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Home › Baby Names Directory › Khawla

Khawla

♀ Girl

Pronounced KHOW-luh /ˈxaʊ.lə/Medium

Meaning: An Arabic name of long standing, often connected with a word for a gazelle or deer, though the etymology is debated. Its fame rests above all on Khawla bint al-Azwar, a seventh-century woman remembered in Arabic tradition as a poet and a fighter of great courage.Low

In 30 seconds: An Arabic name carried by Khawla bint al-Azwar, a celebrated warrior of early Islamic history (said 'KHOW-luh').
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Origin MediumArabic
MeaningAn Arabic name of long standing, often connected with a word for a gazelle or deer, though the etymology is debated. Its fame rests above all on Khawla bint al-Azwar, a seventh-century woman remembered in Arabic tradition as a poet and a fighter of great courage.
U.S. rank (2024)#16466 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births5 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2021
Total births (all-time)≈ 57

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202120112024

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

Khawla is an old Arabic name, often linked with a word for a gazelle, though the etymology is debated and we say so. Its standing comes above all from Khawla bint al-Azwar, a seventh-century poet and warrior whose courage is still recounted across the Arabic-speaking world. The name reaches the U.S. mainly with Arabic-speaking families (said 'KHOW-luh').

It appears only rarely for girls in the U.S. Rare here, well known and honoured in the Arab world.

Did you know? Khawla bint al-Azwar is one of the most admired women in early Islamic history — a poet and a fighter, remembered for rescuing her captured brother. The name has been given in her honour for centuries, and it is worn with pride.
Overall data confidence 55%
References — Khawla — Arabic name; Khawla bint al-Azwar; etymology debated

Variations

KhawlahKhaulaKawla

Nicknames

KhoLulu

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Khawla…

Khawlah— the same name, spelled with a final h
Amina— a like honoured Arabic name
Asma— a like name from early Islamic history
Sumayya— a like name of a remembered woman

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Khawla mean?

Khawla is an Arabic name often linked with a word for a gazelle, though the etymology is debated; it is honoured for Khawla bint al-Azwar.

How do you pronounce Khawla?

It's said KHOW-luh /ˈxaʊ.lə/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Khawla a boy or girl name?

Khawla is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Khawla?

Khawla is a very rare name for girls in the U.S., though well known in Arabic-speaking countries.

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