Alara

♀ Girl

Pronounced ah-LAH-rah /ɑːˈlɑː.rə/High

Meaning: From Turkish Alara, believed to mean water fairy or magical being in Anatolian folklore; the name is associated with the Alara River in Turkey and is used widely across the Turkic world as a given nameMedium

In 30 seconds: A melodic three-syllable Turkish name evoking water fairies and Anatolian folklore, Alara is gaining international traction for its flowing sound and enchanting meaning.

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Origin MediumTurkish, Arabic

MeaningFrom Turkish Alara, believed to mean water fairy or magical being in Anatolian folklore; the name is associated with the Alara River in Turkey and is used widely across the Turkic world as a given name

U.S. rank (2025)#652 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births441 girls (0.03% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2025

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,183

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Alara is a Turkish given name with roots in Anatolian folk tradition. It is associated with the Alara River (Alara Çayı) and Alara Castle in the Antalya region of southern Turkey, an area with Hittite, Greek, Roman, and Ottoman layers of history. In Turkish naming tradition, the name is believed to evoke water spirits or magical beings, reflecting the ancient association of rivers with mystical forces.

Alara has been popular in Turkey and among Turkic-speaking communities in Central Asia. In the United States and Western Europe it has been appearing as parents of Turkish heritage use it, and also as non-Turkish parents discover it for its beautiful sound. Its three-syllable rhythm and the vowel-rich pattern align it with globally trending names like Amara, Alara sits comfortably in the modern aesthetic.

Did you know? The Alara River in Antalya province, Turkey, flows through ancient ruins and a medieval fortress — giving the name a rich landscape of history and natural beauty behind it.

Overall data confidence 72%

U.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

AlaraAlera

Nicknames

AliLara

Famous Bearers

★Alara Kitan (2017–2022)
Fictional character on the Fox/Hulu science-fiction series The Orville (2017–2022), portrayed by actress Halston Sage. Lieutenant Alara Kitan serves as Chief of Security aboard the USS Orville; as a native of the high-gravity planet Xelaya, she possesses extraordinary physical strength, and her arc of self-doubt and courage made her one of the show's most beloved characters in Seasons 1 and 2.

If you like Alara…

Amara— shares the same flowing three-syllable structure and the same warm, international appeal

Lara— embedded within Alara and shares the same romantic Slavic/Turkish melodic quality

Alina— fellow Al- name with the same bright, feminine sound and European-international charm

Azalea— shares the flowing vowel sound and nature-adjacent feminine elegance

Explore names like Alara

By themenature three-syllable mythology turkish international

By meaningSea / Water Gift / Blessing

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Alara mean?

Alara is a Turkish name believed to mean water fairy or magical being, associated with the Alara River in Antalya province, Turkey.

How do you pronounce Alara?

It is said ah-LAH-rah /ɑːˈlɑː.rə/ — three syllables with stress on the second.

Where is Alara used as a name?

Alara is popular in Turkey and among Turkic-speaking communities in Central Asia, and has been spreading internationally.

Is Alara a rare name?

Alara is relatively rare outside Turkey but has been growing internationally, especially among parents who appreciate its melodic sound.