Holding steady.
Popularity of Dula since 1896
Babies named Dula per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1923, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Dula's real moment was 1896.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 5 |
| 1900s | 6 |
| 1910s | 53 |
| 1920s | 72 |
| 1930s | 18 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Dula is a name with a fleeting presence in American records. First recorded in 1896, it achieved its peak usage that same year and has not resurfaced in popularity rankings since. The name's trajectory has remained stable, meaning it never saw a significant increase or decrease in usage over time. It does not appear among top baby names in any state. While its exact origin is uncertain, it fits a pattern of late 19th-century feminine names that often ended in 'a'. As a rare and obscure choice, Dula offers a distinctive option for parents seeking an uncommon name with a vintage feel. Its similarity to names like Lula and Ada places it within a stylistic cluster of short, sweet names from that era.
Dula is a rare name of uncertain origin. It may have emerged as a variant of Della, which itself is a short form of Adela or Adelaide. Alternatively, it could be derived from the Old English word 'dul' meaning 'dull' or 'sorrowful', though this is not well-attested. The name saw limited use in the late 19th century but has since fallen into obscurity.
Sibling names for Dula
Names that share Dula's style, for a brother or sister.
