Delilah is a captivating female given name of Hebrew origin. Derived from the word "dalah" which means "night" or "darkness," Delilah translates to "the night has ended." This beautiful name suggests a sense of optimism and hope that the darkest times can pass.
In biblical history, Delilah is most notably known as the lover of Samson, a powerful judge in ancient Israel. However, rather than being a story of love, their relationship was marked by betrayal. Delilah agreed to help Samson's enemies capture him in exchange for silver, ultimately leading to Samson's tragic downfall.
Despite its association with this biblical tale, the name Delilah is not tainted but instead evokes intrigue and strength. It has gained popularity in recent years due to its uniqueness and charm. The name Delilah is often associated with characters who possess intelligence, cunningness, and resilience, characteristics that have likely been influenced by both its biblical context and its meaning.
Delilah can also be a unisex name, though it's more commonly used for girls. It has gained international popularity due to its appealing sound and its unique yet meaningful origins. In some cultures, it may even hold additional significance related to the night sky or darkness.
In conclusion, Delilah is a Hebrew name with a fascinating history and an intriguing meaning. It stands as a symbol of hope and resilience, qualities that are universally valued. Although associated with a biblical tale of betrayal, Delilah remains a captivating choice for parents seeking a unique yet meaningful name for their child.
The name Delilah has a fascinating history of usage in the United States over the past century and a half. In the late 19th century, it was quite rare, with fewer than 20 births per year between 1880 and 1899. However, starting around 1900, its popularity began to grow steadily.
Between 1900 and 1939, the number of annual births with the name Delilah fluctuated but showed a general upward trend. The highest point during this period was in 1916, with 65 births. This was followed by a decline in popularity during the 1940s and 1950s, with fewer than 50 births per year.
However, starting in the late 1950s, Delilah's popularity began to rise again. In 1969, it reached a new peak of 90 births. This upward trend continued into the 1970s and 1980s, with several years seeing more than 200 births each year.
In the 1990s, Delilah's popularity exploded, with over 350 births recorded in 1999 alone. This upward trend continued into the 21st century, reaching a peak of 4031 births in 2023.
Overall, since 1880, there have been a total of 58,222 births with the name Delilah in the United States. This shows that while it may have had periods of less popularity, the name Delilah has consistently been used and beloved by parents across America over time.