MallowbyNames

Rula

ROO-lah · often interpreted as 'dew' or 'gentle rain' in Arabic, though the etymology is debated

Peak popularity
1918
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Rula since 1916

Babies named Rula per year in U.S. Social Security records.

3710192019602000Most births 1918Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1910s23
1920s34
1930s0
1940s0
1950s0
1960s0
1970s25
1980s51
1990s10
2000s0
2010s11
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Rula is a delicate, uncommon name with possible Arabic roots meaning 'dew' or 'light rain.' It first appeared in U.S. records in 1916, with its peak usage in 1918, but it has never been a widely used name and remains rare. The name's gentle sound and exotic flair may appeal to parents seeking something distinctive, though its etymology is somewhat uncertain. Rula is a true rarity, not charting in the top 1000 and having one-in-a-million usage in recent years.

Rula is likely derived from the Arabic word for 'dew' (الندى) or a variant of the name Rula/Ru'la, meaning 'gentle rain' or 'a light drizzle.' It has been used in Arabic-speaking regions, occasionally appearing in the Levant. Its exact origin is uncertain, and some sources consider it a modern coinage influenced by the sound of names like Lulu.

Sibling names for Rula

Names that share Rula's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Layla, Leila, Noor, Hala, Mira

Brothers: Zayn, Omar, Adam, Samir, Tariq

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

R is for Rula, our favorite little girl.

R is for Rula…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Rula's letter becomes Rula's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Rula's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Rula mean?
Rula is believed to mean 'dew' or 'gentle rain' in Arabic, though the exact origin is uncertain.
How popular is Rula?
Rula has never ranked in the U.S. top 1000. It peaked in recorded use around 1918 but has been very rare since.
Is Rula a boy or girl name?
Rula is almost exclusively used as a girl's name.