Holding steady.
Popularity of Alka since 1905
Babies named Alka per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1923, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Alka's real moment was 1905.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 5 |
| 1910s | 11 |
| 1920s | 33 |
| 1930s | 8 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 5 |
| 1970s | 33 |
| 1980s | 27 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Alka is a rare feminine name in the United States, first recorded in 1905 with a stable trajectory. It never ranked in the top 1000, and its peak usage occurred in 1905. The name's etymology spans Sanskrit and Arabic origins, reflecting its multicultural appeal. Though uncommon, Alka carries a soft, melodic sound and is easily pronounced in English. Its obscurity means a child named Alka is unlikely to share the name with many peers, offering a distinctive choice for parents seeking something unique yet grounded in tradition.
Alka is a name of uncertain origin with two main proposed derivations. In Sanskrit, 'alka' (अल्क) can refer to a lock or curl of hair, and is used as a feminine given name in India. Alternatively, it may be a variant transliteration of the Arabic name Alka, perhaps a short form of Al-Kah meaning 'the woman.' The name saw occasional use in the United States from the early 1900s, likely among immigrant families.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Allie, Kiki
Variants: Alkah, Alkaa
Sibling names for Alka
Names that share Alka's style, for a brother or sister.
