Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Delilah
GirlHebrew· “uncertain; possibly delicate”
- Meaning
- uncertain; possibly delicate (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- dih-LY-luh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #51
- US babies 2025
- 4,137
- Best rank
- #50 (2024)
- Peak year
- 2024
Meaning and origin of Delilah
Delilah is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly delicate”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Hebrew roots.
Delilah comes from the Hebrew Delilah, a name of uncertain meaning; it is often linked to words meaning "delicate", "weak" or "languishing", but scholars have not settled it. In the Book of Judges, Delilah is the woman who persuades Samson to reveal the secret of his strength, making her one of the most famous figures of the Hebrew Bible. For a long time that story made the name rare, but it has become popular again, helped by songs that brought it a romantic, musical image. Delilah has a soft, flowing sound. Lila, Lilah and Del are possible nicknames.
Other spellings with the same sound: Dalila.
Popularity over time
Delilah has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 116 different years. Its best national rank was #50 in 2024, the same year it reached its highest count of 4,254 babies. In 2025, 4,137 babies were named Delilah, and it ranked #51 nationally. That is 51% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #917 in 1920, #756 in 1950, #940 in 1980, #674 in 2000, #187 in 2010, and #51 in 2025. Of the 66,683 US girls named Delilah since records began, 38% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 23,499 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Eloise, Naomi, Iris, Elena, and Eden.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Delilah ranked highest in Mississippi, West Virginia, and Arizona.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | #23 | 46 |
| West Virginia | #27 | 33 |
| Arizona | #30 | 126 |
| Oklahoma | #32 | 69 |
| Nevada | #33 | 44 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Delilah is usually pronounced dih-LY-luh, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with D and ends in “-ah”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Dalila.
Middle names for Delilah
A few middle names that flow with Delilah: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Delilah
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Lists that include Delilah
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Delilah mean?
Delilah is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly delicate”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Hebrew roots.
What is the origin of the name Delilah?
Delilah has Hebrew roots. Delilah comes from the Hebrew Delilah, a name of uncertain meaning; it is often linked to words meaning "delicate", "weak" or "languishing", but scholars have not settled it.
Is Delilah a popular name?
Yes. Delilah ranked #51 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Delilah a boy or girl name?
Delilah is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Delilah?
Delilah is usually pronounced dih-LY-luh. 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