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Ruqaiya

♀ Girl

Pronounced roo-KY-yah /ruːˈkaɪ.jɑ/Medium

Meaning: A spelling of the Arabic Ruqayyah, linked to senses of 'rise; ascent' (and 'charm; incantation of protection'). Ruqayyah was a daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, and also a daughter of Husayn, which we note respectfully. Ruqaiya and Ruqiya are the same name, honestly noted.Low

In 30 seconds: A revered Arabic name: Ruqaiya (Ruqayyah) means 'rise; ascent' (said 'roo-KY-yah'). Borne by a daughter of the Prophet — we note it respectfully.

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Origin MediumArabic

MeaningA spelling of the Arabic Ruqayyah, linked to senses of 'rise; ascent' (and 'charm; incantation of protection'). Ruqayyah was a daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, and also a daughter of Husayn, which we note respectfully. Ruqaiya and Ruqiya are the same name, honestly noted.

U.S. rank (2024)#17158 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births5 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2021

Total births (all-time)≈ 40

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

Ruqaiya carries the Arabic Ruqayyah, linked to 'rise; ascent; charm.' It honors a daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, which we note respectfully; Ruqaiya and Ruqiya are the same name, honestly noted — rare in the U.S. (said 'roo-KY-yah').

It appears rarely in the U.S., familiar in Muslim families. Rare, revered, and gentle.

Did you know? Ruqaiya is a spelling of the Arabic Ruqayyah, tied to 'rise; ascent' — the name of a daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, and of a daughter of Husayn, which we note respectfully (said 'roo-KY-yah').

Overall data confidence 48%

References — Ruqaiya — Arabic Ruqayyah; daughter of the Prophet; same name as Ruqiya

Variations

RuqayyahRuqiyaRukayya

Nicknames

RuqiYaya

Famous Bearers

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Ruqaiya mean?

Ruqaiya is a spelling of Ruqayyah, linked to 'rise; ascent.' Ruqayyah was a daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, which we note respectfully.

How do you pronounce Ruqaiya?

It's said roo-KY-yah /ruːˈkaɪ.jɑ/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Ruqaiya a boy or girl name?

Ruqaiya is a girl's name.

How popular is Ruqaiya?

Ruqaiya is an extremely rare name in the U.S.