Delilah is a feminine name of Hebrew origin that means “[she who] weakened”, though it is also considered a name of uncertain meaning. For readers exploring guides to name meanings, the best known Delilah is the Biblical character.
Meaning and Origin
Delilah is a feminine given name borrowed from Hebrew דְּלִילָה (d’līla, “[she who] weakened”). It is also identified as having an uncertain meaning. The best known Delilah is the Biblical character, establishing the name as one of Hebrew and Biblical origin.
In English literature, the name appears in early twentieth-century fiction. Author John Galsworthy featured the name in chapter I of his novel Saint’s Progress, which appeared in October 1919 and was published in London by William Heinemann in December 1919.
Pronunciation
Delilah is pronounced duh-LY-luh.
The name consists of three syllables with the primary accent on the second syllable. The initial syllable, “de”, rhymes with the opening sound of delight and presents a soft, unstressed introduction. The middle syllable, “li”, rhymes with eye, sky, and high, carrying the main melodic weight of the spoken name. The final syllable, “lah”, concludes with an open, unstressed vowel that rhymes with the ending syllable of sofa and comma.
When spoken aloud at a normal conversational pace, the name flows naturally with an emphasis on the center syllable, producing a gentle cadence. The accent stays on the second syllable whether the name is spoken alone or alongside a middle and family name.
Popularity in the United States
In the United States, Delilah is most often given to girls and first appeared in 1880. Across the twentieth century, the name stood at rank 756 with 131 babies in 1950, rank 940 with 159 babies in 1980, and rank 674 with 358 babies in 2000. It rose rapidly during the twenty-first century, climbing to rank 187 with 1,672 babies in 2010 and reaching rank 70 with 3,424 babies in 2020. Delilah achieved its peak rank of number 50 in 2024. In 2025, it held rank number 51 with 4,137 babies, bringing the total to 66,683 US girls given the name since 1880.
| Year | US rank (girls) | Babies named Delilah |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | #756 | 131 |
| 1980 | #940 | 159 |
| 2000 | #674 | 358 |
| 2010 | #187 | 1,672 |
| 2020 | #70 | 3,424 |
| 2025 | #51 | 4,137 |
Source: US Social Security Administration baby name data (names given to at least 5 babies in a year).
Nicknames
Delilah provides several charming short forms that suit different ages and preferences:
- Dee: A bright, one-syllable nickname inspired by the starting letter of the name.
- Del: A straightforward, vintage-sounding option drawn from the first syllable.
- Della: A sweet traditional choice that expands the first syllable into an independent-feeling name.
- Lila: A melodic short form that focuses on the stressed middle and final syllables.
- Lilah: An alternative short form that keeps the original spelling ending of the full name.
These options range from brief, one-syllable callouts to softer two-syllable variations, giving parents and children plenty of casual choices.
Famous People Named Delilah
Several notable public figures and artists share the name Delilah:
- Delilah Rene: An American radio host and author known mononymously as Delilah, celebrated for her long-running syndicated evening radio program that combines adult contemporary music with open listener phone calls.
- Delilah Hamlin: An American fashion model and television personality who has walked runways and participated in prominent editorial fashion shoots.
- Delilah: The stage name of Paloma Ayana Stoecker, a British singer and songwriter known for her soulful contemporary pop and electronic music releases.
Middle and Sibling Names
Middle names that pair well with Delilah include Rose, Grace, Mae, Claire, Jane, June, Faith, Hope, Pearl, Ruth, and Abigail.
Sibling names that complement Delilah include Hazel, Jasper, Oliver, Leo, Felix, Silas, Arthur, Henry, Charlotte, and Violet.
FAQ
When did the name Delilah first appear on United States charts?
Delilah first appeared on United States charts in 1880. That starting point shows that the name has been present in national tallies since the late nineteenth century, long before its modern rise in popularity.
How many American girls have received the name Delilah in total?
A total of 66,683 US girls have received the name Delilah since 1880. This cumulative figure encompasses every female baby given the name across all tracked years through 2025.
How does the peak position of Delilah compare to its most recent rank?
Delilah achieved its peak rank of number 50 in 2024, which is one place higher than its 2025 standing of number 51. In 2025, 4,137 baby girls received the name, demonstrating that it remains right alongside its highest historical ranking.
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