Raziya is a name of Persian origin, derived from the Persian word "razi" which means "contented" or "satisfied". The name Raziya is believed to have been popularized by the 13th-century female ruler of Delhi, Razia Sultan. Despite her significant role in history, it's important to note that her name does not specifically mean "queen" as some might assume.
Razia Sultan was the first female ruler of the Delhi Sultanate and one of the few women to have ruled an Indian state independently during the medieval period. Born into the Mamluk dynasty, she showed exceptional intelligence and courage from a young age. After her father's death, Razia became the regent for her minor brother, but eventually claimed the throne for herself in 1236.
Her reign was marked by political instability, but she managed to maintain peace and stability within Delhi. Despite facing opposition from nobles who disapproved of a woman ruling, Razia ruled justly and wisely, proving that she was more than capable of leading her people. She is remembered today as not only the first female ruler of Delhi but also as a symbol of female empowerment.
In present times, Raziya has become an increasingly popular name for girls, especially in South Asia and the Middle East. While it may not explicitly mean "queen," the name carries with it the legacy of Razia Sultan, who defied traditional norms to become one of history's most powerful female rulers.
The name Raziya has been used with varying popularity over the past three decades in the United States. In 1993, there were 5 births with this name, which then increased to 10 births in 1995. The number of births fluctuated throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, ranging from 5 to 10 births per year.
However, starting in 2003, there was a significant increase in the popularity of the name Raziya. That year saw 10 births, which then rose to 12 births in 2005 and peaked at 26 births in 2012. The name maintained its popularity throughout the 2010s, with an average of around 20 births per year from 2013 to 2020.
Despite a slight decrease in popularity in recent years (with 14 births in 2021 and 8 births in 2023), Raziya remains a popular name choice for parents in the United States. In total, there have been 397 births with this name since 1993.
These statistics demonstrate that while Raziya may not be one of the most commonly used names in the United States, it has maintained a consistent level of popularity over time and is still chosen by parents for their children today.