Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Aliah
GirlArabic, American (modern coinage)· “variant of Aaliyah; exalted”
- Meaning
- variant of Aaliyah; exalted
- Origin
- Arabic, American (modern coinage)
- Pronunciation
- uh-LEE-uh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,192
- US babies 2025
- 193
- Best rank
- #1,007 (2015)
- Peak year
- 2015
Meaning and origin of Aliah
Aliah is an Arabic and American (modern coinage) name that is usually said to mean “variant of Aaliyah; exalted”.
Aliah is a variant of Aaliyah, an Arabic name meaning "exalted" or "high," from the feminine of Ali. The singer Aaliyah made the name widely known in the United States. Aliah is a simpler spelling that keeps the same flowing sound, with the stress on the middle syllable. It has a graceful, three-syllable rhythm and a dignified meaning. Ali and Lia are possible nicknames, and the name pairs well with many surnames.
Popularity over time
Aliah first appears in US Social Security records in 1975. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,007 in 2015, the same year it reached its highest count of 266 babies. In 2025, 193 babies were named Aliah, and it ranked #1,192 nationally. That is 27% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #5,551 in 1980, #1,335 in 2000, #1,054 in 2010, and #1,192 in 2025. Of the 5,831 US girls named Aliah since records began, 38% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 1,615 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Aanya, Maylee, Adilene, Addalyn, and Alaysia.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Aliah ranked highest in New Mexico, New Jersey, and Utah.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | #302 | 5 |
| New Jersey | #574 | 13 |
| Utah | #609 | 6 |
| Texas | #744 | 40 |
| California | #788 | 38 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Aliah is usually pronounced uh-LEE-uh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with A and ends in “-ah”.
Middle names for Aliah
A few middle names that flow with Aliah: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Aliah
Similar names
Nylah Girl
NY-luh
“uncertain; modern name” · American (modern coinage)
#504
Alayah Girl
uh-LAY-uh
“exalted” · Arabic
#412
Aleah Girl
uh-LEE-uh
“exalted” · Arabic
#965
Lylah Girl
LY-luh
“night” · Arabic
#585
Laylah Girl
LAY-luh
“night” · Arabic
#1,254
Farah Girl
FAHR-uh
“joy, happiness” · Arabic
#1,350
Jannah Girl
JA-nuh
“paradise, garden” · Arabic
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Naveah Girl
nuh-VAY-uh
“variant of Nevaeh, heaven spelled backward” · American (modern coinage)
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Aniyah Girl
uh-NY-uh
“modern coinage, possibly from Anya” · American (modern coinage)
#485
Lilah Girl
LY-luh
“uncertain; linked to Lila and night” · Hebrew
#179
Amiyah Girl
uh-MY-uh
“modern variant of Amaya or Amia” · American (modern coinage)
#620
Maliyah Girl
muh-LEE-uh
“variant of Malia, Hawaiian form of Mary” · American (modern coinage)
#626
Lists that include Aliah
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Aliah mean?
Aliah is an Arabic and American (modern coinage) name that is usually said to mean “variant of Aaliyah; exalted”.
What is the origin of the name Aliah?
Aliah has Arabic and modern American roots. Aliah is a variant of Aaliyah, an Arabic name meaning "exalted" or "high," from the feminine of Ali.
Is Aliah a popular name?
Not especially. Aliah ranked #1,192 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Aliah a boy or girl name?
Aliah is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Aliah?
Aliah is usually pronounced uh-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