"supplication to God"
Dua
A name that means prayer — made global by pop royalty
Meaning & Origin
Things to Know About This Name
- Strongly associated with pop star Dua Lipa, which may feel like naming after a celebrity
The Story of Dua
Dua (also written Du'a or Duʿāʾ) comes from Arabic دُعَاء (duʿāʾ), meaning supplication, prayer, or invocation. In Islamic practice, dua refers specifically to the act of calling upon Allah for help or blessings — a deeply personal form of prayer distinct from the formal five daily prayers (salah). The name is most common in Muslim communities across the Middle East, North Africa, Albania, and Kosovo.
Dua became a global household name when Dua Lipa rose to international fame with her 2017 debut album and the 2018 megahit 'New Rules.' The singer — born to Kosovar Albanian parents — brought a distinctly Muslim and Albanian name to worldwide recognition. Since then, the name has seen increased use in Western countries among both Muslim and non-Muslim families.
In Islamic theology, dua is considered one of the most important acts of worship — a direct conversation with God. Many Muslim families name daughters Dua specifically to invoke this spiritual meaning. In Kosovo and Albania, Dua was already a familiar name before global pop fame made it recognizable everywhere.
Fun Facts
- Dua Lipa has won three Grammy Awards, making her one of the most decorated Albanian artists in history
- In Islamic tradition, dua can be offered at any time and in any language — it's considered the most intimate form of prayer
- The name Dua entered the UK top 1000 for girls in 2018 following Dua Lipa's breakthrough year
Dua in Other Languages
Famous People Named Dua
Dua Zeković
Musician
1999
Montenegrin pop singer who represented Montenegro in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019
Dua Lipa
Musician
1995
British-Albanian pop superstar known for 'New Rules,' 'Levitating,' and her self-titled debut album; multiple Grammy win...
British-Albanian pop superstar known for 'New Rules,' 'Levitating,' and her self-titled debut album; multiple Grammy winner
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,340
- Total SSA Count
- 170
- Cultural Origins
- Muslim Albanian Turkish Arabic
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dua
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About the Name Dua
Dua is a girl name with Muslim, Albanian, Turkish, and Arabic origins . The name means "supplication to God" in Arabic .
Dua is currently ranked #1,340 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Dua has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.