Find out how popular the first name Alaa has been for the last 45 years (from 1979 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Alaa by gender

Based on the last 45 years of data, Alaa is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 76% of people named Alaa being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 38 female babies and 7 male babies born with the name Alaa.

The history of the first name Alaa

The name Alaa has its origins in Arabic, with roots that can be traced back to the 8th century. It is derived from the Arabic word "ala'a," which means "to rise" or "to ascend." This name was particularly prevalent in the regions of the Middle East and North Africa, where Arabic culture and language have had a significant influence.

The earliest recorded use of the name Alaa can be found in ancient Islamic texts and historical records. It was a popular name among Arab scholars, poets, and intellectuals during the golden age of Islamic civilization. One notable figure who bore this name was Alaa al-Din ibn al-Nafis, a Syrian physician and scholar who lived in the 13th century. He made significant contributions to the field of medicine, including the discovery of pulmonary circulation and the description of the coronary arteries.

Throughout history, several other notable individuals have carried the name Alaa. In the 10th century, Alaa al-Dawla Bahā' al-Dīn was a prominent Persian ruler and military commander who played a crucial role in the Buyid dynasty. Another prominent figure was Alaa al-Din Khilji, who ruled the Delhi Sultanate in the 13th century and was known for his military conquests and expansionist policies.

In the realm of literature, Alaa al-Din Rumi, a 13th-century Persian poet and Sufi mystic, is widely celebrated for his profound spiritual works, including the renowned Masnavi. His poetry and teachings have had a lasting influence on Persian and Islamic culture.

Moving forward in time, Alaa al-Aswany, an Egyptian novelist and dentist born in 1957, has gained international recognition for his critically acclaimed novels, such as "The Yacoubian Building" and "Chicago," which explore themes of social and political issues in contemporary Egyptian society.

It is worth noting that while the name Alaa has its roots in Arabic culture, it has also been adopted and used in various other cultures and regions, particularly those with strong Islamic influences or ties to the Middle East.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Alaa was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Alaa, please contact us.

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