Maraya is a unique and captivating female given name of Arabic origin. The name Maraya means "reflection" or "mirror," symbolizing the idea of duality, beauty, and light. It is derived from the Arabic word "mura'a," which translates to reflection or mirror.
The name Maraya has a rich history in Arabic literature and culture. In One Thousand and One Nights, Maraya was the daughter of King Shahryar and Scheherazade's sister-in-law. She played a significant role in the tales, showcasing intelligence, courage, and wisdom beyond her years. This story helped to popularize the name among Arab communities.
Maraya has also been used by various notable individuals throughout history. For instance, Maraya al-Kaysi was a renowned poet from the 10th century Baghdad who wrote elegant odes and praise poems. Her works continue to be celebrated for their beauty and depth of emotion.
Today, Maraya remains a unique and intriguing choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their daughters. Its meaning and history make it an appealing option for those interested in Arabic culture or literature. Despite its roots, Maraya has gained international recognition as a beautiful and captivating name suitable for girls worldwide.
The name Maraya has had a varied journey in terms of popularity over the past few decades in the United States. The first recorded birth with this name occurred in 1977 with only 6 babies being given this unique moniker. It seems that Maraya was not yet popular at this time, but it would slowly start to gain traction in the following years.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, we began to see a steady increase in the number of newborn girls named Maraya. In fact, between 1987 and 1992, there was a significant jump from just 5 births in 1987 to a peak of 23 births in 1992.
This trend continued throughout the 1990s with consistent numbers ranging from 19 to 36 births per year until reaching an all-time high of 58 births in 2006. This indicates that Maraya was becoming quite popular during this period, with many parents choosing this name for their daughters.
However, like many trends, the popularity of the name Maraya began to decrease after its peak in 2006. By 2014, there were only 17 births recorded each year, which remained consistent until 2016 when it slightly increased again with 19 births.
More recently, between 2018 and 2023, we've seen another decrease in the number of newborn girls named Maraya, ranging from 12 to 21 births per year. This suggests that while Maraya is still a beautiful and unique name, it may not be as popular today as it was during its peak years.
In total, since 1977, there have been 896 recorded births of girls named Maraya in the United States. Despite fluctuations in popularity over time, this number indicates that Maraya remains an uncommon yet meaningful name choice for parents looking to give their daughter a distinctive and memorable moniker.