What does Kilah mean and where does it come from?
Kilah is considered a modern name and may be derived from the Hebrew name Kaylah (קליה) or simply inspired by similar-sounding names. It is often associated with uniqueness in naming and does not have historical roots in traditional naming conventions. It is more popular in the U.S. in the late 20th
Cultural significance
Kilah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a variation of kaylah, meaning 'pure' or 'beloved'.
Peak popularity
Reached #6095 in 2004 — currently #14325 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Kilah?
Kilah works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Kilah Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Kilah Rose
Floral · soft ending
Kilah Mae
Sweet · timeless
Kilah Claire
French influence · crisp
Kilah Jane
Literary · strong
Kilah Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Kilah right now?
Falling — down 3511 spots — currently #14325 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #14325 | 6 | ▼ down 3511 · -33% births |
| 2022 | #10814 | 9 | ▲ up 852 · +13% births |
| 2021 | #11666 | 8 | ▲ up 761 · +14% births |
| 2020 | #12427 | 7 | ▼ down 3323 · -42% births |
| 2015 | #9104 | 12 | ▼ down 2829 · -43% births |
| 2010 | #6275 | 21 | ▲ up 2272 · +62% births |
| 2005 | #8547 | 13 | ▼ down 2184 · -24% births |
| 2000 | #6363 | 17 | ▲ up 7963 · +240% births |
| 1995 | #14326 | 5 | ▼ down 5264 · -29% births |
| 1985 | #9062 | 7 | — |
The story of Kilah
Kilah is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1979. With 405 total births recorded, Kilah remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #9062 in 1985, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #14325 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Kilah in 2004:
Kilah by decade
Kilah peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 9 | |
| 1980s | 27 | |
| 1990s | 66 | |
| 2000s ★ | 170 | |
| 2010s | 126 | |
| 2020s | 7 | |
💎Kilah has only 405 total recorded births since 1979 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Kilah?
What names sound and feel like Kilah?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kilah also consider these
Common questions about the name Kilah
What does the name Kilah mean?
Kilah means "A variation of Kaylah, meaning 'pure' or 'beloved'" — a name rooted in English 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 Kilah?
Kilah is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Kilah have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Kilah?
Kilah originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Kilah trending right now?
Kilah is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.
Is Kilah a common or rare name?
Kilah is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.