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Home › Baby Names Directory › Ruqaiyah

Ruqaiyah

♀ Girl

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

Meaning: A spelling of the Arabic Ruqayyah, understood as 'ascent; rise; gentle' and linked to ruqya ('charm; spell of protection'). Borne by Ruqayyah, a daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, and by a daughter of Husayn — noted respectfully.Low

In 30 seconds: An Arabic name: Ruqaiyah forms Ruqayyah ('ascent; rise') (said 'roo-KY-yah'). Historic and gentle.
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Origin MediumArabic
MeaningA spelling of the Arabic Ruqayyah, understood as 'ascent; rise; gentle' and linked to ruqya ('charm; spell of protection'). Borne by Ruqayyah, a daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, and by a daughter of Husayn — noted respectfully.
U.S. rank (2024)#17159 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births5 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2003
Total births (all-time)≈ 67

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200319972024

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

Ruqaiyah is a spelling of the Arabic Ruqayyah ('ascent; rise'), linked to ruqya ('protective charm'). It honours Ruqayyah, a daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, and is cherished in Muslim families — rare in the U.S. (said 'roo-KY-yah').

In the U.S. it appears rarely, mostly in Muslim families. Rare, historic, and gentle.

Did you know? Ruqaiyah spells the Arabic Ruqayyah ('ascent; rise'), a name borne by Ruqayyah, a daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, and by a daughter of Husayn — carried with deep respect in Muslim families (said 'roo-KY-yah').
Overall data confidence 50%
References — Ruqaiyah — Arabic Ruqayyah; daughter of the Prophet Muhammad; noted respectfully

Variations

RuqayyahRuqayahRuqaya

Nicknames

RuqiRuqy

Famous Bearers

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If you like Ruqaiyah…

Ruqayah— the same name, another spelling
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Fatima— a like revered Arabic name
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Frequently Asked

What does the name Ruqaiyah mean?

Ruqaiyah is a spelling of the Arabic Ruqayyah ('ascent; rise'); Ruqayyah was a daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, noted respectfully.

How do you pronounce Ruqaiyah?

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

Is Ruqaiyah a boy or girl name?

Ruqaiyah is a girl's name.

How popular is Ruqaiyah?

Ruqaiyah is a very rare name in the U.S.

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