Delilah Name Meaning, Origin and Pronunciation

Delilah is a Hebrew-origin girl’s name meaning “delicate,” best known from the Book of Judges, where she plays a complicated role in the story of Samson.

Meaning	delicate
Origin	Hebrew
Pronunciation	dih-LY-luh
Gender	Girl
Related forms	none widely used; the name has stayed close to its original form

Origin and history

Delilah’s name means delicate, but her Biblical story in the Book of Judges is more complicated than the meaning suggests: she is the figure who discovers and betrays the source of Samson’s strength to his enemies. This complicated narrative made the name unpopular for much of the 20th century, before it returned strongly to favor in recent decades, chosen today largely for its sound rather than its Biblical association.

Is Delilah a boy or girl name?

Delilah is used almost exclusively as a girl’s name.

Frequently asked questions

Is Delilah a “bad” name because of its Biblical story?

Many parents choosing it today are drawn to its sound rather than the story, and it’s worth knowing the history exists without it needing to define the name’s modern use.

Why was Delilah historically an unpopular name?

For much of the 20th century, parents avoided it specifically because of the betrayal narrative in the Samson story, before attitudes shifted and it returned to popularity in recent decades.

Related reading

Related culture page: Biblical girl names.