Khalilah Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: kah-LEE-lah //kəˈliːlə//
Origin: Arabic; Swahili
Meaning: Arabic: 'the strong one'; Swahili: 'the one who is strong'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Khalilah has its roots in Arabic, deriving from the word "khalil," which means "friend" or "companion." The feminine form, Khalilah, translates to "the beloved" or "the dear one." This etymological lineage reflects a rich linguistic tradition, as Arabic has significantly influenced various languages, including those in the Islamic world and beyond. The name entered English usage through cultural exchanges and the spread of Islam, particularly during the medieval period when Arabic literature and scholarship were translated into Latin and other European languages.
Historically, the name Khalilah is associated with notable figures in Islamic history. One of the most prominent is Khalilah bint Khuwailid, the first wife of the Prophet Muhammad, who lived in the 6th and 7th centuries.
Her significance in Islamic tradition as a supportive partner and a strong woman has contributed to the name's resonance within Muslim communities. Additionally, the name appears in various historical texts and translations, reinforcing its cultural importance throughout the centuries.
Culturally, Khalilah embodies themes of friendship, love, and loyalty, which are highly valued in many societies. The name's association with strong female figures in Islamic history has helped maintain its relevance and respect within those communities.
Furthermore, diminutive forms such as Kalli or Lila may arise in familial or affectionate contexts, showcasing the name's adaptability while preserving its core meaning. Overall, Khalilah reflects a blend of linguistic heritage and cultural significance, marking its place in the historical narrative of names.
Famous people named Khalilah
In this section, you will find notable people named Khalilah. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Khalilah who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Khalilah who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Khalilah Ali is a former professional boxer best known for being the ex-wife of Muhammad Ali and for her own boxing career.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Khalilah, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Khalilah. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Khalilah was first seen in the United States in 1975.
Khalilah has ranked as high as #1261 nationally, which occurred in 1976, and has been most popular in New York, Illinois, New Jersey, California, and Florida.
In the past 5 years the name Khalilah has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Khalilah is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Khalilah was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Khalilah.
| Year | Total Births | Girl |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 26 | 26 |
| 2024 | 25 | 25 |
| 2023 | 18 | 18 |
| 2022 | 15 | 15 |
| 2021 | 24 | 24 |
| 2020 | 16 | 16 |
| 2019 | 17 | 17 |
| 2018 | 15 | 15 |
| 2017 | 13 | 13 |
| 2016 | 13 | 13 |
| 2015 | 14 | 14 |
| 2014 | 14 | 14 |
| 2013 | 13 | 13 |
| 2012 | 17 | 17 |
| 2011 | 10 | 10 |
| 2010 | 12 | 12 |
| 2009 | 14 | 14 |
| 2008 | 14 | 14 |
| 2007 | 10 | 10 |
| 2006 | 15 | 15 |
| 2005 | 17 | 17 |
| 2004 | 23 | 23 |
| 2003 | 14 | 14 |
| 2002 | 23 | 23 |
| 2001 | 19 | 19 |
| 2000 | 24 | 24 |
| 1999 | 21 | 21 |
| 1998 | 24 | 24 |
| 1997 | 25 | 25 |
| 1996 | 16 | 16 |
| 1995 | 22 | 22 |
| 1994 | 23 | 23 |
| 1993 | 27 | 27 |
| 1992 | 16 | 16 |
| 1991 | 20 | 20 |
| 1990 | 13 | 13 |
| 1989 | 19 | 19 |
| 1988 | 11 | 11 |
| 1987 | 23 | 23 |
| 1986 | 22 | 22 |
| 1985 | 41 | 41 |
| 1984 | 26 | 26 |
| 1983 | 44 | 44 |
| 1982 | 49 | 49 |
| 1981 | 67 | 67 |
| 1980 | 97 | 97 |
| 1979 | 127 | 127 |
| 1978 | 143 | 143 |
| 1977 | 166 | 166 |
| 1976 | 205 | 205 |
| 1975 | 17 | 17 |
Top States for Khalilah (2004)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| IL | 5 |