Lilah

Origin

The name Lilah derives from the Arabic name Laylā, meaning 'night'. It entered Western usage through Hebrew adaptations, with historical mentions in various religious texts and poetic works. Although not of Aboriginal or Māori origin, the name has become popular in Australia, appreciated for its melodic quality and simplicity.

Meaning

Literal translation: 'night'. In the Australian context, it often connotes elegance, mystery, and serenity, aligning with the poetic allure of the night.

Pronunciation

/laɪˈlɑː/ (Australian English) — emphasizing the 'Lila' sound with a clear 'h' at the end, subtly pronounced depending on regional accentuation in Australia.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 12 July (Feast of Saint Veronica, celebrated in Catholic tradition)
• N/A in Australian cultural celebrations, but often personal or familial celebrations occur on the birthday.
• Māori celebrate birthdays or significant dates personally; no specific Māori or Aboriginal name days for Lilah.

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with lilah:

• Charlotte and Lilah
• Matilda and Lilah
• Amelia and Lilah

Fun Facts

• Lilah is a popular name choice in Australian literature and media, often used for characters in contemporary novels and television series.
• The name's melodic sound has made it popular among Australian parents seeking a gentle yet distinctive name.
• Lilah is sometimes used as a variation of Lily, connecting to floral symbolism.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name lilah:

• Elegant
• Gentle
• Serene
• Creative

Aesthetic Qualities

Lilah offers a balanced, visually appealing name with symmetrical letter composition. The soft vowels and flowing consonants convey grace and charm in written and spoken form.

Geographical Distribution

More commonly found in urban centres such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, where diverse cultural influences foster the use of international names like Lilah.

Numerological Significance

Name number 3 — associated with creativity, friendliness, and expression. Such traits align with perceptions of Lilah as a bright and artistic name choice.

Astrological Connections

Linked with the zodiac sign Cancer due to the Moon's influence, representing intuition, caring, and emotional depth, qualities often attributed to the name Lilah.

Historical Context

The name gained prominence in Australia during the late 20th century, partly influenced by popular culture, including Australian television and literature. No significant historical figures bearing the name prior to this period, but it has been embraced for its simplicity and lyrical quality.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name adapts well across languages, with variations like Lila in French and Lily in English; retains phonetic integrity in transliterations such as Läila in German.

Famous People Named lilah

• Lilah Parsons (Model and media personality)
• Lilah St. Clair (Fictional character in Australian literature)
• Lilah Waddington (Historian and academic)

Popularity in Australia