Find out how popular the first name Dunya has been for the last 41 years (from 1984 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Dunya by gender

Based on the last 41 years of data, Dunya is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 37 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Dunya.

The history of the first name Dunya

The name Dunya has its origins in the Arabic language and culture. It is derived from the Arabic word "dunya," which translates to "world" or "earthly life." This name has been in use for centuries, with its earliest recorded instances dating back to the 7th century CE, during the rise of Islam in the Arabian Peninsula.

The name Dunya holds deep spiritual significance in Islamic tradition. In the Quran, the holy book of Islam, the word "dunya" is often used to refer to the temporary and transient nature of earthly existence, contrasted with the eternal life in the hereafter. This philosophical concept of the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures and the importance of seeking spiritual fulfillment has influenced the meaning and popularity of the name Dunya among Muslim communities.

One of the earliest known historical figures to bear the name Dunya was Dunya bint Mikhail, a princess and poet who lived in the 9th century CE during the Abbasid Caliphate. She was renowned for her literary talents and was a member of the aristocratic society in Baghdad, the capital of the Islamic empire at that time.

Another notable figure was Dunya al-Watis, a female scholar and mystic who lived in the 12th century CE in Mosul, modern-day Iraq. She was highly respected for her knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence and her contributions to Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam.

In the 13th century, Dunya al-Maridini was a prominent female historian and author who lived in Damascus, Syria. She wrote several works on the history of the Ayyubid dynasty and was highly regarded for her scholarly abilities.

Moving forward in time, Dunya Mikhail, born in 1965 in Baghdad, Iraq, is a contemporary award-winning poet and writer. Her works often explore themes of exile, war, and the human condition, and she has received numerous accolades, including the United Nations Human Rights Award for Freedom of Writing.

Lastly, Dunya Noor, born in 1992 in Kabul, Afghanistan, is a renowned human rights activist and journalist. She has been recognized for her brave efforts in advocating for women's rights and raising awareness about the challenges faced by women and girls in her home country, often at great personal risk.

While these are just a few examples, the name Dunya has been carried by many notable individuals throughout history, each leaving their mark on the world in their own unique way, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and spiritual significance associated with this name.

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 Dunya was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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