What Does the Name Lilah Mean?
Lilah is generally translated as "night," following the Arabic Layla, or "delicate," following the Hebrew root behind Delilah. Both meanings are commonly cited, and both point to a name with a soft, romantic quality.
The Origin & History of Lilah
The name's Arabic root, layl ("night"), gained lasting fame through the story of Layla and Majnun, immortalized in the 12th-century Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi's poem -- one of the great love stories of Middle Eastern literature. Its Hebrew connection runs through Delilah, a figure in the Book of Judges.
Cultural Reach
Lilah sits at the crossroads of several related, currently popular names -- Lila, Leila, Layla, and Delilah -- offering parents a familiar sound with a slightly less common spelling.
Famous People Named Lilah
Notable bearers include Lilah Fear, the British ice dancer who won a silver medal at the 2023 European Figure Skating Championships, and Lilah Parsons, the English model and television presenter.
Nicknames & Variations
Common variant spellings include Lila and Lyla. Lilah is also closely related to Leila, Layla, and Delilah, all sharing the same underlying roots.
Is Lilah a Good Name in 2026?
Lilah offers a softer, slightly rarer alternative to the very popular Layla and Lila, while keeping the same gentle sound and evocative "night" meaning.