Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Alaa
GirlArabic· “nobility, excellence”
- Meaning
- nobility, excellence
- Origin
- Arabic
- Pronunciation
- ah-LAH
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #3,211
- US babies 2025
- 49
- Best rank
- #2,780 (2017)
- Peak year
- 2017
Meaning and origin of Alaa
Alaa is an Arabic name that means “nobility, excellence”.
Alaa is an Arabic name meaning "nobility," "excellence" or "sublimity," from the root '-l-w, "to be high." It is used for both boys and girls in the Arab world. It is said ah-LAH, with the stress on the second syllable. Related names include Ala and Aliya. The double a marks the long final vowel. As a name, it is compact, dignified and easy to say, and it carries a clear sense of heritage in Arabic-speaking families.
Popularity over time
Alaa first appears in US Social Security records in 1981. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #2,780 in 2017, the same year it reached its highest count of 61 babies. In 2025, 49 babies were named Alaa, and it ranked #3,211 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #2,940 in 2000, #4,185 in 2010, and #3,211 in 2025. Of the 1,525 US girls named Alaa since records began, 33% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 339 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Joleigh, Averee, Seren, Acadia, and Maris.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Alaa ranked highest in Michigan, Illinois, and Pennsylvania.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | #788 | 9 |
| Illinois | #1246 | 6 |
| Pennsylvania | #1399 | 5 |
| New York | #1532 | 8 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 86% of US babies named Alaa over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Alaa is usually pronounced ah-LAH, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with A and ends in “-aa”.
Middle names for Alaa
A few middle names that flow with Alaa: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Alaa
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Lists that include Alaa
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Alaa mean?
Alaa is an Arabic name that means “nobility, excellence”.
What is the origin of the name Alaa?
Alaa has Arabic roots. Alaa is an Arabic name meaning "nobility," "excellence" or "sublimity," from the root '-l-w, "to be high." It is used for both boys and girls in the Arab world.
Is Alaa a popular name?
Not especially. Alaa ranked #3,211 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Alaa a boy or girl name?
Alaa is mainly a girl's name. About 86% of US babies named Alaa over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Alaa?
Alaa is usually pronounced ah-LAH. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings