Kalila

“Beloved” — Associated with warmth and affection

Arabic origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#3398US 2023

47Births / yr

↑Rising

926All-time births

📅 Since 197700

How to pronounce Kalila

KAL·EE·luh

/ˈkæl.ˈiː.lə/ · stress on KAL · 4 syllables

“Beloved”

Associated with warmth and affection · Arabic origin

What does Kalila mean and where does it come from?

Kalila (كَلِيلَة) is derived from the Arabic name which means 'beloved' or 'dear'. It is often associated with warmth and affection. The name has cultural significance in Arabic literature and has been used in notable works such as 'Kalila wa Dimna', a collection of fables. In recent years, the name

Cultural significance

Kalila has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of beloved.

Peak popularity

Reached #2606 in 2019 — currently #3398 in the US.

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How else can you spell Kalila?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Calila

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Kalila?

Kalila works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Kalila Grace

How popular is Kalila right now?

Rising fast — up 338 spots — currently #3398 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1980–2023#3398 · Top 2.5%

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#3398	47	▲ up 338 · +15% births
2022	#3736	41	▼ down 797 · -28% births
2021	#2939	57	▲ up 731 · +43% births
2020	#3670	40	▼ down 57 · -7% births
2015	#3613	43	▲ up 2658 · +105% births
2010	#6271	21	▼ down 380
2005	#5891	21	▲ up 467 · +24% births
2000	#6358	17	▲ up 2128 · +70% births
1995	#8486	10	▼ down 3469 · -47% births
1990	#5017	19	▲ up 1369 · +73% births
1985	#6386	11	▲ up 373 · +10% births
1980	#6759	10	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Kalila

Best Year2021Rank #2939

Peak Count57

Average Rank#5210

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1980 - 202312 years

The story of Kalila

Kalila is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1977. With 926 total births recorded, Kalila remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #6759 in 1980 to #3398 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Kalila in 2019:

Olivia Emma Ava Sophia Isabella

Kalila by decade

Kalila peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →

Decade	Births
1970s	22
1980s	85
1990s	151
2000s	210
2010s ★	418
2020s	40

💎Kalila has only 926 total recorded births since 1977 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Kalila?

Common

KalKalieKalyIla

Famous people named Kalila

Kalila (Quranic figure)

Kalila appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.

Kalila (Arab poet)

Kalila carried this name in the rich tradition of classical Arabic poetry.

Kalila (historical Arab ruler)

Kalila held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.

Kalila (Sufi mystic)

Kalila used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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What names sound and feel like Kalila?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kalila also consider these

Kamila

Arabic · Arabic

Kahlila

Arabic · Companion, Friend, One

Kalifa

Arabic · successor

Kalilah

Arabic · the most beautiful,

Arabic · the glorious, magnificent

Common questions about the name Kalila

What does the name Kalila mean?

Kalila means "Beloved" — a name rooted in Arabic 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 Kalila?

Kalila is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Kalila?

Kalila originates from Arabic tradition. Arabic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Kalila?

Kalila is a four-syllable name pronounced K AE1 L IY1 L AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Kalila?

Kalila pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Arabic heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.