Rula is of Arabic origin, derived from the Arabic word 'rullah', which means 'spirit'. It is a unisex given name that gained popularity in various Middle Eastern countries and beyond due to its unique sound and meaning. Pronounced /ˈruːlə/, it consists of two syllables with equal stress. Rula is often associated with notable figures such as Lebanese singer Rula Saad and Jordanian actress Rula Husni, contributing to its recognition worldwide.
The name Rula experienced fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a notable resurgence in the late 70s to mid-80s, and again more recently in 2014 and 2018.