Alternatives To Delilah

  1. Dina
    • Origin:

      Hebrew variation of Dinah or Adinah
    • Meaning:

      "judged or delicate"
    • Description:

      Dina is a 20th century version of either Dinah or Adinah, two Old Testament names not related to each other. Dinah was the beautiful daughter of Jacob and Leah, while Adinah or Adina was a male soldier, though the name is also used for girls in modern Israel.
  2. Eila
    • Origin:

      Hebrew, Norwegian variation of Elina
    • Meaning:

      "oak tree; bright, shining light"
    • Description:

      Eila is a Hebrew name heard in Israel. The name also has roots in Finland and Norway, where it's derived from Elina, a variation of Helen, or from Aila, a form of Helga. Eila could gain attention as a cross-cultural name and fresh alternative to popular sound-alike choices like Ayla, Ella, and Isla.
  3. Adina
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "slender, delicate"
    • Description:

      Name of an Old Testament soldier that's been also used as a girls' name in modern Israel. An alternate spelling is Adinah. Some mistake Adina and Adinah to be the root of Dinah, but the Biblical name Dinah is borne by a different figure and has a different meaning. You can consider the modern short forms Dena and Dina as stemming from either Adina or Dinah.
  4. Villanelle
    • Origin:

      English from Italian
    • Meaning:

      "pastoral song"
    • Description:

      Is Villanelle the new Sonnet? This elaborate name is a form of poetry — an example is Dylan Thomas's Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night — but many know it better as an assassin's codename in the TV show Killing Eve. Inspired by that, Villanelle debuted on the American charts in 2022 when it was used for five baby girls.
  5. Talullah
    • Origin:

      Irish, Anglicized variation of Tuilelaith
    • Meaning:

      "lady of abundance"
    • Description:

      Talullah or Talulla, the old Irish name of two early saints, is almost identical to the Native-American Tallulah. A modern hipster favorite, however it's spelled.
  6. Dia
    • Origin:

      Mbama, Sanskrit, Latin, and Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "love; lamp; heavenly; day"
    • Description:

      A sweet and simple multicultural choice which has several different meanings and origins.
  7. Lolita
    • Origin:

      Spanish, diminutive of Lola and Dolores, Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "lady of sorrows"
    • Description:

      In Nabokov's notorious novel, Lolita is the pet name given by the pedophilic narrator, Humbert Humbert, to his victim: a young girl called Dolores and nicknamed Lola or Lo by her mother. Still, it seems that a few parents are prepared to look past this problematic association, seeing this as a offbeat option for those who defy convention. We would recommend thinking seriously about the background of this name before bestowing it on your daughter.
  8. Kalila
    • Origin:

      Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "beloved"
    • Description:

      The lilting name of a range of mythical mountains, with an extensive menu of spellings, and a more unusual way of fitting in with current favorites Lila and Lola.
  9. Talila
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "covering of dew"
    • Description:

      Talila is a pretty and novel name, somewhere between Talia and Tallulah.
  10. Kelilah
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "crown, laurel"
    • Description:

      Kelilah, also spelled Kelila, is a lovely and unusual name that would make a perfect substitute for the trendy Delilah.
  11. Dalili
    • Origin:

      Swahili
    • Meaning:

      "a sign from the gods"
    • Description:

      Lovely, melodic Dalila/Delilah cousin.
  12. Jolene
    • Origin:

      Invented name
    • Description:

      While for some, it may feel stuck in the shadow of the Dolly Parton song, Jolene re-entered the charts in 2010 and has seen increased use in recent years, ranking in the US Top 700 in the latest count. Tuneful and spirited, it combines the 'Jo' sound of Joanne, Josephine, and similar, with the lene suffix. As such, it could be said to share their meanings, "God is gracious" and "Jehovah increases".
  13. Dalila
    • Origin:

      Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "guide"
    • Description:

      Names that sound and/or are spelled like Dalila exist in several languages, from the Swahili Dalili to the Arabic Dalil to the Hebrew Delilah. A beautiful cross-cultural choice.
  14. Alula
    • Origin:

      Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "first leap"
    • Description:

      Alula, the palindromic name of the first double star to be identified as physically related to its twin, would make the perfect name for a first-born twin. Ideas (we're only half joking) for the second born: Aviva, Aziza, Otto. Alula is reminiscent of the unusual name chosen by Isla Fisher and Sacha Baron Cohen for their second daughter: Elula, a month name from the Hebrew calendar.
  15. Delphina
    • Origin:

      Latin from Greek
    • Meaning:

      "of Delphi; womb"
    • Description:

      Delphina is another form of the sleek French Delphine, rising in popularity. The Blessed Delphina was a Provencal nun.
  16. Didi
    • Origin:

      English diminutive of any girl name that starts with D
    • Description:

      Not as lively or independent as Gigi, Kiki, or Coco.
  17. Gelila
    • Origin:

      Ethiopian, Amharic, variation of Galilee; variation of Delilah
    • Meaning:

      "rolling hills; beautiful temptress"
    • Description:

      Gelila is a beautiful Ethiopian name that may have two different origins — some sources cite the name as a variation of the Biblical place Galilee, meaning rolling hills. Others view the name as a variation of Biblical Delilah. Whichever way, Gelila is a gorgeous name that would work well in the English-speaking world. The name Gelila is also worn by Ethiopian model Gelila Bekele, former longtime girlfriend of actor and filmmaker Tyler Perry with whom she shares a son.
  18. Dailani
    • Description:

      Dailani is a feminine name with multicultural roots, possibly deriving from Persian, Arabic, or Pacific Islander origins. Though relatively uncommon globally, the name has been gaining modest attention in recent years as parents seek distinctive yet melodious options. In some cultures, Dailani may be associated with concepts like gentleness, beauty, or natural elements. The rhythmic sound pattern with its three syllables and flowing 'l' sound creates a graceful impression. While specific meaning interpretations vary across cultural contexts, Dailani generally conveys an exotic elegance. The name's rarity makes it appealing to parents desiring uniqueness for their daughters while maintaining an intuitive pronunciation and pleasant sound quality.

  19. Delissa
    • Description:

      Delissa is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a creative variation of the name Melissa (derived from Greek, meaning "honey bee"), or a blend of the popular prefix "Del-" with a feminine ending. Some linguists suggest it could also be connected to the Latin word "delicia" meaning "delight" or "pleasure." Delissa emerged in the United States during the mid-20th century, gaining modest popularity in the 1970s when unique names with melodic qualities were becoming fashionable. The name has a delicate, musical quality with its soft consonants and flowing syllables. Though never extremely common, Delissa appeals to parents seeking a distinctive yet feminine-sounding name.

  20. Delaina
    • Description:

      Delaina is a feminine name with possible roots as a variant of Delana or an elaboration of Delaine. The name likely derives from elements meaning 'from Alaine' or may be connected to the French 'de laine' (of wool). It emerged in the United States during the mid-20th century but gained more notice during the 1970s-80s when melodic, multi-syllabic feminine names were trending. Though never extremely common, Delaina possesses an elegant, romantic quality with its flowing sound and soft ending. The name has remained a consistent but uncommon choice for parents seeking something distinctive yet approachable. Its similarity to more familiar names like Elaina and Delaney gives it recognizability while maintaining its uniqueness.

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