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Rei

Rei is a with origins in Hebrew and cultures. In Hebrew, derived from biblical texts, it signifies "my ," "my friend," or "my ," referring to a minor figure noted for loyalty to David during the rebellion of . In , the name is typically written using such as 鈴 (bell), 麗 (lovely or beautiful), or 霊 (spirit or soul), reflecting attributes of elegance, sound, or ethereal quality, and has gained popularity for girls in modern usage. The name also appears in Portuguese as "rei," directly translating to "" from Latin rex, though this is a rather than a personal name origin.

Etymology and meanings

Origins across languages and cultures

In Japanese, rei (零) can denote "" or "nothingness" in mathematical and philosophical contexts, while as a , it commonly derives from such as 鈴 ("bell"), evoking a clear, resonant ; 麗 ("lovely" or "beautiful"), signifying ; or 玲 ("tinkling of jade"), implying a delicate, precious quality. These interpretations reflect broader East Asian linguistic traditions where compound meanings adapt across contexts, with rei often connoting grace or spiritual subtlety in names dating back to at least the (1603–1868). In Romance languages, particularly Portuguese and Galician, rei directly translates to "king," stemming from the Latin accusative rēgem (from rēx), which traces to the h₃rḗǵs meaning "to rule" or "straight." This usage appears in medieval Iberian texts, such as the 12th-century , where it denotes royal authority, and persists in modern surnames or nicknames for foundlings associated with institutions like Spain's Hospital dos Reis Católicos, founded in 1501. In Hebrew, (רֵעִי, pronounced Re`eeY) means "my friend," "my companion," or "my ," originating in biblical as in 1 Kings 1:8, where it refers to an Israelite supporter of around the BCE. This root from ra'ah ("to associate with" or "to pasture") underscores relational or pastoral themes, influencing its adoption in Jewish naming practices without later conflation with Indo-European royal connotations. Across these cultures, lacks a unified etymological thread, with forms independent of or Indo-European derivations, though occasional cross-cultural borrowings occur in globalized naming, such as Portuguese rei influencing Lusophone names since of (15th–17th centuries).

Personal names

As a given name

serves as a across multiple linguistic and cultural traditions, with distinct etymologies that reflect its adaptability. In usage, the name derives from various characters, including 鈴 (rei), signifying "bell"; 麗 (rei), meaning "beautiful" or "lovely"; and 玲 (rei), denoting "the tinkling of jade" or a similar delicate sound. These interpretations emphasize aesthetic or auditory qualities, and the name is employed for both males and females in , often evoking grace or refinement. Of Hebrew origin, Rei (רֵעִי, Re'i) translates to "my friend," "my companion," or "my shepherd," rooted in biblical contexts where it denotes loyalty and association. The name appears in the , such as in references to figures close to King David, underscoring themes of companionship and counsel in ancient Israelite society. This usage positions Rei as a name symbolizing interpersonal bonds, primarily masculine in traditional Hebrew naming practices but adaptable as unisex in modern contexts. In and Spanish-speaking regions, directly means "," drawing from the Romance term for , which lends the name a regal when adopted personally. Though less common as a standalone compared to its Japanese or Hebrew counterparts, it appears in Iberian and Lusophone cultures to evoke or , sometimes as a or variant influenced by . Overall, Rei's cross-cultural prevalence remains modest globally, with higher incidence in and sporadic adoption elsewhere, often without standardized gender assignment.

As a surname

Rei is a surname primarily of Galician and Portuguese origin, derived from the Portuguese and Galician word rei, meaning "king", typically bestowed as a nickname for someone with a regal bearing or, in historical contexts, for foundlings associated with royal or religious institutions. In Galicia, Spain, the name was commonly assigned to orphans or abandoned children from the Hospital dos Reis Católicos, a historic institution in Santiago de Compostela founded in 1499 for pilgrims and the indigent, reflecting a practice of naming based on patronage or foundling status rather than direct lineage. The surname appears in historical records from the dating back to , with early bearers often linked to , festivals where individuals portrayed kings, or administrative roles tied to royal households. It has spread through migration, appearing in former Portuguese colonies and communities in , the , and beyond, though it remains rare globally with an estimated incidence of around 15,000 bearers as of recent genealogical data. In , it ranks among moderately common surnames, held by approximately 3,057 individuals (roughly 1 in 3,408 people), comprising the largest concentration, while smaller populations exist in , , and due to emigration and intermarriage. Variants include Rey (more widespread in Spanish-speaking regions) and occasional anglicized forms like , but Rei retains its distinct Iberian spelling and pronunciation.

Notable people

Entertainers and public figures

Rei Kawakubo (born October 11, 1942) is a Japanese fashion designer and the founder of the label Comme des Garçons, established in Tokyo in 1969. She began her career in textiles before freelancing as a stylist in 1967 and launching her independent line, known for avant-garde designs that challenge conventional aesthetics and garment functionality. Kawakubo maintains sole ownership of her company, including global boutiques, and has influenced fashion through secretive, independent practices centered in Tokyo. Rei Kikukawa (born February 28, 1978, in Saitama Prefecture, Japan) is a Japanese actress, model, and television presenter who graduated from the University of Tokyo with a degree in architecture. She gained prominence in film roles such as in Godzilla: Final Wars (2004) and has appeared in numerous dramas and international productions like Genghis Khan: To the Ends of the Earth and the Sea of Blood (2007). Naoi Rei (born February 3, 2004, in Nagoya, Japan), known professionally as Rei, is a singer and dancer who debuted as a member of the South Korean girl group IVE under Starship Entertainment in December 2021. She has contributed to IVE's signature poses and performances, including serving as a special MC on Music Bank in August 2025. Rei Ami, born Sarah Yeeun Lee (May 25, 1995, in , ), is a South Korean-American , rapper, and voice based in the United States. She rose to prominence with breakout tracks like "SNOWCONE" in 2019 and her debut mixtape Foil in 2021, later providing vocals for projects including the animated KPop Demon Hunters (2025). Rei Dan (born August 4, 1971, in Hyogo Prefecture, ) is a recognized for roles in films such as Love and Honor (2006) and Kabei: Our Mother (2008).

Athletes and others

Rei Higuchi (born December 5, 1996) is a freestyle wrestler competing in the 57 kg category. He secured the gold medal in the men's 57 kg event at the in by defeating American wrestler 4-2 in the final. Higuchi had previously earned a at the 2020 before it was stripped due to a positive doping test for a banned substance, though he was later cleared upon appeal. Rei Sugimoto (born November 13, 1991) is a professional rock climber specializing in and . He has competed in the (IFSC) circuit since 2009, achieving multiple podium finishes, including bronze medals in bouldering at the 2019 and the 2018 Hachioji World Cup. Sugimoto announced his from international competition following the 2025 . Other notable individuals include Rei Kuboki, a Japanese judoka who has represented in international tournaments, and Rei Takemura, a Japanese athlete with an profile in track events.

Fictional characters

In

Rei Hino, the civilian identity of , serves as one of the primary protagonists in Naoko Takeuchi's manga, serialized from December 1991 to February 1997, and its anime adaptation that premiered on March 7, 1992. As a at the fictional Hikawa Shrine, she possesses fire manipulation abilities, including attacks like Fire Soul, and demonstrates precognitive visions through shrine rituals; her character embodies passion and spiritual intuition, often clashing with lead protagonist Usagi Tsukino due to her disciplined personality. Rei Ayanami is a pivotal character in Hideaki Anno's anime series, which aired from October 4, 1995, to March 27, 1996, and its manga adaptation illustrated by , published from December 1994 to June 2013. Depicted as a 14-year-old Eva pilot with pale blue hair and red eyes, she is revealed as a series of clones derived from human genetic material combined with an alien entity's soul, central to themes of and existential isolation; her emotionless demeanor and loyalty to authority figures drive key plot developments, including piloting Evangelion Unit-00. Other characters include , an alien prince in Rumiko Takahashi's manga (serialized September 1978 to February 1987) and (premiered October 1981), known for his attractiveness to women, voracious appetite, and into a when hungry. In the 2005 anime SoltyRei, the titular is an amnesiac bio-android companion to protagonist Roy Revant in a post-disaster world, aiding in combat and investigations with enhanced physical capabilities. These instances reflect "Rei" as a versatile name for enigmatic or otherworldly figures across genres.

In other media

In video games, serves as a prominent playable character in , a game developed by and released for the on October 1, 1998, in . Portrayed as a skilled thief and member of the nomadic Woren tribe, possesses the ability to transform into a powerful weretiger form during combat, emphasizing agility and lightning-based magic alongside physical prowess. His storyline involves protecting his adoptive brothers and Teepo while seeking revenge against a criminal organization, highlighting themes of and inner rage. Rei is the protagonist of , an developed by and published by , with its full release on December 2, 2021, for and PC. As a Voidrunner, she navigates the surreal, dreamlike Ultravoid—a massive threatening her homeworld—using high-speed skating and traversal mechanics to activate the Starseed and rescue her stranded teammates. Voiced by , Rei's character arc explores isolation, determination, and emotional bonds through introspective narration and interactions with colossal, ethereal bosses. The game's narrative draws from sci-fi influences, positioning Rei as a silent yet voiced explorer confronting existential voids. In literature, the name appears in Richard K. Morgan's novel (2002), where Reileen Kawahara—often shortened to "Rei"—functions as a ruthless antagonist and genetically enhanced sibling to protagonist . Her portrayal emphasizes manipulative immortality via consciousness sleeving, contrasting the adaptation's softened depiction as a protective figure.

Other uses

Biblical and historical references

In the Hebrew Bible, Rei (Hebrew: רֵעִי, rēʿî) is named in 1 Kings 1:8 as one of the figures who remained loyal to King David during the attempted usurpation by his son . The verse lists Rei alongside , son of , the prophet Nathan, , and David's mighty men (gibbōrîm), noting their refusal to support Adonijah's claim to the . This aligned with David's designation of as successor, underscoring Rei's role in preserving dynastic continuity amid factional intrigue circa 970 BCE. The name Rei derives from the Hebrew root rēaʿ, connoting "friend," "companion," or "neighbor," implying a personal bond of fidelity to David. No further details about Rei's identity, lineage, or actions appear in canonical texts, leading scholars to classify him as a minor attendant or associate rather than a prominent warrior. Extrabiblical historical records, such as Assyrian or Egyptian annals from the late Bronze to early Iron Age, yield no corroborating mentions of Rei, consistent with the scarcity of non-Israelite sources for peripheral Davidic court figures. Historical interpretations position Rei within the broader United Monarchy narrative, where loyalty oaths and elite coalitions stabilized transitions of power, as evidenced by parallel accounts in 1 Chronicles omitting his name but affirming similar supportive groups. This singular attestation reflects the Bible's selective focus on pivotal actors, with Rei's inclusion highlighting thematic emphases on covenantal faithfulness over biographical depth.

Commercial and modern terms

Recreational Equipment, Inc. (), stylized as REI Co-op, is an American specializing in gear, apparel, and services. Founded on June 23, 1938, in , by mountaineers Lloyd Anderson and Mary Anderson along with 21 other climbing enthusiasts, the organization began as a mail-order catalog to provide affordable, high-quality equipment unavailable through local retailers at the time. By 1944, REI opened its first retail store, expanding to become the largest consumer cooperative in the United States, with over 170 stores across 35 states and annual revenues exceeding $3 billion as of recent fiscal reports. Membership in REI Co-op requires a one-time $30 lifetime fee, granting access to benefits such as an annual typically equaling 10% of eligible purchases, voting rights in , and discounts on classes, trips, and . The co-op sells products from hundreds of brands alongside its own -branded lines, covering categories like , , , paddling, and snow sports, while emphasizing sustainability through initiatives like waste diversion goals exceeding 90% from landfills. In 2015, REI gained widespread attention for its #OptOutside campaign, closing all stores on —a peak day—and paying employees to engage in outdoor activities, challenging consumer norms around holiday shopping. REI has diversified into experiential services, including guided adventures, skill-building classes, and equipment rentals, with a focus on inclusivity and environmental advocacy, such as supporting public lands protection. Recent developments include the launch of the Campwell Collection in 2025, featuring durable fleeces, flannels, and outerwear in seasonal colors for casual outdoor use. Despite growth, the co-op announced closures of three underperforming stores in 2026 to adapt to shifting dynamics and ensure long-term viability.

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