Reza

Pronunciation: [ r-EHZ-uh ]

Boy Name #3,111 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A name of divine contentment beloved across the Persian world

Iranian Arabic Turkish Muslim

Elegant Classic Spiritual Strong Minimalist

Meaning & Origin

"contentment, satisfaction"

Origin: Arabic

Language: English

"divine approval, God's pleasure"

Origin: Islamic theology

Language: Arabic

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.

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

Famous People Named Reza

Reza Pahlavi

Politician

1960

Eldest son of the last Shah of Iran and leader of the Iranian opposition in exile

Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi

Royalty

1919

The last Shah of Iran, who ruled from 1941 until the Islamic Revolution of 1979

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

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

Pairs Well With

Reza Ali Reza Ahmad Reza Hassan Reza Omar Reza Karim Reza Nasser Reza Darius

Sibling Names

Dara Cyrus Nasrin Shirin Farid Dena Arash

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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Playground Safety

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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.