Rising since 2019, #7,491 for girls today.
Popularity of Rabab since 1982
Babies named Rabab per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1980s | 16 | 0 |
| 1990s | 42 | 0 |
| 2000s | 30 | 0 |
| 2010s | 23 | 0 |
| 2020s | 56 | 17 |
Meaning & origin
Rabab is a rare Arabic name that first appeared on U.S. baby name charts in 1982. As of 2025, it ranks 7,491 with an estimated 1 in 114,805 newborns receiving the name. Its popularity has been rising gradually since 2019, reaching its peak in 2025. The name is most common in California, suggesting a concentration among families with Arabic or Muslim heritage. Its meaning remains somewhat uncertain, often linked to the Arabic word for 'cloud', but this derivation is not universally accepted. Despite its obscurity, Rabab's gentle sound and cultural resonance make it a distinctive choice.
The name Rabab is of uncertain origin. It may derive from Arabic رَبَاب (rabāb) meaning 'cloud' or 'white cloud', though this is not universally accepted. The name has been used in Arabic-speaking communities and among Muslims. Its modern usage in the United States is rare, first recorded in 1982.
Where Rabab is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Rabab” around the world
Where Rabab lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
New Zealand
13
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Sibling names for Rabab
Names that share Rabab's style, for a brother or sister.
