Declining since 2019, #2,017 for girls today.
Popularity of Kamilah since 1971
Babies named Kamilah per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 647 |
| 1980s | 678 |
| 1990s | 486 |
| 2000s | 926 |
| 2010s | 2,435 |
| 2020s | 1,317 |
Meaning & origin
Kamilah entered U.S. baby name records in 1971, and has since maintained a consistent if modest presence. It reached its peak popularity in 2020, ranking 1,620 among all female names. However, since 2019 the name's usage has been on a gradual decline, dropping to rank 2,017 by 2025. In that year, roughly 1 in 17,099 newborn girls was named Kamilah, making it an uncommon but recognizable choice. The name is most frequently found in Texas, Florida, and California, reflecting its broader pattern of usage among families with Arabic heritage or those drawn to its melodic sound. Its etymology directly ties to the Arabic root for 'perfection,' a meaning that resonates across many cultures.
Kamilah is the feminine form of the Arabic name Kamil (or Kamal), derived from the root k-m-l, meaning 'to be complete, perfect'. The name carries connotations of wholeness and excellence. It has long been used across the Arabic-speaking world and among Muslim communities, and gained some visibility in the United States from the 1970s onward.
Where Kamilah is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kami, Mila, Kam
Sibling names for Kamilah
Names that share Kamilah's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Aaliyah, Nadia, Zara, Leila, Samira, Deniyah, Jahniya, Jakhia, Jakiah, Jalessa, Janylah, Jazariah, Lakiya, Malayiah, Tamyah, Uniqua, Zamiah, Anniya, Cyniah, Jakylah, Jameika, Jamyria, Janayla, Janiylah, Jayliah, Khalise, Lamyah, Makayah, Namiyah, Damyiah, Danylah, Dereona, Jahmia, Jahnyla, Jakirah, Kanylah, Kasiya, Khamil, Markiyah, Martavia, Melayah, Milayah, Taejah, Tiajah, Zamarah
Brothers: Khalid, Jamal, Amir, Tariq, Omar, Jahsiah, Shamel, Dezmin, Kemet, Jahking, Jahmad, Jahzier, Jakyri, Jymir, Karnell, Marquavion, Zhyaire
