Rayhan
/ˈreɪ.hæn/noun
An English transliteration of the Arabic word for a fragrant plant, especially basil, and also a personal name.
Did you know?In Islamic literary tradition, rayḥān is associated with fragrance and is mentioned in the Qur’an as one of the blessings or provisions connected with paradise.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Semitic period
Proto-Semitic
*r-y-ḥ
“A reconstructed root associated with scent, fragrance, or aromatic qualities; the exact historical pathway is debated.”
Biblical and Aramaic periods
Hebrew/Aramaic
rēaḥ / rīḥā
“Scent, smell, or fragrance; forms reflecting the same wider Semitic root family.”
Classical Arabic
Arabic
rayḥān
“A fragrant plant or aromatic herb, commonly identified with basil; literally connected with fragrance.”
Medieval Arabic
Arabic
ريحان
“A fragrant herb or sweet-smelling plant, used in literary and religious descriptions.”
Modern English
English
rayhan
“A transliterated Arabic term and personal name, also appearing in variant spellings such as Reyhan and Raihan.”