What does Ala mean and where does it come from?
Ala is a name found in multiple cultures, primarily in the Arab world, where it denotes a sense of nobility and exaltation. The Arabic name علاء signifies high status and splendor. In Russia, the name has meanings associated with brightness or purity, while in Turkish it refers to colorfulness and v
Cultural significance
Ala has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of علاء.
Peak popularity
Reached #1417 in 1889 — currently #814 in the US.
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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Ala?
Ala works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Ala Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Ala Rose
Floral · soft ending
Ala Claire
French influence · crisp
Ala Jane
Literary · strong
Ala Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Ala right now?
Holding steady — currently #814 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #814 | 1,386 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #819 | 1,366 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #824 | 1,336 | ▲ up 6051 · +8250% births |
| 2020 | #6875 | 16 | ▼ down 1031 · -27% births |
| 2015 | #5844 | 22 | ▲ up 4628 · +120% births |
| 2010 | #10472 | 10 | ▼ down 998 · -9% births |
| 2005 | #9474 | 11 | ▼ down 1421 · -8% births |
| 2000 | #8053 | 12 | ▲ up 2516 · +71% births |
| 1995 | #10569 | 7 | ▼ down 4999 · -56% births |
| 1990 | #5570 | 16 | ▲ up 3816 · +167% births |
| 1985 | #9386 | 6 | ▼ down 221 · +20% births |
| 1975 | #9165 | 5 | ▼ down 4777 · -29% births |
| 1950 | #4388 | 7 | ▼ down 568 · +17% births |
| 1935 | #3820 | 6 | ▲ up 674 |
| 1925 | #4494 | 6 | — |
The story of Ala
Ala has been a beloved American name for over 135 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1889. With 860 total births recorded, Ala remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1856 in 1910 to #814 in 2023. Ala is used for both genders: 83% female and 17% male.
Names that peaked alongside Ala in 1889:
Ala by decade
Ala peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 5 | |
| 1900s | 13 | |
| 1910s | 94 | |
| 1920s | 76 | |
| 1930s | 24 | |
| 1940s | 7 | |
| 1950s | 22 | |
| 1970s | 22 | |
| 1980s | 115 | |
| 1990s ★ | 190 | |
| 2000s | 115 | |
| 2010s | 161 | |
| 2020s | 16 | |
💎Ala has only 860 total recorded births since 1889 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Ala?
Famous people named Ala
A(
Ala (Arab poet)
Ala carried this name in the rich tradition of classical Arabic poetry.
A(
Ala (Sufi mystic)
Ala used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.
A(
Ala (Islamic scholar)
Ala bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.
A(
Ala (Quranic figure)
Ala appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Ala?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ala also consider these
How is Ala written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Ala
What does the name Ala mean?
Ala means "علاء" — a name rooted in Arabic tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Ala?
Ala is currently ranked #814 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Ala?
Ala originates from Arabic tradition. Arabic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Ala?
Ala is a two-syllable name pronounced AE1 L AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Ala a common or rare name?
Ala is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.