Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Lilah
GirlHebrew, Arabic· “uncertain; linked to Lila and night”
- Meaning
- uncertain; linked to Lila and night (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Hebrew, Arabic
- Pronunciation
- LY-luh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #179
- US babies 2025
- 1,736
- Best rank
- #179 (2024)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Lilah
Lilah is often said to mean “uncertain; linked to Lila and night”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Hebrew and Arabic roots.
Lilah has several possible sources, and its meaning is uncertain. It is often treated as a variant of Lila, which is linked to the Arabic Layla, night, and to the Sanskrit lila, play. It is also sometimes taken as a short form of Delilah, the biblical woman in the story of Samson. The final h gives it a soft, slightly Hebrew-looking spelling. Lilah is gentle and melodic, fitting with names like Lila, Lily and Leah. The spellings Lila and Lyla are close alternatives with a similar sound.
Other spellings with the same sound: Lilla.
Popularity over time
Lilah first appears in US Social Security records in 1884. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 33 different years, starting in 1884. Its best national rank was #179 in 2024, and the most babies received it in 2025, when 1,736 were named Lilah. In 2025, 1,736 babies were named Lilah, and it ranked #179 nationally. That is 68% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #1,364 in 1920, #5,745 in 1980, #1,877 in 2000, #336 in 2010, and #179 in 2025. Of the 24,664 US girls named Lilah since records began, 44% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 8,801 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Daphne, Vivienne, Kaia, Kaylani, and Gemma.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Lilah ranked highest in Vermont, West Virginia, and Oklahoma.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont | #61 | 7 |
| West Virginia | #89 | 17 |
| Oklahoma | #92 | 38 |
| Maine | #108 | 10 |
| Kentucky | #111 | 39 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Lilah is usually pronounced LY-luh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with L and ends in “-ah”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Lilla.
Middle names for Lilah
A few middle names that flow with Lilah: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Lilah
Similar names
Aliyah Girl
uh-LEE-uh
“exalted; ascent” · Arabic
#263
Selah Girl
SEE-luh
“uncertain; a word from the Psalms” · Hebrew
#216
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
Amirah Girl
uh-MEER-uh
“princess, commander” · Arabic
#490
Lylah Girl
LY-luh
“night” · Arabic
#585
Anaiah Girl
uh-NY-uh
“Yahweh has answered” · Hebrew
#853
Hannah Girl
HA-nuh
“grace, favor” · Hebrew
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Leah Girl
LEE-uh
“weary” · Hebrew
#58
Zara Girl
ZAHR-uh
“radiant, or form of Sarah” · Arabic
#212
Salem Unisex
SAY-luhm
“peace” · Hebrew
#436
Lists that include Lilah
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Lilah mean?
Lilah is often said to mean “uncertain; linked to Lila and night”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Hebrew and Arabic roots.
What is the origin of the name Lilah?
Lilah has Hebrew and Arabic roots. Lilah has several possible sources, and its meaning is uncertain.
Is Lilah a popular name?
Yes. Lilah ranked #179 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Lilah a boy or girl name?
Lilah is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Lilah?
Lilah is usually pronounced 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