UK girl's name
Diala
A feminine Arabic name meaning "date palm tree".
For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2024. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.
Diala is a girl's name in the UK records. People looking for Diala popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2024 in this profile. In that release it ranked #4192, with 5 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2015, with 5 births.
This profile covers 25 England and Wales registrations across 7 recorded years from 2014 to 2024. The figures come from ONS England and Wales, so the page is a view of published baby-name registrations rather than a forecast or a live count of people using the name today.
The latest count is about 100% of the recorded peak, which gives a quick read on how the name has moved since its high point.
We estimate that about 25 living people in the UK are called Diala. This uses published birth registrations from England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, then applies ONS national life tables to estimate how many are likely still alive. It does not forecast extra births for 2025 or 2026.
Key insights
- • Diala ranked #4192 for girls in England and Wales in 2024, with 5 registrations.
- • The name peaked in 2015, when 5 girls were registered as Diala.
- • About 25 living people in the UK are estimated to have Diala as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.
Latest rank (E&W)
#4192
2024
Births in 2024
5
Latest year
Peak year
2015
5 births
Estimated living
25
2026
Meaning
What does Diala mean?
The given name Diala is believed to have its origins in the Arabic language. It is a feminine name derived from the Arabic word "dala," which means "to guide" or "to show the way." This name has been in use for centuries, primarily among Arabic-speaking communities in the Middle East and North Africa.
In the ancient Arabic tradition, names were often chosen for their meaningful connotations, and Diala was likely given to children with the hope that they would grow up to be wise and lead others on the right path. The name's connection to guidance and direction may also have spiritual or religious undertones, as many Arabic names were inspired by Islamic teachings and principles.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Diala can be traced back to the 8th century CE, during the Abbasid Caliphate in Baghdad. Historical records mention a notable scholar and poet named Diala al-Basri, who was renowned for her knowledge of Arabic literature and her contributions to the literary scene of that era.
Over the centuries, the name Diala has been borne by several notable figures across various fields. One such individual was Diala Al-Mudhaffer (1923-2008), an Iraqi artist and pioneering figure in the modern art movement in the Middle East. Her vibrant and expressive paintings explored themes of Arab culture and identity.
Another prominent figure with the name Diala was Diala Makki (1930-2021), a celebrated Lebanese actress and singer. She appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout her career, and her powerful vocals and stage presence earned her widespread recognition and critical acclaim.
In the realm of politics, Diala Ghaleb (born 1963) is a Lebanese politician and activist who has been a member of the Lebanese Parliament since 2018. She is known for her advocacy for women's rights and her efforts to promote gender equality in the political sphere.
Diala Iskandarani (born 1984) is a contemporary Syrian-American author and journalist. Her debut novel, "Satereen Gosney," published in 2018, explores themes of identity, displacement, and the experiences of Syrian refugees. Her work has garnered critical acclaim and shed light on the struggles faced by those affected by conflict and displacement.
These examples illustrate the rich history and diverse backgrounds of individuals who have carried the name Diala throughout the centuries. While the name's origins can be traced back to the Arabic language and culture, its significance and popularity have transcended borders and taken root in various communities worldwide.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
Popularity
Diala over time
The chart below shows babies named Diala registered in England and Wales in the years where the name appears in the published records, from 2014 to 2024. Empty years are left out so rare names are not stretched across long periods where the published files do not show any registrations.
For Diala, the clearest high point is 2015. The latest England and Wales figure is 5 births in 2024, compared with 5 at the peak.
Babies born per year
Decades
Diala by decade
Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Diala was a short-lived spike or a name that stayed in regular use. Average rank is calculated only from years where a published rank exists.
| Decade | Average rank | Total births | Years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | #4843 | 8 | 2 |
| 2010s | #5402 | 17 | 5 |
Related
Names similar to Diala
- Daisy 49,435
- Danielle 13,507
- Darcie 11,010
- Darcy 10,516
- Darcey 9,708
- Delilah 9,098
- Demi 9,052
- Daniella 4,324
- Destiny 3,732
- Diana 3,258
- Dorothy 3,104
- Dolly 2,246
FAQ
Diala: questions and answers
How popular is the name Diala in the UK right now?
In 2024, Diala was ranked #4192 for girls in England and Wales, with 5 births registered.
When was Diala most popular?
The peak year on record was 2015, with 5 babies registered as Diala in England and Wales.
What is the meaning and origin of Diala?
A feminine Arabic name meaning "date palm tree".
How many people are called Diala in the UK?
A total of 25 babies have been registered as Diala across the 7 years of ONS England & Wales records shown here.
Which records is this page based on?
The England and Wales timeline uses ONS baby-name records. Scotland figures come from NRS and Northern Ireland figures come from NISRA. Counts are registrations in published baby-name files. The living estimate uses those birth registrations with ONS national life tables.