Rising since 1989, #1,942 for girls today.
Popularity of Arwa since 1975
Babies named Arwa per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 11 |
| 1980s | 101 |
| 1990s | 119 |
| 2000s | 220 |
| 2010s | 468 |
| 2020s | 482 |
Meaning & origin
Arwa is a name of Arabic origin meaning 'mountain goat' or 'ibex', an animal admired for its poise in challenging terrain. It entered U.S. records in 1975 and has been steadily rising in use since 1989. In 2025, it ranked 1,942 with a one-in-16,235 incidence, reaching its peak popularity that same year. The name is particularly well-liked among families in Illinois, Minnesota, and Michigan. Arwa carries a long history in the Arab world, borne by notable historical figures such as the Yemeni queen Arwa al-Sulayhi. Its elegant sound and meaningful etymology make it a distinctive choice that honors heritage while remaining accessible in English-speaking contexts.
Arwa derives from the Arabic word 'arwa (أَرْوَى), meaning 'mountain goat' or 'ibex', an animal admired for its grace and agility in rocky terrain. The name has been used in the Arab world for centuries, most notably by Arwa bint al-Mundhir, an early Muslim figure, and Arwa al-Sulayhi, a 12th-century queen of Yemen. It remains popular in Arabic-speaking countries and among Muslim communities globally.
Where Arwa is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Arwa” around the world
Where Arwa lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
35
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ro, Ari
Variants: Arwaa
Sibling names for Arwa
Names that share Arwa's style, for a brother or sister.
