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Lilah

Girl name · 277 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Lilah: 277 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 47 births in 2023.

A name with a melodious quality, Lilah is most commonly a variant spelling of Lila, which derives from the Arabic word *layl*, meaning “night.” It also serves as a shortened form of Delilah, a Hebrew name often interpreted as “delicate” or “amorous.” While few famous bearers share this exact spelling, the name’s biblical association with Delilah—the temptress in the Book of Judges—gives it a lingering, dramatic legacy. No major places are directly named for Lilah, though the root *lil* appears in the names of several night-themed locations worldwide. Noteworthy is the name’s striking similarity to Leila and Lila, all of which share the same evocative night-time etymology. Its soft, lilting sound has made it an increasingly popular modern choice in Scotland, often favoured as a feminine, understated alternative to more traditional classics.