Reza is a masculine given name of Persian origin. It is derived from the Middle Persian word "rayh," which means "to please" or "content." The name Reza has been popular among Persians for centuries and has been used by various notable figures throughout history, including the tenth-century Persian poet Ferdowsi and the sixteenth-century Mughal emperor Akbar.
The name Reza gained international recognition during the twentieth century when it was adopted by several prominent political figures. Most notably, Reza Shah Pahlavi, who served as the Shah of Iran from 1925 to 1941, bore this name. His son, Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, also used the name Reza and ruled Iran from 1941 until he was deposed in 1979.
Today, Reza remains a popular name among Persian families and has been adopted by people of various backgrounds around the world. Its meaning "to please" or "content" continues to resonate with parents looking for a name that carries a positive connotation. Despite its historic associations with powerful figures, the name Reza is also seen as approachable and relatable, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a balance between tradition and modernity.
The name Reza has been steadily gaining popularity in the United States over the past few decades, with a significant increase in usage since the early 2000s.
In the 1970s, the number of births with the name Reza varied between 7 and 20 per year. However, from the late 1980s onwards, there was a noticeable rise in popularity, with more than 20 births each year from 1988 until 2023.
The highest peak in popularity occurred in 2022 and 2023, with 46 births each year. This is a significant increase compared to previous years, indicating that Reza has become an increasingly popular name choice for parents in the United States.
Overall, between 1966 and 2023, there have been a total of 1,116 births with the name Reza in the United States.