Ala is a female given name of Arabic origin, meaning "exalted" or "lofty." It is derived from the Arabic word "alá," which means "to ascend or rise."
The name Ala has been popular in various cultures throughout history, particularly among Muslims and those with Middle Eastern roots. In some cases, it may have been used as a shortened form of longer names such as Aisha or Alia.
One notable figure bearing this name is Ala al-Din Muhammad II (1359-1421), who was the founder of the Karamani dynasty in Albania during the 15th century. This further emphasizes the historical significance and importance of the name Ala among different cultures and societies.
While there are no specific festivals or celebrations dedicated to individuals named Ala, it is often celebrated as part of broader cultural traditions honoring notable figures with similar names or those with ties to Middle Eastern heritage.
In recent years, Ala has gained popularity beyond its traditional regions due to immigration patterns and global influences on naming trends. Today, people may choose this name for their daughters because they appreciate its unique sound, strong meaning, and connection to rich historical roots. Overall, the name Ala carries a sense of elegance and nobility that continues to appeal to parents seeking distinctive yet meaningful names for their children.
The name Ala has seen varying levels of popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 142 babies born with this name since 1958.
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, there were only occasional births with the name Ala. However, it began to gain traction in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with a notable increase in popularity from 1985 onwards.
The peak years for the name Ala were between 1985 and 1994, during which there were consistently more than five births per year. The highest number of births occurred in 1986 and 1994, with ten and nine babies named Ala respectively.
After a brief decline in popularity throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, the name Ala experienced a resurgence in recent years, with six births recorded in both 2007 and 2011. This demonstrates that while the name may not have maintained consistent popularity over time, it has remained present in the United States birth records for several decades.
In conclusion, while the name Ala has had periods of varying popularity throughout its history in the United States, it remains a unique and distinctive choice for parents looking for a less common baby name.