"flower named for botanist Anders Dahl"
Origin: Swedish/Neo-Latin botanical
Language: English
Dahlia
Pronunciation: [ d-ALY-uh ]
Girl Name
#240 Most Popular
Rising
3 Syllables
A botanical beauty with a touch of dark mystery
English
American
Scandinavian
Mexican
Vintage
Floral
Elegant
Bold
Literary
Meaning & Origin
Things to Know About This Name
- The 'Black Dahlia' refers to the famous 1947 unsolved murder of Elizabeth Short, which may be a negative association for some
The Story of Dahlia
Dahlia takes its name from the dahlia flower, which was named in honor of Swedish botanist Anders Dahl (1751-1789) by his colleague Carl Thunberg after Dahl's death. The dahlia flower was brought from Mexico to Spain in 1789, then spread throughout European gardens, becoming a Victorian sensation. Mexico's Aztecs cultivated dahlias — calling them Acocotli — for centuries before Europeans discovered them. As a personal name, Dahlia emerged in the Victorian era's passion for flower names.
Dahlia has been rising steadily since 2010, part of the vintage floral name revival alongside Iris, Violet, Flora, and Marigold. It entered the US top 300 around 2015 and cracked the top 200 around 2020. The name's dual nature — simultaneously beautiful and slightly gothic (Black Dahlia, Tim Burton aesthetics) — appeals to parents seeking something both classic and unconventional.
The dahlia is Mexico's national flower, carrying deep cultural significance there since Aztec times. The Black Dahlia murder case of 1947 — the unsolved killing of Elizabeth Short — became one of America's most iconic true crime stories, giving the name a dark glamour that paradoxically adds to its appeal for some parents.
Fun Facts
- The dahlia is Mexico's national flower — cultivated by the Aztecs for centuries before Europeans discovered it in 1789
- The 'Black Dahlia' refers to the 1947 murder of Elizabeth Short, one of America's most notorious unsolved cases
- There are over 42 species and 57,000 registered cultivars of dahlia — more variety than almost any garden flower
Dahlia in Other Languages
French
Dahlia
German
Dahlie
Italian
Dalia
Spanish
Dalia
Swedish
Dahlia
Nahuatl (Aztec)
Acocotli
Famous People Named Dahlia
E
Elizabeth Short (Black Dahlia)
Other
1924
American aspiring actress whose 1947 murder in Los Angeles became one of the most famous unsolved cases in American crim...
American aspiring actress whose 1947 murder in Los Angeles became one of the most famous unsolved cases in American criminal history
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #240
- Total SSA Count
- 1,300
- Cultural Origins
- English American Scandinavian Mexican
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Dal
Lia
Pairs Well With
Dahlia Rose
Dahlia Violet
Dahlia Pearl
Dahlia Elise
Dahlia Mae
Dahlia Grace
Dahlia June
Sibling Names
Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dahlia
What does the name Dahlia mean?
"flower named for botanist Anders Dahl" (from Swedish/Neo-Latin botanical). Dahlia takes its name from the dahlia flower, which was named in honor of Swedish botanist Anders Dahl (1751-1789) by his colleague Carl Thunberg after Dahl's death. The dahlia flower was brought from Mexico to Spain in 1789, then spread throughout European gardens, becoming a Victorian sensation. Mexico's Aztecs cultivated dahlias — calling them Acocotli — for centuries before Europeans discovered them. As a personal name, Dahlia emerged in the Victorian era's passion for flower names.
What is the origin of the name Dahlia?
Dahlia has Swedish/Neo-Latin botanical, English, American, Scandinavian, and Mexican origins. In Swedish/Neo-Latin botanical, it means "flower named for botanist Anders Dahl".
Is Dahlia a boy or girl name?
Dahlia is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Dahlia?
Dahlia is pronounced d-ALY-uh.
How popular is the name Dahlia?
Dahlia is currently ranked #240 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Dahlia?
Common nicknames for Dahlia include Dal and Lia.
What are good middle names for Dahlia?
Popular middle name pairings include Dahlia Rose, Dahlia Violet, Dahlia Pearl, Dahlia Elise, Dahlia Mae, Dahlia Grace, and Dahlia June.
What are good sibling names for Dahlia?
Names that pair well with Dahlia as siblings include Iris, Violet, Magnolia, Jasper, Sebastian, Theo, and Felix.
How many syllables does Dahlia have?
Dahlia has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Dahlia a common or rare name?
Dahlia is a popular name, ranked #240 for girls. It is well-known without being overused.
About the Name Dahlia
Dahlia is a girl name with English, American, Scandinavian, and Mexican origins . The name means "flower named for botanist Anders Dahl" in Swedish/Neo-Latin botanical .
Dahlia is currently ranked #240 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Dahlia has 3 syllables and is pronounced d-ALY-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Dahlia include Dal and Lia. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.