"supplication to God"
Origin: Arabic
Language: English
Dua
Does Dua flow with your last name?
A name that means prayer — made global by pop royalty
Muslim
Albanian
Turkish
Arabic
Spiritual
Unique
Modern
Elegant
Bold
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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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.
Historical Record
Dua first appeared in US Social Security records in 1993.
Over 1,253 babies have been named Dua in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Dua is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #1,340 for girl names in the US .
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
Urdu
دعا
Arabic
دُعَاء
Persian
دعا
Turkish
Dua
Albanian
Dua
Popularity Over Time
#1,340
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Dua
D
Dua Zeković
Musician
1999
Montenegrin pop singer who represented Montenegro in the Eurovision Song Contest 2019
D
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
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Compare Dua with:
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
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, modern style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, elegant style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, elegant style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Timeless choice, spiritual style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Dua
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dua
What does the name Dua mean?
"supplication to God" (from Arabic). 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.
What is the origin of the name Dua?
Dua has Arabic, Muslim, Albanian, and Turkish origins. In Arabic, it means "supplication to God".
Is Dua a boy or girl name?
Dua is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Dua?
Dua is currently ranked #1340 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Dua?
Popular middle name pairings include Dua Nour, Dua Lena, Dua Amira, Dua Yasmin, Dua Safa, Dua Grace, and Dua Rose.
What are good sibling names for Dua?
Names that pair well with Dua as siblings include Lipa, Amara, Nour, Zayn, Rania, Zara, Khalil, and Yasmin.
How many syllables does Dua have?
Dua has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Dua a common or rare name?
Dua is an uncommon name, ranked #1340 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
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.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis