Holding steady.
Popularity of Kalah since 1976
Babies named Kalah per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 16 |
| 1980s | 217 |
| 1990s | 389 |
| 2000s | 151 |
| 2010s | 5 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Kalah is a rare given name that first entered U.S. birth records in 1976, making it a relatively modern addition to the American naming pool. Its peak usage occurred in 1991, but the name has never ranked among the top 1000 names, reflecting its consistent rarity. The trajectory has remained stable over the decades, with no significant surge or decline. The origin is uncertain but likely reflects a creative modern formation, perhaps drawing on the phonetic appeal of names like Kaya or Kala, or inspired by the Kalahari Desert. Kalah is predominantly used for girls. It has no recorded top states of use, which is typical for names with such low frequency. Parents choosing Kalah today are selecting a name that is distinctive and uncommon, without strong historical or cultural associations.
The name Kalah first appeared in U.S. records in 1976 and is likely a modern invention, perhaps derived from the name Kala (a variant of Kayla) or inspired by the Kalahari Desert in southern Africa. It remains uncommon, with no established linguistic root in any known language.
Sibling names for Kalah
Names that share Kalah's style, for a brother or sister.
