Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Aaliyah
GirlArabic· “exalted, sublime”
- Meaning
- exalted, sublime
- Origin
- Arabic
- Pronunciation
- ah-LEE-uh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #101
- US babies 2025
- 2,607
- Best rank
- #36 (2012)
- Peak year
- 2012
Meaning and origin of Aaliyah
Aaliyah is an Arabic name that means “exalted, sublime”.
Aaliyah is the feminine form of the Arabic Ali, meaning high, exalted or sublime. It is used across the Arab and Muslim world, and it is also close to the Hebrew aliyah, meaning ascent, a word used for immigrating to Israel and for being called up to read the Torah. In the United States the name became widely known through the singer Aaliyah, and it has since become a familiar choice in many communities. It is flowing and melodic, with a double a at the start that sets it apart visually. Aliyah and Aleah are related spellings.
Popularity over time
Aaliyah first appears in US Social Security records in 1976. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 32 different years, starting in 1994. Its best national rank was #36 in 2012, the same year it reached its highest count of 5,523 babies. In 2025, 2,607 babies were named Aaliyah, and it ranked #101 nationally. That is 47% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #2,440 in 1980, #211 in 2000, #56 in 2010, and #101 in 2025. Of the 109,971 US girls named Aaliyah since records began, 42% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 36,381 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Sophie, Zoe, Serenity, Aubree, and Brooklyn.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Aaliyah ranked highest in New Mexico, Delaware, and Nevada.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | #37 | 24 |
| Delaware | #46 | 13 |
| Nevada | #49 | 37 |
| Arizona | #50 | 94 |
| California | #58 | 442 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Aaliyah is usually pronounced ah-LEE-uh, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with A and ends in “-ah”.
Middle names for Aaliyah
A few middle names that flow with Aaliyah: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Aaliyah
Similar names
Aliyah Girl
uh-LEE-uh
“exalted; ascent” · Arabic
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Amirah Girl
uh-MEER-uh
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Savannah Girl
suh-VAN-uh
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Mariah Girl
muh-RY-uh
“form of Maria, meaning uncertain” · Hebrew
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Lilah Girl
LY-luh
“uncertain; linked to Lila and night” · Hebrew
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Nylah Girl
NY-luh
“uncertain; modern name” · American (modern coinage)
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Azariah Unisex
a-zuh-RY-uh
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Rebekah Girl
rih-BEHK-uh
“to tie, bind” · Hebrew
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Alayah Girl
uh-LAY-uh
“exalted” · Arabic
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Aleah Girl
uh-LEE-uh
“exalted” · Arabic
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Lylah Girl
LY-luh
“night” · Arabic
#585
Hadassah Girl
huh-DAH-suh
“myrtle” · Hebrew
#570
Lists that include Aaliyah
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Aaliyah mean?
Aaliyah is an Arabic name that means “exalted, sublime”.
What is the origin of the name Aaliyah?
Aaliyah has Arabic roots. Aaliyah is the feminine form of the Arabic Ali, meaning high, exalted or sublime.
Is Aaliyah a popular name?
Yes. Aaliyah ranked #101 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Aaliyah a boy or girl name?
Aaliyah is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Aaliyah?
Aaliyah is usually pronounced ah-LEE-uh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings