Reah is a unique and distinctive given name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew word "reyach," which means "fragrance" or "incense." In the Bible, Reah is mentioned as one of the two wives of Elkanah, the father of the prophet Samuel.
The name Reah has a rich history and cultural significance in Jewish tradition. In the Old Testament, Reah is described as a kind and loving woman who was favored by her husband despite having no children initially. When Elkanah's first wife Hannah gave birth to Samuel, Reah became his nurse, demonstrating her nurturing nature.
The name Reah has been used for centuries in Jewish communities but has gained popularity in recent years among parents seeking unique and meaningful names for their daughters. It is often associated with qualities such as grace, kindness, and fragrance, reflecting its Hebrew origins.
Reah is a beautiful and uncommon name that carries with it a deep and rich history. As a given name, it has the potential to be a powerful symbol of strength, beauty, and resilience, just like the biblical figure who inspired it. Whether you are considering this name for your child or simply appreciate its unique origins and meaning, Reah is sure to leave a lasting impression.
The name Reah has had a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past century. In the early 1900s, there were consistently low numbers of babies named Reah each year, ranging from 5 to 10 births annually between 1900 and 1928.
However, there was a noticeable increase in the popularity of the name in the 1980s and early 1990s. There were six births each year in both 1986 and 1987, followed by five births in 1988 and eight births in 1990. This period marked a significant increase in the number of babies named Reah compared to the early part of the century.
After the 1990s, the popularity of the name began to fluctuate once again. There were periods of higher numbers of births with the name Reah, such as ten births in 2002 and eleven births in 2008, followed by lower numbers like five births in both 2004 and 2013.
Most recently, there have been seven births each year named Reah in both 2019 and 2020, indicating a possible resurgence in the popularity of this unique name. Overall, since 1900, there have been a total of 363 babies named Reah born in the United States.