Delilah

female

Origin

Delilah originates from the Hebrew name דְּלִילָה (Dəlīlāh), appearing in the Old Testament of the Bible. The name appears in ancient texts as the name of a woman who betrayed Samson by revealing the secret of his strength. The Hebrew roots suggest a meaning related to 'delicate' or 'flirtatious'. In the context of Australian culture, the name entered via Christian religious traditions and has been used widely in the English-speaking world since the 19th century, with no specific indigenous Australian roots.

Meaning

Literal translation as 'delicate' or 'flirtatious', symbolising femininity and charm in Australian English contexts. The name connotes beauty and allure, often chosen for its lyrical quality and biblical associations.

Pronunciation

/dɪˈlaɪlə/ (dee-LY-lah) — stress on the second syllable, common in Australian English pronunciation, with a long 'i' sound in the second syllable, 'lah' as in 'lava'.

Variants & Nicknames

Variants

  • Delila (alternate spelling)
  • Delila (less common)
  • Dela

Nicknames

  • Dee
  • Lilah
  • Lila

Name Days

  • 30 July (feast of Saint Delilah, celebrated by some Christian denominations)
  • Optional regional celebration, if any, in Australian calendars.
  • Not specifically observed in Indigenous or Māori cultural calendars.

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with delilah:

  • Charlotte and Delilah
  • Emily and Delilah
  • Grace and Delilah

Fun Facts

  • Delilah gained popularity in Australia during the late 20th century, partly influenced by American pop culture references.
  • The name has appeared in various Australian literary works and dramas as a symbol of femininity and intrigue.
  • Notable Australian singer Delilah (stage name) has contributed to its modern recognition.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name delilah:

  • Charming
  • Feminine
  • Intriguing
  • Sensitive

Aesthetic Qualities

Delilah's soft, flowing sound carries a romantic and vintage aesthetic, often associated with artistic and bohemian styles in Australian fashion and culture.

Geographical Distribution

While popular across all states, the name Delilah tends to be more common in urban areas such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, aligning with trends in stylish and vintage revival names.

Numerological Significance

Name number 3, representing creativity, expression, and charm; connected to the sun in astrological numerology, symbolising vitality and warmth in Australian context.

Astrological Connections

Associated with the zodiac sign Leo or Cancer, aligning with traits of charisma and intuition. The name can be linked to birthdates in late summer or early autumn, evoking themes of warmth and passion.

Historical Context

The name Delilah has been used in Australian literature and media to evoke a sense of mystery or femme fatale traits. It is associated with classic biblical narratives, and modern portrayals often incorporate themes of allure and betrayal.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name is easily adaptable across languages, with similar phonetic structures in French (Délilah), Spanish (Delila), and Italian (Delila). It retains its lyrical quality in all variants.

Famous People Named delilah

  • Delilah Belle Hamlin (model and actress)
  • Delilah (Australian singer and songwriter)
  • Delilah (famous biblical figure)

Popularity in Australia

Year Count
2024 228
2023 220
2022 192
2021 197
2020 153