Rey

♂ Boy

Pronounced RAY /reɪ/High

Meaning: From Spanish rey meaning king; also used as a variant of the English name Ray, itself a short form of Raymond (from Germanic: wise protector) or as a nature word meaning ray of lightHigh

In 30 seconds: Rey is a Spanish word name meaning king, used as a given name particularly in Latino communities and widely recognized outside them through the Star Wars character Rey — a boldly simple one-syllable name carrying regal authority.

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Origin HighSpanish, English

MeaningFrom Spanish rey meaning king; also used as a variant of the English name Ray, itself a short form of Raymond (from Germanic: wise protector) or as a nature word meaning ray of light

U.S. rank (2025)#908 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births262 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2021

Total births (all-time)≈ 9,693

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Rey comes directly from Spanish rey, meaning king, from Latin rex/regis. As a given name in Spanish-speaking cultures, Rey has been used for generations — a declaration of regal status that reflects a long tradition of naming children after dignified concepts. In English-speaking contexts Rey also functions as an alternate spelling of Ray, a short form of Raymond (Germanic: wise protector) or a nature word meaning a beam of light. The name carries meaning in both directions simultaneously.

In the United States Rey has been used in Latino communities for many decades. Its visibility increased dramatically following the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens in 2015, where the protagonist Rey (played by Daisy Ridley) — a scrappy, powerful desert scavenger — became one of cinema's most beloved new characters. U.S. birth records showed measurable spikes in the name Rey for both boys and girls following the film. The name fits perfectly with the broader fashion for short, punchy one-syllable names with clear, powerful meanings.

Did you know? When Daisy Ridley's character in Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) was simply called Rey — no surname given — it became one of cinema's most memorable naming moments; eventually revealed as Rey Skywalker, the name's royally simple elegance became part of modern pop culture.

Overall data confidence 88%

Behind the Name — Rey — Spanish etymology and usage

Variations

RayRei

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Rey…

Ray— the English phonetic equivalent sharing pronunciation and some etymological overlap

Rio— one-syllable Spanish boys name with the same Latin-American cultural energy

Leo— one-syllable Latin royal boys name with the same confident, dignified brevity

Mateo— Spanish boys name with the same Spanish-language cultural grounding and American crossover appeal

Frequently Asked

What does the name Rey mean?

Rey means king in Spanish, from Latin rex; it is also used as a variant of the English name Ray.

How do you pronounce Rey?

It is said RAY — one syllable, rhyming with day.

Is Rey from Star Wars?

Yes, Rey is the protagonist of the Star Wars sequel trilogy played by Daisy Ridley, which significantly boosted the name's popularity from 2015 onward.

Is Rey a boy or girl name?

Rey is used for both boys and girls; it was used mainly as a boys name in Latino communities before the Star Wars character introduced it as a girls name too.