Given name & surname
Arah
“an opinionated woman”
Arah is a variant of Ara. One Arabic interpretation is “an opinionated woman.”
Original Hebrewארח
Meaning & origin
What it means
Arah is a variant of Ara. One Arabic interpretation is “an opinionated woman.”
Explained through its name family
Where it comes from
Arah is a variant of Ara. Ara has been associated with Arabic, Armenian, and Latin naming traditions.
Explained through its name family
How it developed
From the Hebrew verb 'arah (ארח), “to wander or travel.”
From biblical name research
The story
Published U.S. birth records include this spelling as early as 1882. This is the earliest published observation available here, rather than a date for the name’s origin.
From dated birth records
In the Bible
In the Bible, the name Arah appears in 1 Chronicles 7:39, Nehemiah 6:18, Nehemiah 2:10.
- 1 Chronicles 7:39
- Nehemiah 6:18
- Nehemiah 2:10
From biblical name research
Arah through the years
- Babies since 1880
- 592
- 0 boys · 592 girls
- Most popular year
- 1922
- 16 babies
- 2025
- 6
- #13,357 for girls
- 2021–25 vs 2016–20
- −24%
- Easing
By the numbers
In 2025, this name appeared in 6 U.S. birth records for girls, ranking No. 13,357 among girls’ names. Average annual use for girls was 24.4% lower in 2021–2025 than in 2016–2020. Published U.S. population figures for this spelling include 350 as a first name in 2020.
From Social Security birth records and U.S. Census name counts for this exact spelling. Other spellings are counted separately.
The ring: nicknames and forms.
Nicknames & forms 1
Diminutives, pet forms, short forms and variants used alongside the name.
See also 2
Names our sources mention alongside this one. They are related in story or meaning, not forms of this name.
Similar names
If you love Arah, these share its style, era, origin or sound, from outside its own family.
Ora
“one who prays to God”
5% boys · 95% girls
Elnora
“shining light”
>99% girls
Eudora
“a good gift”
>99% girls
Alta
“to be elevated”
>99% girls
Alva
“one who has a fair complexion” · “a bright man”
24% boys · 76% girls
Arla
Arla is a feminine given name.
>99% girls
Erma
“one who is complete; universal”
>99% girls
Zera
“a sower of seeds”
>99% girls