Thula

“calm, peace” — Associated with serenity

South Africa origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#971US 2023

1.2kBirths / yr

→Stable

164All-time births

📅 Since 188600

How to pronounce Thula

TEE·AY·CHYOO·luh

/ˈtiː.ˈeɪ.ˈtʃjuː.lə/ · stress on TEE · 4 syllables

“calm, peace”

Associated with serenity · South Africa origin

What does Thula mean and where does it come from?

Thula is a name of Zulu origin commonly given in South Africa. It signifies calmness and peace, often given to children in hopes of bringing tranquility to their lives. The name reflects cultural values associated with serenity. Not widely used outside the region.

Cultural significance

Thula has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in South Africa-speaking communities, where it reflects values of calm, peace.

Peak popularity

Reached #1275 in 1886 — currently #971 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Thula?

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

Thula Grace

How popular is Thula right now?

Holding steady — currently #971 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1900–2023#971 · Top 0.72%

1900

1905

1910

1915

1925

1935

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#971	1,229	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#976	1,209	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#981	1,179	▲ up 3314 · +23480% births
1935	#4295	5	▲ up 189 · -17% births
1925	#4484	6	▼ down 626
1915	#3858	6	▼ down 1646
1910	#2212	6	▼ down 196 · +20% births
1905	#2016	5	▼ down 7
1900	#2009	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Thula

Best Year2023Rank #971

Peak Count1,229

Average Rank#2422

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1900 - 20239 years

The story of Thula

Thula has been a beloved American name for over 138 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1886. With 164 total births recorded, Thula remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2009 in 1900 to #971 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Thula in 1886:

Mary Anna Emma Elizabeth Minnie

Thula by decade

Thula peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	5
1890s	11
1900s	28
1910s	45
1920s ★	52
1930s	23

💎Thula has only 164 total recorded births since 1886 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Thula?

Common

ThuThulThulieThuly

What names sound and feel like Thula?

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

Thurla

American · Derived from 'Thurlow',

Trula

American · Calm, peaceful.

Shula

Hebrew · To be quiet,

Common questions about the name Thula

What does the name Thula mean?

Thula means "calm, peace" — a name rooted in South Africa 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 Thula?

Thula is currently ranked #971 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 Thula?

Thula originates from South Africa tradition. South Africa 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 Thula?

Thula is a four-syllable name pronounced T IY1 EY1 CH Y UW1 L AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Thula?

Thula pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar South Africa heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.