Rei

♂ Boy

Pronounced RAY /ˈreɪ/High

Meaning: From Japanese rei — kanji spanning 'spirit', 'gratitude', 'bell' — and Portuguese rei, 'king'Low

In 30 seconds: Spirit in Tokyo, king in Lisbon: Rei spans gratitude-kanji and Portuguese crowns in one clean beat. Minimalist with passports.

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Origin MediumJapanese, Portuguese

MeaningFrom Japanese rei — kanji spanning 'spirit', 'gratitude', 'bell' — and Portuguese rei, 'king'

U.S. rank (2025)#3363 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births35 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2025

Total births (all-time)≈ 478

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Rei reads from Japanese kanji — 'spirit, gratitude, bell' among them — and Portuguese rei, 'king' (routes layered, which we note).

It registers thinly in records. Rare, spirit-or-king at the root, and clean.

Did you know? Japan's Reiwa era opens with this very rei — 'beautiful harmony' readings — while Brazilian pitches chant 'o rei' for football kings.

Overall data confidence 65%

Japanese references — rei — kanji readings

Variations

RayReijiReo

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Rei Kawakubo (1942-)
Japanese fashion designer and founder of the avant-garde fashion label Comme des Garçons
★Rei Ohara (1991-)
Japanese professional wrestler known for her work in women's wrestling promotions

If you like Rei…

Kai— a fellow global one-beat

Ren— the Japanese 'lotus' brother

Rey— the Spanish king-twin

Jae— the companion K-syllable pick

Explore names like Rei

By themeuncertain japanese portuguese short-and-sweet

By meaningRoyal / Noble

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Rei mean?

Rei reads from Japanese kanji ('spirit, gratitude') and Portuguese rei, 'king'; routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Rei?

It's said RAY /ˈreɪ/ — a single syllable.

Is Rei a boy or girl name?

Rei is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Rei?

Rei is a rare name in the U.S.