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Learn more about the meaning, origin, and popularity of the name Delilah.
ByToketemu Ohwovoriole
Updated on August 4, 2024
Fact checked byKaren Cilli
In This Article
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In This Article
- How Popular Is the Name Delilah?
- Name Variations
- Similar Names
- Common Nicknames for Delilah
- Suggested Sibling Names
- Famous People Named Delilah
Delilah is an ancient name of Hebrew and Arabic origins. In Hebrew, the name means "delicate" and "languishing."
If you are familiar with biblical stories, then you’ll immediately recognize the name Delilah. Delilah was the love interest of Samson, who was famed for his great strength. Delilah found out that Samson's strength came from his long hair. As he slept, she had Samson’s hair cut causing him to lose his strength and be handed over to the Philistines. Because of this action, the name Delilah became associated with someone who is treacherous.
The name Delilah has since shed any negative connotations and has become popular in works of fiction and music. The Plain White T’s hit song "Hey There Delilah" is the most popular song to date with the name Delilah. Florence and the Machine, Tom Jones, and Queen also have songs named "Delilah."
- Origin: Delilah is a name of Hebrew and Arabic origins.
- Gender: Delilah is typically a feminine name, but it can be given to a baby of any gender.
- Pronunciation: deh-lie-lah
Editor's Note
Although many baby names are separated by gender, Parents believes that sex does not need to play a role in yourname selection process. It's important to select a name that you feel suits your new baby the best.
How Popular Is the Name Delilah?
In the biblical story Samson and Delilah, Delilah is painted in an unflattering light. But the name has since shed that stigma and is currently one of the most popular girl names.
As of 2023, Delilah was the 52nd most popular name for girls in the United States. For most of the 1980s and 1990s, Delilah did not enjoy as much popularity. The name witnessed a sharp spike in popularity in 2007 (the year after the song "Hey There Delilah" by the Plain White T's was released) when Delilah rose to the 297th most popular name and has been rising ever since.
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Name Variations
Some spelling variations of Delilah in other cultures include:
- Dalida (Greek)
- Dalila (French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Latin)
- Delila
Similar Names
If you are considering other biblical names for your baby, here’s a list of options:
- Abigail
- Deborah
- Diana
- Elizabeth
- Esther
- Eve
- Hannah
- Leah
- Martha
- Mary
- Miriam
- Moriah
- Naomi
- Rebecca
- Ruth
- Sarah
Common Nicknames for Delilah
Delilah is a meaningful and distinct name, and most bearers of the name like to make use of the full name. However Deli, Lala, Lily, and Lila are great nicknames for a baby named Delilah.
Suggested Sibling Names
Looking for a sibling name for Delilah? Here are some popular options:
- Abraham
- Amos
- Caleb
- Daniel
- Danielle
- Elijah
- Ezekiel
- Gabriella
- Isaac
- Jeremiah
- Jordan
- Levi
- Michaela
- Naomi
- Sharon
- Zachary
Famous People Named Delilah
If you are considering naming your baby Delilah, here’s a list of some famous and inspiring people who would also be sharing a name with your baby.
Famous Delilahs
- Delilah Cotto, American actress, dancer, and model
- Delilah DiCrescenzo, American distance runner
- Delilah Pueka Gore, former member of the National Parliament of Papua New Guinea
- Delila Hatuel, Israeli foil fencer
- Delilah Montoya, American contemporary artist and educator
- Delilah Rene Luke, American radio personalitysimply known as Delilah
- Delilah S. Dawson, American fantasy and science fiction author
- Delilah Loud, featured in the television documentary An American Family
Fictional Deliliahs
Delilah is also commonly used in works of fiction. Some of the most popular include:
- Delilah Belle Babco*ck, a character in the book series Deliciously British
- Delilah Buchanan, a character in the American sitcom The 5 Mrs. Buchanans
- Delilah Copperspoon, a character in the video game Dishonored
- Delilah Hannaford, the main character in the book Fixing Delilah
- Delilah Ralston, a character in the American television series One Life to Live
More Baby Names
Still searching for the perfect baby name? Check out these related baby name lists for even more options:
- 50 Hebrew Baby Names
- 20 Angel Names With Spiritual Meanings
- The 300 Most Popular Middle Names for Girls
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Sources
Parents uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Delilah. Britannica. 2024.
Popularity of a Name.Social Security Administration.2024.