Delaila

Meaning & origin

Delaila is a modern respelling of the biblical Delilah, a name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1970. Despite never reaching the top 1,000, it saw its peak usage in 2012, after which it entered a steady decline. The trajectory indicates falling popularity since 2011, meaning most bearers are now young adults or teenagers. The name's appeal lies in its soft, feminine sound and its distance from the original spelling's strong biblical association with betrayal. As a variant without top state concentration, Delaila remains a rare and distinctive choice for parents seeking an alternative to the more common Delilah.

Delaila is a respelled variant of Delilah, a name from the Hebrew Bible. The original Hebrew name דְּלִילָה (Delilah) is of uncertain meaning, but it has been traditionally interpreted as 'delicate' or 'weak' from the root dal (to hang down or be weak). In the Book of Judges, Delilah is the woman who betrays Samson, which gave the name a negative connotation in English-speaking cultures. This alternative spelling emerged in the late 20th century as parents sought to distance the name from its biblical story while retaining its melodic sound.