Rei is a name of Japanese origin, derived from the kanji characters "rei" which mean "command" or "order". It is often used as a given name for both boys and girls in Japan.
The name Rei has a rich history in Japanese culture and tradition. In the Shinto religion, Rei is one of the seven heavenly virtues, along with other qualities such as courage, politeness, and wisdom. This association has made the name popular among parents who wish to instill these positive traits in their children.
In literature, the name Rei has been used prominently in several works. For instance, it was the given name of one of the main characters in Haruki Murakami's novel "Kafka on the Shore". Additionally, Rei Toyama is a prominent character in the anime series "Sword Art Online".
Overall, Rei is a unique and captivating name with a rich history and cultural significance. Its meaning and origins make it an appealing choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child.
The name Rei has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, there were fewer than ten births per year with the name Rei. However, starting around the year 2000, the number of annual births with this name began to rise steadily.
Between 2000 and 2004, there was an average of about twelve births per year with the name Rei. This trend continued through the early 2010s, with an average of around fifteen births per year from 2010 to 2013. The peak in popularity for the name Rei came in recent years, with twenty-two births in 2017 and thirty births in both 2019 and 2021.
Overall, since 1987, there have been a total of 414 births in the United States with the name Rei. This statistic demonstrates that while Rei may not be one of the most popular baby names in the U.S., it has nonetheless gained significant traction among parents looking for unique and meaningful monikers for their children.