Riza

Riza, written in Turkish as Rıza, is a masculine given name of Turkish origin. The Turkish word rıza means consent, approval, or assent, and the name carries connotations of agreement and willingness. It is widely used in Turkey and in regions influenced by Turkish culture, including parts of the Balkans, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. Beyond Turkish-speaking communities, the name appears in various Muslim communities where it is rendered as Riza or Rıza, depending on local spelling conventions. In non-Turkish contexts, the diacritic mark is often dropped, producing the form “Riza.”

The name is primarily a forename, but it may also occur as a surname in some cases, though this is comparatively uncommon. Its usage reflects historical and cultural ties across the former Ottoman sphere and among diaspora communities.

Notable bearers of the name include Rıza Tevfik Bölükbaşı, a Turkish poet and philosopher who contributed to late Ottoman and early Republican intellectual life. The name remains popular in Turkish-speaking regions and continues to be used by families in countries with Turkish cultural influence, as well as in communities influenced by Turkic and Islamic naming traditions.

In summary, Riza is a Turkish-origin masculine given name meaning consent or approval, widely used across Turkey and in related cultural spheres, with occasional use as a surname and a presence in various Turkic and Muslim communities.