What Does the Name Zillah Mean?
Zillah is generally linked to a Hebrew root for shade or shadow — some sources tie it to the word "tsilah," meaning "shadow" or "shade." A less common reading connects it instead to a Hebrew verb meaning "to ring" or "to be dark," though how the two possible roots relate isn't settled.
The Origin & History of Zillah
Zillah appears in Genesis 4:19 as one of the two wives of Lamech, a descendant of Cain. The name saw a wave of use among the Puritans, who favored direct biblical names for their children.
Cultural Reach
Zillah has stayed a quiet, uncommon choice for centuries rather than becoming a mainstream classic — it shows up steadily in English-language records without ever becoming a true trend name.
Personality & Traits
A name built on "shadow" reads as understated and a little mysterious — soft rather than showy, with real historical depth behind it.
Famous People Named Zillah
Zillah is named in Genesis 4:19 as one of the wives of Lamech, making her one of the earliest named women in the Bible.
Popularity as a Given Name
SSA data recorded 20 girls named Zillah in the US in 2024, up from 12 in 2023 — a small but real riser.
Nicknames & Variants
Zilah is a documented spelling variant with the same Hebrew root and meaning.