"she who weakened"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: English
Dalila
Pronunciation: [ d-uhl-EYEL-uh ]
Girl Name
#1,329 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
3 Syllables
A lyrical, romantic name with ancient biblical roots
Spanish
Italian
Arabic
Hebrew
Elegant
Classic
Gentle
Spiritual
Vintage
Meaning & Origin
Things to Know About This Name
- Associated with the biblical Delilah who betrayed Samson — some religious parents may hesitate
The Story of Dalila
Dalila is a variant spelling of Delilah, from the Hebrew 'dalal,' meaning 'to be weak, to hang low' — often interpreted as 'delicate' or 'gentle.' The name is famous from the biblical story of Samson and Delilah in the Book of Judges. In Spanish and Italian-speaking countries, Dalila is the preferred spelling, giving the name a romantic Mediterranean softness.
Dalila is popular across Spanish-speaking Latin America and in Italian-speaking Europe, where it is considered a classic elegant name. In the United States, as Delilah has surged in popularity (partly due to the Plain White T's song 'Hey There Delilah'), Dalila has also benefited as a more exotic variant.
In the Hebrew Bible, Delilah was the woman who discovered the source of Samson's strength and betrayed him to the Philistines. In Italian opera tradition, Saint-Saëns' 1877 opera Samson et Dalila enshrined the name in the classical music canon. In many cultures, the name has shed its negative biblical connotation and is simply treasured for its beauty.
Fun Facts
- Dalila is the Spanish and Italian variant of the Hebrew biblical name Delilah
- Camille Saint-Saëns composed the opera Samson et Dalila in 1877, one of the most performed operas in the world
- The Plain White T's song 'Hey There Delilah' (2007) drove a major surge in the name's popularity in America
Dalila in Other Languages
Arabic
دليلة
French
Dalila
Hebrew
דְּלִילָה (Delilah)
Italian
Dalila
Spanish
Dalila
Famous People Named Dalila
D
Dalila Jakupovic
Athlete
1991
Professional tennis player from Bosnia and Herzegovina
D
Dalila (Samson et Dalila) Fictional
Other
The titular character of Saint-Saëns' 1877 opera, a Philistine woman who seduces Samson to discover the secret of his st...
The titular character of Saint-Saëns' 1877 opera, a Philistine woman who seduces Samson to discover the secret of his strength
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #1,329
- Total SSA Count
- 172
- Cultural Origins
- Spanish Italian Arabic Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Dali
Lila
Dali
Pairs Well With
Dalila Grace
Dalila Rose
Dalila Marie
Dalila Sofia
Dalila Elena
Dalila Valentina
Dalila Clara
Sibling Names
Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dalila
What does the name Dalila mean?
"she who weakened" (from Hebrew). Dalila is a variant spelling of Delilah, from the Hebrew 'dalal,' meaning 'to be weak, to hang low' — often interpreted as 'delicate' or 'gentle.' The name is famous from the biblical story of Samson and Delilah in the Book of Judges. In Spanish and Italian-speaking countries, Dalila is the preferred spelling, giving the name a romantic Mediterranean softness.
What is the origin of the name Dalila?
Dalila has Hebrew, Spanish, Italian, and Arabic origins. In Hebrew, it means "she who weakened".
Is Dalila a boy or girl name?
Dalila is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Dalila?
Dalila is pronounced d-uhl-EYEL-uh.
How popular is the name Dalila?
Dalila is currently ranked #1329 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Dalila?
Common nicknames for Dalila include Dali, Lila, and Dali.
What are good middle names for Dalila?
Popular middle name pairings include Dalila Grace, Dalila Rose, Dalila Marie, Dalila Sofia, Dalila Elena, Dalila Valentina, and Dalila Clara.
What are good sibling names for Dalila?
Names that pair well with Dalila as siblings include Samara, Miriam, Rafael, Elias, Lilah, Zara, and Sebastián.
How many syllables does Dalila have?
Dalila has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Dalila a common or rare name?
Dalila is an uncommon name, ranked #1329 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Dalila
Dalila is a girl name with Spanish, Italian, Arabic, and Hebrew origins . The name means "she who weakened" in Hebrew .
Dalila is currently ranked #1,329 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Dalila has 3 syllables and is pronounced d-uhl-EYEL-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Dalila include Dali, Lila, and Dali. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Dalila include Dalia, Dalilah, Daliah, Daliyah . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.