Delilah Name Meaning: Origin and Significance

Delilah Name Meaning and Origin

If you’re looking for a beautiful and meaningful name for your baby girl, Delilah is a great option to consider. This feminine given name has Hebrew origins and a rich history that makes it a popular choice for parents looking for a name with a biblical connection.

In Hebrew, the name Delilah comes from the word “dalal,” which can be interpreted in several ways, including “to languish,” “to hang low,” or “to be laid low.” More figuratively, it can also mean “to be made weak” or “to be impoverished/emptied/dried up.” The name is also associated with the night, as it is derived from the Hebrew word “layla.”

In the Bible, Delilah is a well-known character who was the lover of Samson, a man with great strength who was betrayed by Delilah when she cut his hair, the source of his power. Despite her character flaws, the name Delilah began to be used by the Puritans in the 17th century, and it has since become a popular name for baby girls.

Today, Delilah is appreciated for its haunting, melodic, feminine qualities, and it has shed the stigma of its biblical image. Checking out Delilah’s popularity graph shows that Delilah’s use is heading straight for the top, making it a trendy and fashionable name choice for modern parents.

Here’s a quick summary of what we covered:

Entity	Information
Name	Delilah
Gender	Feminine given name
Origin	Hebrew
Meaning	“To languish,” “to hang low,” or “to be laid low”
Bible	Delilah was the lover of Samson who betrayed him by cutting his hair, the source of his power.
Hebrew Origin	The name comes from the word “dalal” and is associated with the night.

Popularity of Delilah

If you’re considering naming your baby girl Delilah, you’re not alone. The name has been steadily growing in popularity in recent years. In 2023, Delilah is ranked as the 38th most popular baby name in the United States, up 11 spots from the previous year.

Delilah’s popularity is not limited to the United States. The name has also gained popularity in the United Kingdom and other parts of the Anglosphere. In fact, Delilah was the 26th most popular girls’ name in England and Wales in 2021.

One reason for the name’s growing popularity could be its melodic, feminine qualities. Delilah has a delicate sound that is both pretty and memorable. Additionally, the name has a rich history, with ties to both Hebrew and Arabic cultures.

If you’re looking for a unique spin on the name, there are several variations and nicknames to choose from. Some popular options include Lily, Dee, Della, and Lila.

Overall, Delilah is a popular and timeless choice for parents looking for a beautiful and meaningful name for their baby girl.

Delilah in Biblical Context

Delilah is a well-known character from the Old Testament of the Bible. She is most famously known for her role in the story of Samson and Delilah. Samson was a biblical character known for his immense strength, which was derived from his long hair. Delilah was a Philistine woman who Samson fell in love with.

In the story, the lords of the Philistines bribed Delilah to find out the secret of Samson’s strength. She eventually discovered that his strength came from his long hair and betrayed him by cutting it off while he slept. This act caused Samson to lose his strength, and he was captured by the Philistines.

Delilah’s character is often viewed negatively in biblical stories due to her betrayal of Samson. However, it is important to note that Delilah was a woman of her time and likely acted in accordance with the societal norms and expectations of her culture.

Overall, the story of Samson and Delilah serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of betrayal and the consequences of giving into temptation. It also highlights the importance of staying true to oneself and not compromising one’s beliefs or values for the sake of others.

Cultural References to Delilah

The name Delilah has been referenced in various cultural contexts throughout history. Here are some notable references:

• Biblical Story: Delilah is a character in the Old Testament of the Bible. She was the love interest of Samson, a man who possessed great strength. Delilah betrayed Samson by cutting his hair, which was the source of his strength, and handing him over to his enemies.
• Opera: “Samson and Delilah” is an opera by French composer Camille Saint-Saëns. The opera tells the story of Samson and Delilah’s relationship and ultimate betrayal.
• Chuck Berry Song: “Little Queenie” is a song by Chuck Berry that features the lyric “Meanwhile, I was still thinkin’… If it’s a slow song, we’ll omit it. If it’s a rocker, then Little Queenie, she’ll get on it. Rollin’ Stone, video, and Delilah done tore up the floor.”
• Cecil B. DeMille Film: “Samson and Delilah” is a 1949 film directed by Cecil B. DeMille. The film is a retelling of the biblical story of Samson and Delilah.
• Plain White T’s Song: “Hey There Delilah” is a popular song by the Plain White T’s. The song is a love letter to a girl named Delilah who is living in New York City while the singer is on tour. The song became a hit in 2007 and has since been covered by various artists.

Overall, Delilah has become a popular name in modern culture and has been referenced in various forms of media, including music and film.

Famous People Named Delilah

If you’re looking for inspiration for your baby girl’s name, you might want to consider Delilah, a name with Hebrew and Arabic origins that means “delicate.” Over the years, many famous people have been given this beautiful name, including:

• Lisa Rinna: American actress and television personality known for her roles on Melrose Place and Days of Our Lives. She has two daughters, one of whom is named Delilah Belle Hamlin.
• Delilah Belle Hamlin: American model and daughter of Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin. She has walked in several fashion shows and has been featured in magazines like Teen Vogue and Elle.
• Harry Hamlin: American actor known for his roles on L.A. Law and Mad Men. He is the father of Delilah Belle Hamlin.
• Delilah Rene: American radio personality and host of the nationally syndicated radio program Delilah. She is known for her soothing voice and plays a variety of music genres, including pop, rock, and country.
• Delilah Montagu: British singer-songwriter known for her indie pop and folk sound. She has released several singles and her music has been featured in popular television shows and commercials.
• Delilah Ortiz: American contemporary artist and curator known for her mixed media artwork that explores themes of identity, culture, and history. She has exhibited her work in galleries and museums around the world.
• Delilah S. Dawson: American fantasy and science fiction author known for her novels and short stories. She has won several awards for her work, including the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Urban Fantasy Novel.
• Delilah Aguilar: American educator and radio personality known for her work with the Latino community. She has hosted several radio programs and has been recognized for her advocacy work on behalf of immigrants and low-income families.

As you can see, Delilah is a name that has been given to many successful and talented individuals. Whether you’re a fan of pop culture, music, art, or literature, there’s sure to be a Delilah out there who inspires you.

Variations and Nicknames of Delilah

If you have a daughter named Delilah, you may be wondering about the different variations and nicknames of the name. Here are some common ones:

• Lila: This is a shortened version of Delilah and is a popular name on its own.
• Delila: This is another variation of the name that is sometimes used.
• Dalila: This is the Arabic spelling of the name and is also used in some cultures.
• Dal: This is a short and sweet nickname for Delilah.
• Liam: This is an Irish name that means “strong-willed warrior” and can be used as a nickname for Delilah.
• Delia: This is a name of Greek origin that means “from Delos” and can be used as a nickname for Delilah.
• Dahlia: This is a flower name that is similar in sound to Delilah and can be used as a nickname.
• Dahl: This is a shortened version of Dahlia that can also be used as a nickname.
• Leila: This is a name of Arabic origin that means “night” and can be used as a nickname for Delilah.
• Della: This is a name of German origin that means “noble” and can be used as a nickname for Delilah.
• Dell: This is a shortened version of Della that can also be used as a nickname.

Overall, Delilah is a beautiful name with many variations and nicknames to choose from. Whether you prefer a shorter nickname or a variation of the name, there are plenty of options to suit your taste.

Sibling Names for Delilah

Choosing a name for your baby can be a daunting task. But, if you already have a child named Delilah, you’re in luck! Delilah is a beautiful name that can be paired with many other names for siblings. Here are some suggestions for sibling names that sound good with Delilah:

• Elijah: A biblical name that means “my God is Yahweh,” Elijah is a strong and classic name that pairs well with Delilah.
• Gabriel: Another biblical name, Gabriel means “God is my strength.” It’s a great option if you want a name that’s both traditional and unique.
• Caleb: A Hebrew name that means “faithful, devotion,” Caleb is a great choice if you’re looking for a name that’s both strong and meaningful.
• Scarlett: If you’re looking for a name that’s a little more feminine, Scarlett is a great option. It’s a beautiful name that pairs well with Delilah.
• Aurora: Another feminine option, Aurora is a name that means “dawn.” It’s a unique and beautiful name that pairs well with Delilah.

When choosing a sibling name for Delilah, consider the meaning of the name as well. Choosing a name with a similar meaning can create a subtle connection between the siblings’ names and add a deeper layer of meaning to their relationship.

Overall, there are many great options for sibling names that pair well with Delilah. Whether you’re looking for a classic name or something more unique, there’s sure to be a name that’s perfect for your family.