Rising since 1991, #179 for girls today.
Popularity of Lilah since 1884
Babies named Lilah per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 32 |
| 1890s | 125 |
| 1900s | 120 |
| 1910s | 254 |
| 1920s | 284 |
| 1930s | 146 |
| 1940s | 102 |
| 1950s | 74 |
| 1960s | 60 |
| 1970s | 121 |
| 1980s | 148 |
| 1990s | 271 |
| 2000s | 3,374 |
| 2010s | 10,752 |
| 2020s | 8,801 |
Meaning & origin
Lilah has been recorded in the U.S. since 1884, but its modern popularity is a relatively recent phenomenon. After a period of obscurity, the name began climbing in 1991 and has risen consistently ever since, reaching its peak rank of 179 in 2025, with a 1-in-926 frequency. Its appeal likely stems from its soft, melodic sound and its connection to both the biblical Delilah, meaning 'delicate,' and the Arabic 'laylah' for 'night.' Lilah is currently especially popular in Vermont, West Virginia, and Maine, reflecting a taste for vintage-sounding yet fresh names. The name's trajectory shows no signs of slowing, as it continues to attract parents seeking a name that feels both familiar and distinctive.
Lilah is widely considered a variant of Delilah, a Hebrew name meaning 'delicate' or 'enticing,' from the biblical figure who cut Samson's hair. It also coincides with the Arabic word 'laylah' meaning 'night,' and in modern usage often stands as an independent name, perhaps influenced by the similar-sounding Lila.
Where Lilah 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.
“Lilah” around the world
Where Lilah lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Ireland
24
babies in 2025
New Zealand
33
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lil, Lily
Sibling names for Lilah
Names that share Lilah's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Lilah
Names whose popularity has moved with Lilah's over the last 50 years.
