Ruqayyah

“Ruqayyah (رقية) is of Arabic origin, derived from the root word 'raqā' which means to rise or ascend” — Symbolizes virtue and ascendency in both spir

Arab World origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#5913US 2023

21Births / yr

↓Falling

425All-time births

📅 Since 197700

What does Ruqayyah mean and where does it come from?

Ruqayyah (رقية) is of Arabic origin, derived from the root word 'raqā' which means to rise or ascend. The name is historically significant in Islamic culture, commonly associated with Ruqayyah bint Muhammad, the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad. The name symbolizes virtue and ascendency in both spir

Cultural significance

Ruqayyah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arab World-speaking communities, where it reflects values of arabic.

Peak popularity

Reached #5044 in 2016 — currently #5913 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Ruqayyah?

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

Ruqayyah Grace

How popular is Ruqayyah right now?

Falling — down 638 spots — currently #5913 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1995–2023#5913 · Top 4.4%

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#5913	21	▼ down 638 · -16% births
2022	#5275	25	▲ up 257 · +9% births
2021	#5532	23	▼ down 12 · +5% births
2020	#5520	22	▲ up 791 · +10% births
2015	#6311	20	▲ up 4377 · +100% births
2010	#10688	10	▼ down 2621 · -29% births
2005	#8067	14	▲ up 4216 · +100% births
2000	#12283	7	▼ down 1197
1995	#11086	7	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Ruqayyah

Best Year2022Rank #5275

Peak Count25

Average Rank#7853

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1995 - 20239 years

The story of Ruqayyah

Ruqayyah is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1977. With 425 total births recorded, Ruqayyah remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #11086 in 1995 to #5913 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Ruqayyah in 2016:

Emma Olivia Ava Sophia Isabella

Ruqayyah by decade

Ruqayyah peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →

Decade	Births
1970s	15
1980s	29
1990s	64
2000s	108
2010s ★	187
2020s	22

💎Ruqayyah has only 425 total recorded births since 1977 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Ruqayyah?

Common

RuqRuqieRuqyAyyah

What names sound and feel like Ruqayyah?

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

Rugayyah

Arab World · رُقَيَّة, meaning ‘little

Ruqayah

Arabic · fragrance or the

Ruqaiyah

Arabic · soft, gentle

Arabic · the elevated one,

Rumaysah

Arabian Peninsula · Arabic

Surayyah

Arabic · star; constellation

How is Ruqayyah written in other languages?

رقيّة

Arabic

Common questions about the name Ruqayyah

What does the name Ruqayyah mean?

Ruqayyah means "Arabic" — a name rooted in Arab World 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 Ruqayyah?

Ruqayyah is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Ruqayyah?

Ruqayyah originates from Arab World tradition. Arab World names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

Is Ruqayyah a common or rare name?

Ruqayyah is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.

What are good nicknames for Ruqayyah?

Ruqayyah naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.