Girls · #51 in 2025
Delilah: Meaning, Origin & Popularity
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Meaning
- Delicate or languishing
- Pronunciation
- duh-LYE-luh, de-LYE-luh
- Nickname options
- Della, Lilah, Dee
Origin and meaning
Delilah is a biblical name connected with a Hebrew root associated with delicacy or languishing. In the story of Samson, Delilah discovers the secret of his strength. That narrative is a cultural association, separate from the name's literal derivation.
U.S. popularity
Delilah ranked #51 for girls in the United States in 2025, with 4,137 girls given this spelling. Its highest recorded U.S. rank was #50, reached in 2024. Historical coverage: 1880–2025. Peak refers to rank, not the largest number of births.
Source: Social Security Administration; historical peaks calculated from its national name files. Rankings count each spelling separately within the listed sex.
The Hello Baby Names take
Delilah has a rolling, melodic sound that feels romantic and a little dramatic. Della gives it a grounded vintage option, while Lilah keeps the airy ending. It suits parents who enjoy a full name with several distinct everyday nickname possibilities.
Things to consider
The biblical story is a strong association for some families and a minor one for others. Consider how it fits your own reasons for choosing the name.
If you love Delilah, consider…
- Lilah: Keeps the lightest part of Delilah's sound.
- Dahlia: Offers a similarly romantic shape with floral imagery.
- Layla: Condenses the repeated L sounds.
- Penelope: Shares the playful length and nickname options.
- Adeline: Brings a softer vintage alternative.
- Della: Makes the warm short form official.
- Naomi: Offers another flowing biblical choice.
- Amara: Keeps the open vowels and warm rhythm.