Rayona is a name of African origin, specifically from the Yoruba people of West Africa. The name has two main variations: Rayona and Rayonah.
The meaning of Rayona is not widely documented or agreed upon. However, some sources suggest that it may mean "there is joy" in the Yoruba language. This interpretation comes from the elements "Ra" meaning "there is" and "yonu" meaning "joy".
Despite its African roots, there is little historical information about people named Rayona. It does not appear to have been a particularly common name historically, even among the Yoruba people.
Today, Rayona is used as both a female and male given name in various countries around the world, including Nigeria, the United States, and the United Kingdom. However, it remains relatively rare compared to other names.
In summary, Rayona is an African-derived name with an unclear meaning but a unique sound that may appeal to those looking for something different from traditional names. Its rarity could also make it appealing to parents seeking an uncommon name for their child.
The name Rayona has seen a varied trend in popularity over the years in the United States, with peaks and valleys in its usage. The first recorded birth of a girl named Rayona was in 1928, with five births that year. This number remained consistent until 1988 when it once again reached five births.
The name's popularity began to rise significantly in the early 1990s, with eleven births in 1991 and fourteen births each in 1992 and 1993. The peak of Rayona's popularity was reached in the year 2000, with a total of twenty-eight births that year.
However, after this peak, the popularity of the name began to decline. In 2004 and 2005, there were sixteen and seventeen births respectively, dropping further to thirteen in 2009. The most recent data available shows seven births in 2023, indicating a continued decrease in the usage of the name Rayona.
Overall, since 1928, there have been a total of 365 girls named Rayona born in the United States. While the name has seen periods of popularity, it is currently less commonly used than it was in its peak years at the turn of the century.