Delilah: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Girl name origins & meanings

What does Delilah mean and stand for?

Meaning:

Hebrew: Delicate, languishing
Arabic: To flirt, amorous

Gender: Female

Syllables: 3

Pronunciation: The name Delilah is pronounced de-LIE-luh

The name Delilah has its origins in the Hebrew and Arabic languages. In Hebrew, it means "delicate" or "languishing," while in Arabic, it connotes flirtation and amorousness. The name gained fame from the Old Testament story of Samson and Delilah, adding a complex legacy of intrigue and allure to its historical and cultural significance.

Girl name variations

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Harry Hamlin

Delilah in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Delilah from The Bible - The infamous Philistine woman known for her role in the Biblical story of Samson, whom she betrayed by cutting his hair, robbing him of his strength.
Delilah from Hey There Delilah - The titular character of the Plain White T's song, which tells the story of a long-distance relationship and the singer's yearning for his beloved Delilah.
Delilah from Firewatch - A main character in the video game who communicates with the protagonist, Henry, through a walkie-talkie, guiding him through the mysterious occurrences in the Wyoming wilderness.
Delilah from Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant - The adventurous and resourceful protagonist of the graphic novel series, known for her swashbuckling exploits across the globe.
Delilah McGee from Kim Possible - A minor character in the animated series, who is a member of the villainess group known as the World Wide Wego.

Popularity of the Name Delilah

According to Social Security Administration data, Delilah has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, making its way into the top 100 most popular names in the United States. As of 2023's review, Delilah ranks impressively within the top 50, showing a significant climb from previous decades where it was less common.

Historically, Delilah is most famously associated with the Biblical character who appears in the Book of Judges as Samson's lover. The name has also been popularized by musicians and artists, notably through the song "Hey There Delilah" by the Plain White T's. In the realm of fiction, Delilah is a character in the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the video game Firewatch, further cementing its place in contemporary culture. The name carries connotations of beauty and intrigue, making it a stylish choice for modern parents.