What does Neilah mean and where does it come from?
The name Neilah comes from Hebrew (נֵעִילָה), traditionally associated with the closing service of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement in Jewish tradition. The name conveys a sense of closure and reflection. It has been used predominantly in Jewish communities and is often seen in religious contexts. N
Cultural significance
Neilah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of hebrew.
Peak popularity
Reached #11129 in 2010 — currently #14784 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Neilah?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Neilah?
Neilah works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Neilah Grace
One syllable · timeless choice
Neilah Claire
One syllable · timeless choice
Neilah Zoey
One syllable · vintage charm
Neilah Maeve
One syllable · timeless choice
Neilah Jade
One syllable · vintage charm
Neilah Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Neilah right now?
Rising fast — up 2118 spots — currently #14784 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2024 | #14784 | 6 | ▲ up 2118 · +20% births |
| 2023 | #16902 | 5 | ▼ down 5773 · -50% births |
| 2010 | #11129 | 10 | — |
The story of Neilah
Neilah is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2004. With 69 total births recorded, Neilah remains relatively uncommon.
Names that peaked alongside Neilah in 2010:
💎Neilah has only 69 total recorded births since 2004 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Neilah?
Common
NeiNeilNeilieNeilyIlah
Famous people named Neilah
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Neilah (historical community leader)
Neilah led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
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Neilah (historical figure)
Neilah bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Neilah?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Neilah also consider these
Common questions about the name Neilah
What does the name Neilah mean?
Neilah means "Hebrew" — 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 Neilah?
Neilah 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 Neilah?
Neilah 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 Neilah a common or rare name?
Neilah is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Neilah a classic or a modern name?
Neilah 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.