Nilah
2025 SSA
About Nilah
Nilah is a feminine name with multicultural origins and meanings. In Sanskrit traditions, it relates to 'blue' or 'sapphire,' often associated with depth and serenity. The name also appears in Arabic contexts where it can mean 'attainment' or 'achievement.' Nilah has gained modest popularity in the United States in recent years as parents increasingly seek names with international appeal and meaningful origins. The name's rhythmic sound and relatively uncommon status make it attractive to parents looking for something distinctive yet melodious. With its short length but rich cultural connections, Nilah represents the modern trend toward names that are both globally accessible and individually meaningful, offering a balance of uniqueness and ease of pronunciation.
Pronounced NY-luh.
As of October 2026, Nilah ranked #3757 for girls in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #2258 for girls in 2012.
Popularity & trends
Data table
| Year | US rank | Births | Per million |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | #2,343 | 79 | 44.2 |
| 2015 | #2,545 | 71 | 39.8 |
| 2016 | #2,557 | 70 | 39.5 |
| 2017 | #2,768 | 62 | 35.9 |
| 2018 | #2,833 | 60 | 35.3 |
| 2019 | #2,745 | 62 | 36.9 |
| 2020 | #2,702 | 62 | 38.4 |
| 2021 | #3,426 | 46 | 28 |
| 2022 | #4,547 | 31 | 18.9 |
| 2023 | #3,361 | 48 | 29.9 |
| 2024 | #4,616 | 30 | 18.5 |
| 2025 | #3,757 | 40 | 24.9 |