Alaa Unisex
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: ah-LAH /ɑːˈlɑː/
Origin: Arabic; Hebrew
Meaning: Arabic: exalted; Hebrew: oak tree
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Alaa has its roots in Arabic, deriving from the word "عَلَا" (ʿalā), which means "exalted" or "sublime." This name is often associated with qualities of nobility and high status. The Arabic language has a rich history, and the name Alaa reflects the linguistic and cultural significance of Arabic-speaking regions.
The name has been transliterated into various forms as it spread through different cultures and languages, maintaining its core meaning throughout its evolution. Historically, the name Alaa has been borne by notable figures in Islamic history, particularly during the medieval period when Arabic culture and language flourished.
The name appears in various historical texts and documents, often linked to individuals of high standing or those who contributed significantly to the arts, sciences, or religious scholarship. The use of Arabic names like Alaa became more prominent with the spread of Islam in the 7th century, as Arabic became the liturgical language of the religion, further embedding such names in cultural and religious contexts.
Culturally, Alaa carries connotations of honor and respect, often used in literature and poetry to evoke themes of beauty and virtue. The name is sometimes paired with other names to create compound forms that enhance its meaning, reflecting the tradition of naming in Arabic culture, where names are often chosen for their significance and the virtues they represent.
The enduring appeal of the name Alaa can be attributed to its positive connotations and the cultural heritage it embodies, making it a name of choice in various Arabic-speaking communities.
Famous people named Alaa
In this section, you will find notable people named Alaa. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Alaa who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Alaa who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Alaa Al Aswany is an author best known for The Yacoubian Building, Chicago, and The Automobile Club of Egypt.
Alaa Abdelnaby is a former professional basketball player best known for playing with the Portland Trail Blazers and the Sacramento Kings.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Alaa, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Alaa. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Alaa was first seen in the United States in 1979.
Alaa has ranked as high as #4489 nationally, which occurred in 2017, and has been most popular in Michigan, New York, California, Illinois, and Massachusetts.
In the past 5 years the name Alaa has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Alaa is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Alaa was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Alaa.
| Year | Total Births | Boy | Girl |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 55 | 6 | 49 |
| 2024 | 67 | 8 | 59 |
| 2023 | 45 | 7 | 38 |
| 2022 | 59 | 8 | 51 |
| 2021 | 55 | 7 | 48 |
| 2020 | 52 | 6 | 46 |
| 2019 | 67 | 8 | 59 |
| 2018 | 60 | 8 | 52 |
| 2017 | 69 | 8 | 61 |
| 2016 | 64 | 12 | 52 |
| 2015 | 56 | 0 | 56 |
| 2014 | 55 | 5 | 50 |
| 2013 | 58 | 9 | 49 |
| 2012 | 54 | 8 | 46 |
| 2011 | 53 | 10 | 43 |
| 2010 | 44 | 9 | 35 |
| 2009 | 43 | 12 | 31 |
| 2008 | 47 | 6 | 41 |
| 2007 | 37 | 8 | 29 |
| 2006 | 39 | 7 | 32 |
| 2005 | 37 | 6 | 31 |
| 2004 | 49 | 13 | 36 |
| 2003 | 35 | 10 | 25 |
| 2002 | 42 | 15 | 27 |
| 2001 | 56 | 17 | 39 |
| 2000 | 62 | 14 | 48 |
| 1999 | 45 | 10 | 35 |
| 1998 | 43 | 13 | 30 |
| 1997 | 40 | 12 | 28 |
| 1996 | 44 | 12 | 32 |
| 1995 | 54 | 23 | 31 |
| 1994 | 48 | 24 | 24 |
| 1993 | 39 | 13 | 26 |
| 1992 | 48 | 20 | 28 |
| 1991 | 45 | 13 | 32 |
| 1990 | 33 | 11 | 22 |
| 1989 | 33 | 15 | 18 |
| 1988 | 19 | 10 | 9 |
| 1987 | 24 | 8 | 16 |
| 1986 | 17 | 11 | 6 |
| 1985 | 15 | 5 | 10 |
| 1984 | 23 | 11 | 12 |
| 1983 | 19 | 8 | 11 |
| 1982 | 17 | 6 | 11 |
| 1981 | 11 | 0 | 11 |
| 1980 | 7 | 7 | 0 |
| 1979 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
Top States for Alaa (2024)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| MI | 16 | |
| NY | 9 | |
| CA | 6 | |
| VA | 5 |