What does Kamilah mean and where does it come from?
The name Kamilah is of Arabic origin, derived from the root word 'k-m-l' which means 'to be complete or perfect.' It is also used in Hebrew contexts, where it can connote divinity. The name has become popular in various cultures, especially in the United States, due to its melodic sound and positive
Cultural significance
Kamilah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of perfect, complete, or whole.
Peak popularity
Reached #803 in 2019 — currently #1161 in the US.
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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Kamilah?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Kamilah?
Kamilah works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Kamilah Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Kamilah Rose
Floral · soft ending
Kamilah Mae
Sweet · timeless
Kamilah Claire
French influence · crisp
Kamilah Jane
Literary · strong
Kamilah Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Kamilah right now?
Falling — down 173 spots — currently #1161 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1161 | 209 | ▼ down 173 · -22% births |
| 2022 | #988 | 268 | ▼ down 4 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #984 | 264 | ▼ down 157 · -19% births |
| 2020 | #827 | 326 | ▲ up 334 · +50% births |
| 2015 | #1161 | 217 | ▲ up 47 · +9% births |
| 2010 | #1208 | 200 | ▲ up 718 · +100% births |
| 2005 | #1926 | 100 | ▲ up 1115 · +117% births |
| 2000 | #3041 | 46 | ▲ up 11 · +21% births |
| 1995 | #3052 | 38 | ▼ down 1210 · -51% births |
| 1990 | #1842 | 78 | ▲ up 10 · +28% births |
| 1985 | #1852 | 61 | ▼ down 421 · -29% births |
| 1980 | #1431 | 86 | ▲ up 324 · +59% births |
| 1975 | #1755 | 54 | ▲ up 7379 · +980% births |
| 1970 | #9134 | 5 | — |
The story of Kamilah
Kamilah is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1970. With 5,496 total births recorded, Kamilah remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #9134 in 1970 to #1161 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Kamilah in 2019:
Kamilah by decade
Kamilah peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 651 | |
| 1980s | 678 | |
| 1990s | 486 | |
| 2000s | 924 | |
| 2010s ★ | 2,431 | |
| 2020s | 326 | |
💎With 5,496 total births, Kamilah is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Kamilah?
Famous people named Kamilah
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Kamilah (Islamic scholar)
Kamilah bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.
K(
Kamilah (Arab poet)
Kamilah carried this name in the rich tradition of classical Arabic poetry.
K(
Kamilah (historical Arab ruler)
Kamilah held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.
K(
Kamilah (Sufi mystic)
Kamilah used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Kamilah?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kamilah also consider these
Common questions about the name Kamilah
What does the name Kamilah mean?
Kamilah means "Perfect, complete, or whole" — 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 Kamilah?
Kamilah 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 Kamilah?
Kamilah 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 Kamilah?
Kamilah is a three-syllable name pronounced K AE1 M IH1 L AA1. 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 Kamilah?
Kamilah 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.