Back to Baby Names

Lilith

Pronunciation: [ l-IHL-ihth ]

Girl Name #256 Most Popular Rising 2 Syllables

The original rebel — dark, powerful, and unapologetic

Hebrew Mesopotamian English Pagan/Wiccan
Bold Modern Literary Strong Unique

Meaning & Origin

"of the night, night monster"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: English
"storm demon, wind spirit"
Origin: Sumerian/Akkadian
Language: English

Things to Know About This Name

  • Strong associations with dark mythology — Lilith as a demon or Adam's rebellious first wife. Some religious families may object.
  • Featured as a villain in multiple supernatural TV shows

The Story of Lilith

Lilith derives from the Hebrew word 'layil,' meaning night. In ancient Mesopotamian mythology, Lilitu was a class of wind and storm demons. Jewish medieval folklore developed her into Lilith — Adam's first wife before Eve — who refused to be subordinate to Adam and fled the Garden of Eden. This mythology made Lilith a potent symbol of female independence and refusal of submission, giving the name a fierce, uncompromising quality.

Lilith has climbed dramatically in recent years, driven by a cultural shift toward 'dark feminine' names and its use in popular media. The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (Netflix, 2018-2020) brought Lilith to a new generation as a complex, powerful character. It's now a top-500 name in the US.

In feminist spirituality and Wiccan traditions, Lilith is celebrated as a symbol of female autonomy and refusal to submit to patriarchal authority. In Jewish mysticism (Kabbalah), she is a complex figure — dangerous but also representing primal feminine energy. Parents choosing this name are often making a statement about female power.

Fun Facts

  • Lilith appears in the Dead Sea Scrolls as a demon of the night
  • In Jewish folklore, Lilith was created from the same clay as Adam, not from his rib — making her his equal
  • The name Lilith jumped 200+ spots in US rankings after Chilling Adventures of Sabrina premiered

Lilith in Other Languages

Greek Λιλίθ
Latin Lilith
Arabic ليليث
French Lilith
Hebrew לִילִית

Famous People Named Lilith

L

Lilith Fictional

Other

In Jewish folklore, the first wife of Adam who refused to submit to him and became a demon of the night

L

Lilith (Sabrina) Fictional

Actor

Powerful recurring character in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, played by Michelle Gomez

L

Lilith Sternin Fictional

Other

Recurring character on Cheers and Frasier, played by Bebe Neuwirth — a brilliant, icy psychiatrist

Quick Facts

Gender
Girl
Syllables
2
Popularity Rank
#256
Total SSA Count
1,240
Cultural Origins
Hebrew Mesopotamian English Pagan/Wiccan
Pronunciation
Easy
Formality
Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease
Moderate

Alternative Spellings

Common Nicknames

Lily Lili

Pairs Well With

Lilith Rose Lilith Mae Lilith Grace Lilith Fern Lilith Snow Lilith Moon Lilith Sage

Sibling Names

Similar Names

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

Can't decide?

Start a tournament bracket with Lilith and other names you're considering.

Start a Tournament

Like this name?

Check how Lilith sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.

Analyze This Name
Browse more girl names →

Explore More Generators

Frequently Asked Questions About Lilith

What does the name Lilith mean?
"of the night, night monster" (from Hebrew). "storm demon, wind spirit" (from Sumerian/Akkadian). Lilith derives from the Hebrew word 'layil,' meaning night. In ancient Mesopotamian mythology, Lilitu was a class of wind and storm demons. Jewish medieval folklore developed her into Lilith — Adam's first wife before Eve — who refused to be subordinate to Adam and fled the Garden of Eden. This mythology made Lilith a potent symbol of female independence and refusal of submission, giving the name a fierce, uncompromising quality.
What is the origin of the name Lilith?
Lilith has Hebrew, Sumerian/Akkadian, Mesopotamian, English, and Pagan/Wiccan origins. In Hebrew, it means "of the night, night monster". In Sumerian/Akkadian, it means "storm demon, wind spirit".
Is Lilith a boy or girl name?
Lilith is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Lilith?
Lilith is pronounced l-IHL-ihth.
How popular is the name Lilith?
Lilith is currently ranked #256 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Lilith?
Common nicknames for Lilith include Lily and Lili.
What are good middle names for Lilith?
Popular middle name pairings include Lilith Rose, Lilith Mae, Lilith Grace, Lilith Fern, Lilith Snow, Lilith Moon, and Lilith Sage.
What are good sibling names for Lilith?
Names that pair well with Lilith as siblings include Raven, Damien, Lyra, Felix, Cressida, Atticus, and Evangeline.
How many syllables does Lilith have?
Lilith has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Lilith a common or rare name?
Lilith is a popular name, ranked #256 for girls. It is well-known without being overused.

About the Name Lilith

Lilith is a girl name with Hebrew, Mesopotamian, English, and Pagan/Wiccan origins . The name means "of the night, night monster" in Hebrew .

Lilith is currently ranked #256 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Lilith has 2 syllables and is pronounced l-IHL-ihth, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Lilith include Lily and Lili. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

Alternative spellings of Lilith include Liliana, Lilian, Lilia, Lilianna, Lilieth . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.

Explore Name Lists