Rula

“Gazing at the stars”

Arabic origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#527US 2023

1.7kBirths / yr

→Stable

154All-time births

📅 Since 191600

How to pronounce Rula

ROO·luh

/ˈruː.lə/ · stress on ROO · 2 syllables

“Gazing at the stars”

Arabic origin · Girl name

What does Rula mean and where does it come from?

Rula is a name of Arabic origin, often used in Middle Eastern culture. It translates to 'gazing at the stars' or 'one who looks at the stars,' which carries a poetic and romantic quality. The name has found its way into American culture as well, particularly among families with Arabic heritage. Rula

Cultural significance

Rula has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of gazing at the stars.

Peak popularity

Reached #3232 in 1918 — currently #527 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Rula?

Rula works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Rula Grace

How popular is Rula right now?

Holding steady — currently #527 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1980–2023#527 · Top 0.39%

1980

1985

1995

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#527	1,673	▲ up 5 · +1% births
2022	#532	1,653	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021	#537	1,623	▲ up 13080 · +32360% births
1995	#13617	5	▼ down 4124 · -17% births
1985	#9493	6	▼ down 1946 · -25% births
1980	#7547	8	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Rula

Best Year2023Rank #527

Peak Count1,673

Average Rank#5376

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1980 - 20236 years

The story of Rula

Rula entered American naming records in 1916 and has been in use for over 108 years. With 154 total births recorded, Rula remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7547 in 1980 to #527 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Rula in 1918:

Mary Helen Dorothy Margaret Ruth

Rula by decade

Rula peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	23
1920s	34
1970s	25
1980s ★	51
1990s	10
2010s	11

💎Rula has only 154 total recorded births since 1916 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Rula?

Common

RulRulieRuly

Famous people named Rula

Rula (Islamic scholar)

Rula bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.

Rula (historical Arab ruler)

Rula held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.

Rula (Sufi mystic)

Rula used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.

Rula (Islamic scholar)

Rula bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.

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What names sound and feel like Rula?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Rula also consider these

Arabic · the name means

Ula

Poland · luminous, gem

Lula

American · famous warrior

Common questions about the name Rula

What does the name Rula mean?

Rula means "Gazing at the stars" — 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 Rula?

Rula is currently ranked #527 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 Rula?

Rula 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 Rula?

Rula is a two-syllable name pronounced R UW1 L AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Rula a classic or a modern name?

Rula 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.