What does Hilah mean and where does it come from?
Hilah (הִלָּה) is a Hebrew name that means 'to shine' or 'light'. It's often associated with brightness and clarity. The name is not commonly used outside Hebrew-speaking cultures, thus primarily found among Jewish communities. The concept of light has important significance in Jewish tradition, oft
Cultural significance
Hilah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of to shine, light.
Peak popularity
Reached #986 in 1886 — currently #16440 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Hilah?
Hilah works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Hilah Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Hilah Rose
Floral · soft ending
Hilah Mae
Sweet · timeless
Hilah Claire
French influence · crisp
Hilah Jane
Literary · strong
Hilah Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Hilah right now?
Falling — down 1438 spots — currently #16440 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 1955 | #5919 | 5 | ▼ down 1438 · -17% births |
| 1925 | #4481 | 6 | ▼ down 142 · +20% births |
| 1915 | #4339 | 5 | — |
The story of Hilah
Hilah has been a beloved American name for over 138 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1886. With 61 total births recorded, Hilah remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #4339 in 1915, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #5919 in 1955.
Names that peaked alongside Hilah in 1886:
Hilah by decade
Hilah peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 7 | |
| 1900s | 5 | |
| 1910s | 16 | |
| 1920s ★ | 18 | |
| 1950s | 10 | |
| 2010s | 5 | |
💎Hilah has only 61 total recorded births since 1886 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Hilah?
Famous people named Hilah
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Hilah (historical figure)
Hilah bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Hilah (historical community leader)
Hilah led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Hilah?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Hilah also consider these
Common questions about the name Hilah
What does the name Hilah mean?
Hilah means "to shine, light" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Hilah?
Hilah is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Hilah?
Hilah originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Hilah a common or rare name?
Hilah is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Hilah a classic or a modern name?
Hilah has Hebrew roots that go back thousands of years, making it a genuine classic rather than a modern invention. Its staying power across generations reflects its fundamental appeal and the strength of its meaning.