UK girl's name
Ruya
A feminine name of Arabic origin meaning "dream" or "vision".
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.
Ruya is a girl's name in the UK records. People looking for Ruya popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2024 in this profile. In that release it ranked #2000, with 14 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2007, with 17 births.
This profile covers 201 England and Wales registrations across 21 recorded years from 2004 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 82% of the recorded peak, which gives a quick read on how the name has moved since its high point.
We estimate that about 200 living people in the UK are called Ruya. 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
- • Ruya ranked #2000 for girls in England and Wales in 2024, with 14 registrations.
- • The name peaked in 2007, when 17 girls were registered as Ruya.
- • About 200 living people in the UK are estimated to have Ruya as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.
Latest rank (E&W)
#2000
2024
Births in 2024
14
Latest year
Peak year
2007
17 births
Estimated living
200
2026
Meaning
What does Ruya mean?
The name Ruya has its origins in the Arabic language and culture, with roots dating back to the early Islamic era. The name is derived from the Arabic word "ruya," which means "dream" or "vision," suggesting a connection to the spiritual realm and the concept of divine guidance through dreams.
One of the earliest recorded references to the name Ruya can be found in the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam. In certain verses, the term "ruya" is used to describe revelations and visions experienced by prophets and believers. This association with religious teachings and the spiritual realm has contributed to the name's significance in the Arab world.
Throughout history, the name Ruya has been borne by several notable figures, many of whom have made significant contributions to their respective fields. One such person was Ruya al-Abbasiyya (d. 1107), a renowned Arab poet and scholar who lived during the Abbasid Caliphate. Her works were widely celebrated for their eloquence and depth.
Another prominent individual with the name Ruya was Ruya al-Isfahani (d. 1180), a renowned female physician and scholar from Isfahan, Iran. She was highly regarded for her expertise in medicine and her contributions to the advancement of medical knowledge during the Islamic Golden Age.
In the modern era, Ruya al-Sayyid (1924-2001) was a prominent Egyptian feminist and writer who played a crucial role in advocating for women's rights and promoting social reform in her country. Her writings and activism challenged traditional gender roles and pushed for greater equality.
Another notable figure was Ruya Taner (1919-2008), a Turkish author and playwright who made significant contributions to the literary landscape of her country. Her works explored themes of identity, family, and the struggles of modern life, resonating with readers across generations.
Ruya Fazli (b. 1938) is an Afghan poet and writer who has been recognized for her literary achievements and her role in promoting Afghan culture and literature. Her works have been widely translated and have garnered international acclaim, making her a prominent figure in the literary world.
The name Ruya continues to be popular in various parts of the Arab world, as well as among Muslim communities around the globe. Its connection to the spiritual realm and its historical significance have contributed to its enduring appeal and cultural significance.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
Popularity
Ruya over time
The chart below shows babies named Ruya registered in England and Wales in the years where the name appears in the published records, from 2004 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 Ruya, the clearest high point is 2007. The latest England and Wales figure is 14 births in 2024, compared with 17 at the peak.
Babies born per year
Decades
Ruya by decade
Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Ruya 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 | #2176 | 61 | 5 |
| 2010s | #3036 | 90 | 10 |
| 2000s | #2773 | 50 | 6 |
Related
Names similar to Ruya
- Ruby 60,551
- Rebecca 45,764
- Rosie 35,558
- Rachel 19,034
- Rose 18,043
- Robyn 14,556
- Rosa 6,236
- Rhiannon 6,180
- Rachael 4,702
- Rebekah 4,395
- Rhianna 4,177
- Ruth 4,118
FAQ
Ruya: questions and answers
How popular is the name Ruya in the UK right now?
In 2024, Ruya was ranked #2000 for girls in England and Wales, with 14 births registered.
When was Ruya most popular?
The peak year on record was 2007, with 17 babies registered as Ruya in England and Wales.
What is the meaning and origin of Ruya?
A feminine name of Arabic origin meaning "dream" or "vision".
How many people are called Ruya in the UK?
A total of 201 babies have been registered as Ruya across the 21 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.