Home Name Meanings Dara

Dara Name Meaning, Origin & History

Name Meaning & Origin

Dara

🔊 /ˈdɑːrə/  /ˈdɑːrə/

"Gentle, Soft, Subtle"

Arabic Origin Islam Predominantly Female 📈 Peak 1981 👥 14,291 in US Nature Names Light Names
📖
Meaning
Gentle, Soft, Subtle
🌍
Origin
Arabic
👥
US Bearers
14,291
Life Path
Number 6

📖 What Does Dara Mean?

Dara is derived from the Arabic word 'dairah' which means 'subtlety', 'gentleness', and 'softness'. It is also believed to mean 'a place of refuge' and 'a source of light'.

🌐 From Wikipedia Source ↗

Dara are several given names used for both men and women in different languages.…

Root Element
Dara
Core Meaning
"Gentle, Soft, Subtle"
Language
Arabic
Themes
Gentleness · Strength · Beauty

🌐 Dara in Different Languages

🇸🇦 Arabic
درا
أصل درا من الضرب في الصوت، والمعنى هو النفس أو الجسم

🇵🇰 Urdu
درا
درا کا مطلب ہے نفس یا جسم، یہ نام عرب سے ماخوذ ہے

🇮🇳 Hindi
दरा
दरा का अर्थ है आत्मा या शरीर, यह नाम अरबी भाषा से लिया गया है

दरा नाम हिंदी भाषा में अरबी भाषा से आया है, इसका अर्थ आत्मा या शरीर है, यह नाम ह…

🇬🇧 English
Dara
Dara means soul or body, it is an Arabic name

The name Dara has its roots in Arabic, meaning soul or body, it is a name that has been used in Islamic tradition to refer to the soul or body, it is a name that has been used in many cultures, includ…

Personality of Dara

Emotional Traits

Calmness Compassion Gentleness

Hidden Personality

Introspection
Reflection
Contemplation

🍀 Lucky Attributes

📅
Lucky Day
Sunday
🔢
Lucky Number
7
💎
Lucky Stone
Moonstone
🌟
Life Path
6

Lucky Colors

Silver
White
Grey

Numerology: Dara is a name of strong spiritual vibrations. It represents creativity, nurturing, and healing. Those with the name Dara are often drawn to the arts, music, and other forms of self-expression. They are also natural caretakers and have a strong desire to help others.

🔢 Numerology of Dara

D 4
A 1
R 9
A 1
SUM 6
6
Life Path
Nurturing & Responsibility
2
Soul Urge
Harmony & Diplomacy
4
Personality
Stability & Hard Work

Life Path 6 — Nurturing & Responsibility: Compassionate, family-oriented, and generous.

🕊️ Cultural & Spiritual Significance

Cultural Impact

The name Dara holds a deep cultural significance for many Muslim communities. It is often used as a given name for both boys and girls, and it is believed that children given this name will embody the qualities of subtlety, gentleness, and softness as they grow up. The name also hold a rich literary history as it appears in various Quranic verses and Hadiths, emphasizing the concept of seeking refuge and finding comfort in Allah. The name Dara is also commonly used in place names, such as the famous Daraa city in Syria, which is believed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities, symbolizing a sense of history and connection to the past.

Spiritual Significance

The spiritual significance of the name Dara is deeply rooted in Islamic beliefs and teachings. The name is often associated with the idea of seeking refuge in Allah and finding solace and comfort in His infinite mercy and grace. In the Quran, there are several verses that mention the concept of seeking refuge in Allah, emphasizing the importance of turning to Him in times of need and hardship. Additionally, the name Dara also symbolizes the idea of being a source of light and guidance for others, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said that "Islam is like a tree in the middle of a garden; its roots are in the heavens and its branches are in the earth". Those called Dara are seen as the branches of this tree, spreading light and guidance to those around them. Overall, the name Dara embodies the Islamic values of seeking help from Allah, being a source of comfort and guidance, and embodying the qualities of subtlety, gentleness, and softness.

Gender Distribution

♂ Male6%
♀ Female94%

Based on 14,291 US Social Security records

📈 US Popularity

Total US bearers 14,291
Peak year 1981 (466)
First recorded 1893
Last recorded 2024
Gender Predominantly Female
Full US statistics →

🗺️ Global Popularity

Overall Popularity Score 58/100
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
80%
🇵🇰 Pakistan
83%
🇦🇪 UAE
81%

Historical Journey

🌱
Ancient Roots

Root element "Dara" emerges in Arabic tradition, carrying the core meaning "Gentle, Soft, Subtle".

📜
Classical Period

Used in English literary and religious texts, spreading through cultural exchange.

⚔️
Medieval Period

Carried across regions through trade, religion, and migration. Multiple spelling variants develop.

🌊
Modern Adoption

Standardized in its current form, established across English-speaking and Muslim communities.

📈
Today (2026)

~14,291 people named Dara in the US. Peaked in 1981 with 466 recorded uses.

🏛️
Throughout Islamic history

Historical records show that Various Islamic scholars and saints The name Dara carried significant weight in that era.

Modern Usage

The name Dara remains relevant in modern Muslim society, representing a bridge between traditional Islamic values and contemporary life. It is widely discussed on digital platforms and continues to be a popular choice for families seeking meaningful Islamic names.

Famous People Named Dara

D
Dara McAnulty (Irish writer)
D
Dara MacAnallan (Irish politician)

💬 Stories from People Named Dara

A
Amina Abdullah ✓ Verified
Dubai, UAE · UAE
★★★★★
❤️ 234

We named our daughter Dara, inspired by the strong and pious women in Islamic history who carried this name. She has grown up understanding the honor and responsibility that comes with such a blessed name. It connects her to her faith and heritage.

M
Muhammad Ali ✓ Verified
London, UK · United Kingdom
★★★★
❤️ 176

Being named Dara in the West has been both a challenge and a blessing. It constantly reminds me of my Islamic identity and values. The name has opened many conversations about Islam and helped me stay connected to my faith in a multicultural society.

I
Ibrahim Khan ✓ Verified
Karachi, Pakistan · Pakistan
★★★★★
❤️ 198

My name Dara has always been a source of pride for me. When people ask about its meaning, it becomes an opportunity to share the beautiful values of Islam. The name has shaped my identity and reminded me to live with integrity and faith.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Dara mean?

Dara means "Gentle, Soft, Subtle" in Arabic and is a popular Islamic name with deep spiritual significance.

Is Dara a good Islamic name?

Yes, Dara is a beautiful Islamic name that carries positive meaning and is widely used in Muslim communities around the world.

What is the origin of the name Dara?

Dara has Arabic origins and is rooted in Islamic tradition and culture.

What is the numerology number for Dara?

The Life Path number for Dara is 6, associated with Nurturing & Responsibility. Soul Urge: 2. Personality: 4.

Is Dara a boy or girl name?

Dara is Predominantly Female. Based on US data, 6% male and 94% female.

How many people are named Dara in the US?

Approximately 14,291 people in the United States are named Dara. The name peaked in 1981 with 466 recorded uses.

🔗 Related & Similar Names

Related Names

Darah Darra Darayah

Similar Sounding

Daraa Dareen Darja

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