Find out how popular the first name Aliyah has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Aliyah by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Aliyah is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Aliyah being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 1,346 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Aliyah.

The history of the first name Aliyah

The name Aliyah has its origins in the Hebrew language and culture, and can be traced back to ancient times. The word "aliyah" in Hebrew means "ascent" or "going up," and is often used to refer to the immigration of Jews to the land of Israel.

The earliest recorded use of the name Aliyah dates back to the biblical period, where it appears in the Book of Ezra as a reference to the return of Jews from Babylonian exile to Jerusalem. In this context, "aliyah" was used to describe the physical and spiritual journey of the Jewish people back to their homeland.

Throughout history, the name Aliyah has held significant meaning and symbolism within the Jewish faith. It has been associated with the concept of returning to one's roots and the ongoing connection between the Jewish diaspora and the land of Israel.

One of the earliest known individuals with the name Aliyah was Aliyah bat Judah, a Jewish scholar and poet who lived in the 13th century. She was renowned for her literary works and contributions to Jewish scholarship during the Golden Age of Jewish culture in Spain.

Another notable figure bearing the name Aliyah was Aliyah Bet, a codeword used to refer to the illegal immigration of Jews to British-mandated Palestine in the 1930s and 1940s. This period marked a significant chapter in the history of the Jewish people's efforts to establish a homeland in modern-day Israel.

In more recent times, the name Aliyah has been carried by several prominent individuals, including Aliyah Diane King, an American actress and singer born in 1994, and Aliyah O'Brien, a Canadian basketball player born in 1996.

The name Aliyah continues to hold special significance within the Jewish community, symbolizing the deep-rooted connection between the Jewish people and the land of Israel. Its rich historical meaning and cultural resonance have made it a popular choice for many families across generations.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Aliyah was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Aliyah, please contact us.

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