MallowbyNames

Khaliah

kah-LEE-ah · Of debated origin; possibly an elaborated form of Khali or a variant of Kaliyah, associated with beloved or crown.

2025 rank (girls)
#4,172
Babies named in 2025
34
Peak popularity
2018
2025 frequency
1 in 47,273 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 2018

Declining since 2018, #4,172 for girls today.

Popularity of Khaliah since 1976

Babies named Khaliah per year in U.S. Social Security records.

152944198020002020Most births 2017Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1970s76
1980s133
1990s235
2000s329
2010s354
2020s185

Meaning & origin

Khaliah is a modern American name that first appeared on U.S. birth certificates in 1976, reflecting the broader trend of creating unique, melodic names by combining a consonant-heavy prefix with a popular suffix. Its usage remained modest for decades but grew steadily through the 2010s, reaching its peak popularity in 2018 when it ranked 4,172 nationally. Since then, its trajectory has been falling, suggesting it may have been a short-lived fashion rather than a lasting staple. The name is most common in Florida and Texas, states with diverse populations that often embrace inventive naming styles. At its peak, roughly 1 in every 47,273 girls received the name Khaliah, a rarity that appeals to parents seeking a distinctive yet accessible choice. As an invented name, Khaliah has no deep historical or linguistic roots, but its structure echoes the phonetic appeal of names like Aaliyah and Jaliyah, which have enjoyed broader popularity.

Khaliah is a modern American coinage, likely formed by blending the prefix 'Khal-' (inspired by names like Khalil or Khaleesi) with the fashionable suffix '-iah' seen in names such as Aaliyah and Jaliyah. It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1976 and rose in usage during the 2010s, peaking in 2018.

Where Khaliah is most popular

Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Khal, Leah, Kiki

Variants: Kaliyah, Khaliyah, Kaleah

Sibling names for Khaliah

Names that share Khaliah's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

K is for Khaliah, our favorite little girl.

K is for Khaliah…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Khaliah's letter becomes Khaliah's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Khaliah's book

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Questions parents ask

What does the name Khaliah mean?
Khaliah likely emerged as a modern invented name, possibly influenced by names like Khalil (Arabic for 'friend') or Aaliyah (Arabic for 'high, exalted'), but no single definitive meaning is attested.
How popular is the name Khaliah?
Khaliah ranked 4,172 in the U.S. in 2021, with about 1 in every 47,273 newborn girls given that name. Its peak year was 2018.
Is Khaliah a boy or girl name?
Khaliah is used almost exclusively for girls.