Delilah: a female name of Hebrew origin meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “del > delı̂ylâh > Delilah”, meaning “who weakens or eradicates, weak or poor, She who, feeble".It derives from the Hebrew word "del > delı̂ylâh > DELILAH".
Parents seeking a meaningful feminine name often discover Delilah, drawn to its Hebrew heritage and beautiful significance: "This name derives from the Hebrew “del > delı̂ylâh > Delilah”, meaning “who weakens or eradicates, weak or poor, She who, feeble". This name offers a perfect blend of cultural depth and personal meaning, making it a timeless choice for families around the world.
Quick Facts About Delilah
Quick facts about Delilah
Origin
Hebrew
Gender
Girl name
Popularity
Moderately popular
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
This name derives from the Hebrew “del > delı̂ylâh > Delilah”, meaning “who weakens or eradicates, weak or poor, She who, feeble.” The lords of the Philistines approached Delilah to discover the secret of Samson’s strength, “and we will give thee, every one of us, eleven hundred pieces of silver.” Three times she asked Samson for the secret of his strength, and all three times, he gave her a false answer. The name appears only in the Hebrew Bible Book of Judges 16.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
del > delı̂ylâh > DELILAH
How to Pronounce Delilah
Delilah is pronounced /dɪˈlaɪ.lə/(Hebrew)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Del-il-ah
Say it like: "DEL-IL-AH"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Delilah enjoys international appeal, used in 7 different linguistic and cultural contexts including english, norwegian, swedish, and many others. This widespread adoption reflects its universal resonance.
englishnorwegianswedishdanishfinnishwelshhebrew
Name Relationships
Delilah is a variant form of Delila, developed through regional pronunciation differences and linguistic evolution. This variation preserves the essential meaning while offering a unique sound.
Delilah means "This name derives from the Hebrew “del > delı̂ylâh > Delilah”, meaning “who weakens or eradicates, weak or poor, She who, feeble.” The lords of the Philistines approached Delilah to discover the secret of Samson’s strength, “and we will give thee, every one of us, eleven hundred pieces of silver.” Three times she asked Samson for the secret of his strength, and all three times, he gave her a false answer. The name appears only in the Hebrew Bible Book of Judges 16.". The name comes from del > delı̂ylâh > DELILAH. In its original form, the name derives from Delı̂ylâh (דלילה). This hebrew name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Delilah for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew “del > delı̂ylâh > Delilah”, meaning “who weakens or eradicates, weak or poor, She who, feeble.” The lords of the Philistines approached Delilah to discover the secret of Samson’s strength, “and we will give thee, every one of us, eleven hundred pieces of silver.” Three times she asked Samson for the secret of his strength, and all three times, he gave her a false answer. The name appears only in the Hebrew Bible Book of Judges 16." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Delilah's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance. The name is associated with qualities like BIBLICAL, reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Delilah?
Delilah is a hebrew name. The name traces back to del > delı̂ylâh > DELILAH. The original form Delı̂ylâh (דלילה) shows the name's roots in its native language. From its hebrew roots, Delilah spread to become common in english, norwegian, swedish, danish and other cultures. The hebrew meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “del > delı̂ylâh > Delilah”, meaning “who weakens or eradicates, weak or poor, She who, feeble.” The lords of the Philistines approached Delilah to discover the secret of Samson’s strength, “and we will give thee, every one of us, eleven hundred pieces of silver.” Three times she asked Samson for the secret of his strength, and all three times, he gave her a false answer. The name appears only in the Hebrew Bible Book of Judges 16." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared. Delilah developed as a form of Delila, adapting over time while keeping its connection to the original name.
Is Delilah a boy or girl name?
Delilah is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In hebrew tradition, Delilah has historically been given to girls. The meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “del > delı̂ylâh > Delilah”, meaning “who weakens or eradicates, weak or poor, She who, feeble.” The lords of the Philistines approached Delilah to discover the secret of Samson’s strength, “and we will give thee, every one of us, eleven hundred pieces of silver.” Three times she asked Samson for the secret of his strength, and all three times, he gave her a false answer. The name appears only in the Hebrew Bible Book of Judges 16." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Delilah?
Delilah is pronounced "/dɪˈlaɪ.lə/". This pronunciation follows he language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Delilah is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in english, norwegian, swedish, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with hebrew names, listening to a native speaker say Delilah can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root del > delı̂ylâh > DELILAH influences how Delilah sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Delilah?
Delilah is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Delilah offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Delilah's popularity may vary between hebrew communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew “del > delı̂ylâh > Delilah”, meaning “who weakens or eradicates, weak or poor, She who, feeble.” The lords of the Philistines approached Delilah to discover the secret of Samson’s strength, “and we will give thee, every one of us, eleven hundred pieces of silver.” Three times she asked Samson for the secret of his strength, and all three times, he gave her a false answer. The name appears only in the Hebrew Bible Book of Judges 16." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Delilah holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
What are variations of the name Delilah?
Delilah is a form of Delila. Over time, Delila developed into several variations, with Delilah emerging as a distinct form used in certain regions or languages. In hebrew tradition, these variations allow the core name to work across different contexts while maintaining its character. All variations preserve the meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “del > delı̂ylâh > Delilah”, meaning “who weakens or eradicates, weak or poor, She who, feeble.” The lords of the Philistines approached Delilah to discover the secret of Samson’s strength, “and we will give thee, every one of us, eleven hundred pieces of silver.” Three times she asked Samson for the secret of his strength, and all three times, he gave her a false answer. The name appears only in the Hebrew Bible Book of Judges 16.", so choosing between them comes down to sound preference and cultural fit rather than different meanings. Parents drawn to Delilah might also consider these related forms, especially if they want options for siblings or prefer a more traditional or modern feel. In english and norwegian, Delilah may be more or less common than its variations, depending on local naming customs.
Where is the name Delilah commonly used?
Delilah spans multiple cultures, including english, norwegian, swedish, and 4 other traditions. The name originated in hebrew culture and spread as people migrated and cultures exchanged ideas. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Delilah, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. The meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “del > delı̂ylâh > Delilah”, meaning “who weakens or eradicates, weak or poor, She who, feeble.” The lords of the Philistines approached Delilah to discover the secret of Samson’s strength, “and we will give thee, every one of us, eleven hundred pieces of silver.” Three times she asked Samson for the secret of his strength, and all three times, he gave her a false answer. The name appears only in the Hebrew Bible Book of Judges 16." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Delilah into their naming traditions. A child named Delilah will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Delilah is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Delilah?
Delilah carries associations with BIBLICAL. These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew “del > delı̂ylâh > Delilah”, meaning “who weakens or eradicates, weak or poor, She who, feeble.” The lords of the Philistines approached Delilah to discover the secret of Samson’s strength, “and we will give thee, every one of us, eleven hundred pieces of silver.” Three times she asked Samson for the secret of his strength, and all three times, he gave her a false answer. The name appears only in the Hebrew Bible Book of Judges 16." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In hebrew culture, where Delilah originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Delilah sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Delilah often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In english communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.