Holding steady, #4,460 for girls today.
Popularity of Keilah since 1976
Babies named Keilah per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 30 |
| 1980s | 132 |
| 1990s | 405 |
| 2000s | 525 |
| 2010s | 362 |
| 2020s | 148 |
Meaning & origin
Keilah is a modern feminine name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1976. Its peak year came in 2005, when it reached its highest rank. As of 2025, the name is given to roughly 1 in 51847 girls, placing it at rank 4460. The name's trajectory has been stable over recent decades. Geographically, Keilah is most popular in Florida, California, and Texas, reflecting broader trends where trendy, melodic names thrive. Despite a relatively low overall rank, Keilah fits a contemporary style of names ending in 'lah' (such as Laylah and Kaylah) that have gained traction since the 1990s. Its etymology remains uncertain, but it likely arose as a creative variant rather than from a deep historical root, making it a choice for parents seeking a distinctive yet familiar-sounding name.
Keilah is a modern English coinage, likely formed by blending the popular suffix -lah with the name Kei (itself a variant of Kay or a short form of Keely). It bears no direct ancient root, though it shares phonetic elements with Hebrew names like Keilah (a city in the Bible) and Gaelic Keely. The name gained modest use in the United States starting in the late 20th century, particularly in the 2000s.
Where Keilah is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kiki, Kei, Layla
Sibling names for Keilah
Names that share Keilah's style, for a brother or sister.
