The name Aliyah is of Hebrew origin and means "ascending." It is derived from the root word 'aliya', which translates to "to ascend" or "to go up." In Judaism, the term 'aliya' also refers to immigrating to Israel, as well as the recitation of the Hallel psalms during Jewish festivals.
The name Aliyah gained popularity in the United States and other Western countries during the mid-20th century, particularly among Jewish families. It was often chosen by parents who wanted to give their daughters a name with a strong cultural or religious significance.
Historically, the name Aliyah has been associated with notable figures in Judaism and Zionism. For instance, the Zionist movement encouraged Jews around the world to make 'aliya' to Israel, and prominent leaders like Golda Meir (who served as the fourth Prime Minister of Israel) were known for their contributions to this cause.
Today, Aliyah is still widely recognized as a Jewish name but has also gained popularity among non-Jewish families who appreciate its meaning and sound. Despite its Hebrew origins, Aliyah can be used by people of any religion or background, making it a unisex name that transcends cultural boundaries.
The name Aliyah had a noticeable peak in popularity with 11 births recorded in the year 2004, while it has maintained a steady rate of around 5 births per year in recent years (2015-2019). Overall, there have been a total of 43 births for the name Aliyah across these years.