilian
Minimalist
Modern
Unique
Elegant
Sophisticated
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Same sound, same style — different options
Meaning & Origin
"zero, emptiness, infinite possibility"
Origin: Japanese kanji 零
Language: Japanese
"command, edict, beautiful example"
Origin: Japanese kanji 令
Language: Japanese
"king"
Origin: Portuguese/Spanish
Language: Portuguese
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The Story of Rei
Rei (レイ/礼/零/令) is a versatile Japanese name whose meaning depends entirely on the kanji chosen. Written as 礼 (rei), it means courtesy, respect, or gratitude. As 零 (rei), it means zero, a concept with profound Buddhist significance representing emptiness and infinite possibility. As 令 (rei), it means command, edict, or example — it's also the name of Japan's current imperial era Reiwa (令和), meaning 'beautiful harmony.' Each character gives the name distinct depth.
Rei gained international visibility through anime and manga — most notably as the name of the iconic character Rei Ayanami in Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995), who became one of anime's most influential figures. The name also spread through the global fashion world via Rei Kawakubo, the legendary Japanese designer who founded Comme des Garçons.
In Japan's current imperial era (Reiwa, begun 2019 when Emperor Naruhito ascended), 'Rei' is embedded in the national consciousness. Outside Japan, Rei has become a mark of Japan-influenced aesthetic sensibility — minimal, elegant, profound. In Brazil, Rei (meaning 'king' in Portuguese) is also a separate tradition.
Historical Record
Rei first appeared in US Social Security records in 1987.
Over 443 babies have been named Rei in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Rei is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #3,800 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Japan's current imperial era is called Reiwa (令和), with 'Rei' meaning 'beautiful' or 'example' — making this the era of beautiful harmony
- Rei Kawakubo founded Comme des Garçons in 1969, becoming one of fashion's most revolutionary designers and bringing the name Rei global recognition
Rei in Other Languages
Korean
레이
Chinese
蕾 (Lěi, bud/rosebud)
Japanese
レイ / 礼 / 零 / 令
Portuguese/Spanish
Rei (king)
Popularity Over Time
#3,800
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Rei
R
Rei Kawakubo
Artist
1942
Japanese fashion designer, founder of Comme des Garçons, one of fashion's most radical and influential creators
R
Rei Ayanami Fictional
Other
Iconic character from the anime Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995), one of the most influential anime characters ever create...
Iconic character from the anime Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995), one of the most influential anime characters ever created
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Compare Rei with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #3,800
- Total SSA Count
- 29
- Cultural Origins
- Japanese American Brazilian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Rei
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Rei is also used as a girl name, ranked #4892.
View Rei as a girl name →Similar Names
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American English origin
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Old English origin
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Champ
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Old French/Latin (campio) origin
"champion, victorious one"
#3,963 in US
Laker
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Old English origin
"lake dweller"
#3,999 in US
Rai
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Sanskrit origin
"lord, prince"
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"teacher, learned one"
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English origin
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rei
What does the name Rei mean?
"courtesy, respect, gratitude" (from Japanese kanji 礼). "zero, emptiness, infinite possibility" (from Japanese kanji 零). "command, edict, beautiful example" (from Japanese kanji 令). "king" (from Portuguese/Spanish). Rei (レイ/礼/零/令) is a versatile Japanese name whose meaning depends entirely on the kanji chosen. Written as 礼 (rei), it means courtesy, respect, or gratitude. As 零 (rei), it means zero, a concept with profound Buddhist significance representing emptiness and infinite possibility. As 令 (rei), it means command, edict, or example — it's also the name of Japan's current imperial era Reiwa (令和), meaning 'beautiful harmony.' Each character gives the name distinct depth.
What is the origin of the name Rei?
Rei has Japanese kanji 礼, Japanese kanji 零, Japanese kanji 令, Portuguese/Spanish, Japanese, American, and Brazilian origins. In Japanese kanji 礼, it means "courtesy, respect, gratitude". In Japanese kanji 零, it means "zero, emptiness, infinite possibility". In Japanese kanji 令, it means "command, edict, beautiful example". In Portuguese/Spanish, it means "king".
Is Rei a boy or girl name?
Rei is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #3800. As a girl name, it is ranked #4892. Rei is more commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Rei?
Rei is currently ranked #3800 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Rei?
Popular middle name pairings include Rei James, Rei Thomas, Rei Alexander, Rei Kenji, Rei Haruki, Rei Jun, and Rei Noah.
What are good sibling names for Rei?
Names that pair well with Rei as siblings include Kai, Sora, Haru, Ryu, Suki, Hana, and Noa.
How many syllables does Rei have?
Rei has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Rei a common or rare name?
Rei is an uncommon name, ranked #3800 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Rei?
About the Name Rei
Rei is a boy name with Japanese, American, and Brazilian origins . The name means "courtesy, respect, gratitude" in Japanese kanji 礼 .
Is Rei a boy or girl name? Rei is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #3,800 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #4,892. Rei is more commonly used as a boy name.
Rei is currently ranked #3,800 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Rei has 1 syllable, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Rei include Reid, Reign, Reilly, Reiner . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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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