Holding steady.
Popularity of Khaleelah since 1976
Babies named Khaleelah per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 50 |
| 1980s | 46 |
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 6 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Khaleelah is a rare feminine variant of Khalil, first recorded in the United States in 1976. Its peak usage was in 1977, though it has never entered the Top 1000, remaining a distinctive choice. The name carries the gentle meaning of 'friend' or 'companion' from Arabic roots, and its trajectory has been stable with very low usage. Because it does not appear among top states, it represents a highly individual name with a clear cultural connection to Arabic-speaking communities.
Khaleelah is a feminine form of the Arabic name Khalil, which derives from the root kh-l-l, meaning 'friend' or 'companion.' The name is associated with loyalty and close bonds. While uncommon in the United States, it appears sporadically since the 1970s, likely influenced by the popularity of similar-sounding names and the use of traditional Arabic names in diaspora communities.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Khali, Leelah, Kiki
Sibling names for Khaleelah
Names that share Khaleelah's style, for a brother or sister.
