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Dahlia Girl

Popularity: #226 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationDAL-yuh / /ˈdɑːliə/

Hebrew; Arabic

Meaning

Hebrew: 'gentle' or 'delicate'; Arabic: 'flower'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Dahlia is derived from the botanical genus Dahlia, which was named in honor of the Swedish botanist Anders Dahl in the 18th century. The genus itself is part of the Asteraceae family and includes various flowering plants native to Mexico and Central America. The etymology traces back to the Latin word "dahlia," which is a direct reference to the botanist's surname, and it entered the English language in the early 19th century as interest in horticulture and botany flourished in Europe and North America.

Historically, the Dahlia flower gained prominence in the Victorian era, particularly in the 19th century, when flowers were often imbued with symbolic meanings. The flower became associated with elegance and dignity, and it was cultivated extensively in gardens. The name Dahlia, as a given name, began to be used in English-speaking countries around this time, reflecting the growing appreciation for floral names in the context of romanticism and nature.

Culturally, the Dahlia has been celebrated in various art forms and literature, symbolizing beauty and inner strength. The flower's vibrant colors and unique shapes have made it a favorite among gardeners and artists alike. In some traditions, Dahlias are also associated with change and adaptability, further enhancing their appeal as a name. The name has a melodic quality that resonates with the aesthetic values of the time, contributing to its lasting presence in the lexicon of names for girls. While diminutive forms are less common, the name Dahlia itself stands out for its floral connection and historical significance.

Trend Summary

Dahlia has seen a gradual increase in popularity in the United States, particularly in the 21st century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Dalia
  • Dahliah

International Variants

  • Dahlia (English)
  • Dalia (Spanish)
  • Dahlia (Arabic)

Famous people named Dahlia

Dahlia Lithwick is a legal commentator best known for her work with Slate, her appearances on NPR, and her commentary on Supreme Court cases.

Dahlia Ravikovitch was a poet best known for her collections such as The Ninth Wave, and her contributions to Israeli literature.

Fictional characters named Dahlia

Dahlia Hawthorne is a fictional character from the video game series Ace Attorney. She is a key antagonist known for her manipulative and deceptive nature, particularly in the case involving her sister.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Dahlia was first seen in the United States in 1890. Dahlia has ranked as high as #457 nationally, which occurred in 2024, and has been most popular in California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Dahlia has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Dahlia (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 250
20%
TX 141
11%
NY 78
6%
FL 64
5%
OH 49
4%
IL 46
4%
PA 36
3%
NJ 35
3%
WA 33
3%
GA 32
3%
CO 31
3%
AZ 30
2%
NC 30
2%
IN 28
2%
VA 28
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18905
18968
18996
19055
19066
19075
19105
19117
191210
191314
191417
191515
191617
191719
191816
191921
192022
192126
192226
192323
192423
192525
192623
192721
192823
192916
193018
193115
193216
19339
19349
19358
193611
19375
193820
193913
19407
194117
194214
194310
19446
194510
194619
194719
194828
194921
195032
195121
195226
195331
195442
195518
195623
195720
195827
195926
196037
196124
196235
196328
196428
196524
196636
196728
196829
196938
197046
197142
197234
197342
197435
197541
197649
197759
197839
197955
198049
198139
198233
198336
198436
198544
198636
198729
198840
198948
199041
199146
199254
199344
199483
199570
1996105
1997124
1998144
1999128
2000137
2001131
2002160
2003177
2004170
2005192
2006263
2007356
2008397
2009445
2010451
2011538
2012579
2013695
2014721
2015777
2016853
2017797
2018752
2019848
2020872
20211,038
20221,133
20231,226
20241,300