Declining since 2012, #3,712 for girls today.
Popularity of Nilah since 1916
Babies named Nilah per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 19 |
| 1920s | 55 |
| 1930s | 44 |
| 1940s | 7 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 25 |
| 2000s | 303 |
| 2010s | 710 |
| 2020s | 257 |
Meaning & origin
Nilah is a distinctive, modern feminine name that has seen modest use in the United States since the early 20th century, first recorded in 1916. Its popularity peaked in 2012, but since then it has been on a declining trajectory, ranking 3,712 in the latest data with a 1-in-40,182 incidence. The name likely emerged as an inventive spelling or variation of Nila, which has Sanskrit roots, but it can also be viewed as a stylish constructed name combining sounds from trends like Nia and Layla. Despite its infrequent usage, Nilah carries a soft, melodic quality that appeals to parents seeking a rare and contemporary-sounding choice.
Nilah is a modern name that emerged in the 20th century. It may be a respelling of Nila, which in Sanskrit means 'dark blue' or 'sapphire', or it could be a creative combination of popular name elements like those in Nia and Layla. Its use in the United States has been sporadic, with records dating to 1916.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Nila, Nini, Lala
Sibling names for Nilah
Names that share Nilah's style, for a brother or sister.
