رقية

Rukayya

girlArabicMuslim

Rukayya is a Muslim girl name of Arabic, West African spelling origin, meaning “Rising; gentle and refined”.

MeaningRising; gentle and refined
GenderGirl
OriginArabic, West African spelling
Written asرقية
Pronunciationroo-KAI-yah
TraditionMuslim
Used inNigeria, Ghana, West Africa

Meaning and origin of Rukayya

Rukayya is the form of Ruqayya most often seen in Nigeria and Ghana, since West African spelling commonly writes the Arabic 'q' as 'k'. It is generally linked to an Arabic root meaning to rise or climb. The original Ruqayya was one of the daughters of the Prophet ﷺ and Khadija. She married Uthman ibn Affan and journeyed with him to Abyssinia during the early years of Islam.

Is Rukayya a Muslim name?

As the West African spelling of Ruqayya, a daughter of the Prophet ﷺ, Rukayya is a firmly established Muslim name.

How popular is Rukayya?

Hausa, Yoruba and other Muslim communities in Nigeria and the wider region use it a great deal.

Gifts with the name Rukayya

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Spellings and variants of Rukayya

RuqayyaRuqayyahRukayyatRukiyaRukaiya

Names similar to Rukayya

More Muslim girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Rukayya mean?

Rukayya means 'Rising; gentle and refined'. It is of Arabic, West African spelling origin.

Is Rukayya a Muslim name?

As the West African spelling of Ruqayya, a daughter of the Prophet ﷺ, Rukayya is a firmly established Muslim name.

How do you pronounce Rukayya?

Rukayya is pronounced roo-KAI-yah.

Is Rukayya a boy or girl name?

Rukayya is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.