Khalilah

Meaning & origin

Khalilah first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1975 and reached its peak popularity in 1976, reflecting a broader cultural embrace of Arabic-origin names within African American communities during that era. After a period of declining use, the name has shown a resurgence since 2010, climbing back into use with a trajectory that indicates renewed interest. Its rank of 4,987 in 2025 means that roughly 1 in every 61,818 newborn girls receives the name, making it distinctive yet not obscure. The name is most popular in Texas, and it shares the 1970s decade with many other names that have seen revival. Khalilah's meaning of 'beloved' or 'friend' carries warmth and depth, and its connection to the Islamic tradition adds cultural resonance for families seeking a name with spiritual or ethnic significance.

Khalilah is the feminine form of the Arabic masculine name Khalil, derived from the root kh-l-l meaning 'to befriend' or 'to form a close bond.' It is closely related to the word khaleel, meaning 'friend' or 'companion.' The name appears in Islamic tradition, and its use in the United States rose notably in the 1970s, particularly among African American families drawn to names with Arabic and Islamic heritage.