What does Bula mean and where does it come from?
Bula is used as a name predominantly in Fijian culture, where it reflects the local expression meaning 'hello' or 'to be full of life.' In Arabic contexts, Bula may suggest a personality that is joyful and brings happiness. The name symbolizes positivity and is often given to children with the hope
Cultural significance
Bula has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of to be full of joy.
Peak popularity
Reached #616 in 1889 — currently #1132 in the US.
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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Bula?
Bula works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Bula Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Bula Rose
Floral · soft ending
Bula Claire
French influence · crisp
Bula Jane
Literary · strong
Bula Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Bula right now?
Holding steady — currently #1132 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1132 | 1,068 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1137 | 1,048 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1142 | 1,018 | ▲ up 4192 · +20260% births |
| 1950 | #5334 | 5 | ▼ down 720 |
| 1945 | #4614 | 5 | ▼ down 721 · -17% births |
| 1940 | #3893 | 6 | ▼ down 1872 · -62% births |
| 1935 | #2021 | 16 | ▲ up 16 · -6% births |
| 1930 | #2037 | 17 | ▼ down 453 · -39% births |
| 1925 | #1584 | 28 | ▼ down 427 · -35% births |
| 1920 | #1157 | 43 | ▼ down 74 · +10% births |
| 1915 | #1083 | 39 | ▲ up 201 · +200% births |
| 1910 | #1284 | 13 | ▼ down 216 |
| 1905 | #1068 | 13 | ▼ down 78 · -13% births |
| 1900 | #990 | 15 | ▲ up 24 · +36% births |
| 1895 | #1014 | 11 | — |
The story of Bula
Bula has been a beloved American name for over 143 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1881. With 1,034 total births recorded, Bula remains relatively uncommon.
Names that peaked alongside Bula in 1889:
Bula by decade
Bula peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 47 | |
| 1890s | 100 | |
| 1900s | 116 | |
| 1910s | 249 | |
| 1920s ★ | 304 | |
| 1930s | 163 | |
| 1940s | 50 | |
| 1950s | 5 | |
💎With 1,034 total births, Bula is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Bula?
Famous people named Bula
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Bula (historical Arab ruler)
Bula held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.
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Bula (Quranic figure)
Bula appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.
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Bula (Sufi mystic)
Bula used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.
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Bula (Islamic scholar)
Bula bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Bula?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Bula also consider these
Common questions about the name Bula
What does the name Bula mean?
Bula means "to be full of joy" — 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 Bula?
Bula is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Bula?
Bula 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.
Is Bula a common or rare name?
Bula is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Bula a classic or a modern name?
Bula has Arabic roots that go back many centuries, making it a genuine classic rather than a modern invention. Its staying power across generations reflects its fundamental appeal and the strength of its meaning.