Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Aliyah
GirlArabic, Hebrew· “exalted; ascent”
- Meaning
- exalted; ascent
- Origin
- Arabic, Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- uh-LEE-uh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #263
- US babies 2025
- 1,188
- Best rank
- #133 (2011)
- Peak year
- 2011
Meaning and origin of Aliyah
Aliyah is an Arabic and Hebrew name that means “exalted; ascent”.
Aliyah has two independent roots that happen to sound alike. In Arabic, Aliya is the feminine form of Ali and means high, exalted or sublime. In Hebrew, aliyah means ascent or going up, a word used for being called up to read from the Torah and for immigration to the land of Israel. The late R&B singer Aaliyah made a closely related spelling widely familiar in the United States. The name feels lyrical and uplifting, with a flowing three-syllable sound. Spellings such as Aliya, Aaliyah and Aleah are all common, and Ali or Lia can serve as nicknames.
Popularity over time
Aliyah first appears in US Social Security records in 1971. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 32 different years, starting in 1994. Its best national rank was #133 in 2011, the same year it reached its highest count of 2,301 babies. In 2025, 1,188 babies were named Aliyah, and it ranked #263 nationally. That is 40% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #3,510 in 1980, #287 in 2000, #143 in 2010, and #263 in 2025. Of the 49,011 US girls named Aliyah since records began, 41% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 15,325 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Izabella, Makenzie, Brooklynn, Reese, and Elise.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Aliyah ranked highest in Nevada, Delaware, and Arizona.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada | #133 | 18 |
| Delaware | #171 | 5 |
| Arizona | #173 | 37 |
| California | #179 | 181 |
| Florida | #179 | 99 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Aliyah is usually pronounced uh-LEE-uh, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with A and ends in “-ah”.
Middle names for Aliyah
A few middle names that flow with Aliyah: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Aliyah
Similar names
Amirah Girl
uh-MEER-uh
“princess, commander” · Arabic
#490
Aaliyah Girl
ah-LEE-uh
“exalted, sublime” · Arabic
#101
Mariah Girl
muh-RY-uh
“form of Maria, meaning uncertain” · Hebrew
#448
Lilah Girl
LY-luh
“uncertain; linked to Lila and night” · Hebrew
#179
Azariah Unisex
a-zuh-RY-uh
“Yahweh has helped” · Hebrew
#630
Rebekah Girl
rih-BEHK-uh
“to tie, bind” · Hebrew
#884
Hadassah Girl
huh-DAH-suh
“myrtle” · Hebrew
#570
Keziah Girl
kuh-ZY-uh
“cassia tree” · Hebrew
#767
Delilah Girl
dih-LY-luh
“uncertain; possibly delicate” · Hebrew
#51
Amira Girl
uh-MEER-uh
“princess; commander” · Arabic
#132
Samara Girl
suh-MAHR-uh
Hebrew
#320
Deborah Girl
DEB-er-uh
“bee” · Hebrew
#864
Lists that include Aliyah
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Aliyah mean?
Aliyah is an Arabic and Hebrew name that means “exalted; ascent”.
What is the origin of the name Aliyah?
Aliyah has Arabic and Hebrew roots. Aliyah has two independent roots that happen to sound alike.
Is Aliyah a popular name?
Yes. Aliyah ranked #263 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Aliyah a boy or girl name?
Aliyah is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Aliyah?
Aliyah 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