Rei

What does the baby name Rei mean? Learn about what Rei means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Rei - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Rei
R-E-I, is a 3-letter female given name.
Pronunciation of Rei
ray
Meaning of Rei
Appreciate, bell, lovely, darling, salute.
Origin of Rei
The name 'Rei' has multiple origins and can be found in various cultures around the world. In Japanese, 'Rei' (零) means 'zero' or 'nothingness' and is often associated with concepts of emptiness, purity, and transcendence. In Hawaiian, 'Rei' is a variant of the name 'Lei' and is derived from the word 'lei' which means 'garland' or 'wreath' made of flowers, leaves, or shells. The name 'Rei' also has roots in Portuguese, where it is a short form of the name 'Reinaldo' or 'Reinaldinho', meaning 'little king' or 'ruler'.
Asian Names
Japanese Names
Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Rei
Reiko
Popularity of Rei
The popularity of the name 'Rei' varies depending on the cultural context. In Japan, 'Rei' is a relatively common name for both boys and girls. It has been consistently used throughout history and remains a popular choice for parents. In Hawaiian culture, 'Rei' is less commonly used as a given name but is sometimes used as a nickname or a shortened form of longer names. In Portuguese-speaking countries, 'Rei' is not commonly used as a given name but is occasionally used as a nickname or a diminutive form of longer names.
Rei currently has 2 likes, and is in the top 15% of liked girl's names. The name Abayomi is slightly more popular than Rei.

Etymology of Rei

The etymology of the name 'Rei' differs depending on its cultural origin. In Japanese, 'Rei' is derived from the kanji character 零, which means 'zero' or 'nothingness'. This reflects the concept of emptiness and transcendence often associated with the name. In Hawaiian, 'Rei' is a variant of the name 'Lei', which is derived from the word 'lei' meaning 'garland' or 'wreath'. This reflects the association of the name with the beauty and symbolism of floral adornments. In Portuguese, 'Rei' is a diminutive form of the name 'Reinaldo' or 'Reinaldinho', which means 'little king' or 'ruler'.

Cultural Significance of Rei

The cultural significance of the name 'Rei' varies across different cultures. In Japanese culture, the name 'Rei' is often associated with concepts of emptiness, purity, and transcendence. It can be found in various religious and philosophical contexts, such as Buddhism and Zen meditation. In Hawaiian culture, the name 'Rei' is associated with the beauty and symbolism of floral garlands, which are often used in celebrations and ceremonies. In Portuguese-speaking cultures, the name 'Rei' reflects the idea of royalty or leadership.