Declining since 2018, #1,818 for girls today.
Popularity of Nailah since 1971
Babies named Nailah per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 138 |
| 1980s | 206 |
| 1990s | 592 |
| 2000s | 1,212 |
| 2010s | 1,866 |
| 2020s | 834 |
Meaning & origin
Nailah entered the U.S. Social Security records in 1971, though its Arabic roots stretch back centuries. The name saw a steady rise in usage, reaching its peak rank of 1,818 in 2018. Since then, its popularity has declined slightly. About 1 in 14,612 girls were named Nailah in 2025. It is most common in Maryland, Georgia, and New Jersey, reflecting concentrations of families with Arabic heritage. The name's meaning of 'attainer' or 'successful' resonates with parents seeking a name with aspirational overtones, while its lyrical sound fits well with other Arabic feminine names. Nailah remains a distinctive choice, far from the top 1,000 but with a consistent presence.
Nailah is the feminine form of the Arabic name Nail, derived from the root n-y-l meaning 'to attain' or 'to obtain'. It is closely related to the name Naila, sharing the same root. The name has been used across the Arabic-speaking world and among Muslim communities for centuries, carrying positive connotations of success and achievement.
Where Nailah is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Nailah” around the world
Where Nailah lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Nai, Lah
Sibling names for Nailah
Names that share Nailah's style, for a brother or sister.
