Miriam vs Raya

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Miriam

Girl #250 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"wished-for child"

Origin: Hebrew

Cultural Roots

Jewish Christian Arabic Ethiopian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#250
Total SSA Count
1,267
Syllables
3
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Miri, Mim, Mia

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Miriam →

Raya

Girl #363 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"friend, companion"

Origin: Hebrew

Cultural Roots

Hebrew Arabic Slavic English

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#363
Total SSA Count
859
Syllables
2
Formality
Casual
Nicknames
Ray

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Raya →

Popularity Comparison

Miriam Rank #250
Raya Rank #363

Miriam is more popular, ranked #250 vs #363 for Raya.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Miriam ___

  • Miriam Rose
  • Miriam Grace
  • Miriam Elizabeth
  • Miriam Ruth
  • Miriam Anne
  • Miriam Claire

Raya ___

  • Raya Luna
  • Raya Marie
  • Raya Grace
  • Raya Jade
  • Raya Skye
  • Raya Belle

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Miriam

Hannah Ruth Esther Naomi Aaron

If you choose Raya

Zara Kai Mila Leo Aria

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Miriam or Raya more popular?

Miriam is more popular, ranked #250 compared to Raya at #363 in the United States.

What do Miriam and Raya mean?

Miriam means "wished-for child" (Hebrew origin). Raya means "friend, companion" (Hebrew origin).

Are Miriam and Raya boy or girl names?

Miriam is primarily a girl name. Raya is primarily a girl name.

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← Full profile: Miriam ← Full profile: Raya Browse all baby names