What does Keilah mean and where does it come from?
Keilah is of Hebrew origin, spelled as קֵיָלָה and appears in the Bible as the name of a city mentioned in the Old Testament. The name has seen some revival in modern times, particularly among Jewish families and is appreciated for its historical roots along with its melodic sound. In the United Sta
Cultural significance
Keilah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of citadel, fortress.
Peak popularity
Reached #2320 in 1997 — currently #4804 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Keilah?
Keilah works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Keilah Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Keilah Rose
Floral · soft ending
Keilah Mae
Sweet · timeless
Keilah Claire
French influence · crisp
Keilah Jane
Literary · strong
Keilah Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Keilah right now?
Rising fast — up 431 spots — currently #4804 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #4804 | 28 | ▲ up 431 · +12% births |
| 2022 | #5235 | 25 | ▲ up 1869 · +56% births |
| 2021 | #7104 | 16 | ▼ down 141 |
| 2020 | #6963 | 16 | ▼ down 1778 · -38% births |
| 2015 | #5185 | 26 | ▼ down 1746 · -45% births |
| 2010 | #3439 | 47 | ▼ down 849 · -29% births |
| 2005 | #2590 | 66 | ▲ up 511 · +47% births |
| 2000 | #3101 | 45 | ▲ up 453 · +45% births |
| 1995 | #3554 | 31 | ▼ down 543 · -18% births |
| 1990 | #3011 | 38 | ▲ up 2954 · +217% births |
| 1985 | #5965 | 12 | ▼ down 79 |
| 1980 | #5886 | 12 | — |
The story of Keilah
Keilah is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1976. With 1,468 total births recorded, Keilah remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5886 in 1980 to #4804 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Keilah in 1997:
Keilah by decade
Keilah peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 30 | |
| 1980s | 132 | |
| 1990s | 405 | |
| 2000s ★ | 525 | |
| 2010s | 360 | |
| 2020s | 16 | |
💎With 1,468 total births, Keilah is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Keilah?
Common
KeiKeilKeilieKeilyIlah
What names sound and feel like Keilah?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Keilah also consider these
Common questions about the name Keilah
What does the name Keilah mean?
Keilah means "Citadel, fortress" — 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 Keilah?
Keilah 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 Keilah?
Keilah 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 Keilah a common or rare name?
Keilah is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Keilah a classic or a modern name?
Keilah 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.