The name Dahlia is derived from the Swedish botanist Anders Dahl, who first described the dahlia flower in the late 18th century. The flower was named after him by another botanist, Abbe Cavanilles, who formally classified the dahlia genus in 1791. While the name has botanical origins, it has since transitioned into use as a given name, particularly in English-speaking countries.

The dahlia flower itself is native to Mexico and Central America, where it has been cultivated since the 16th century. The first recorded use of Dahlia as a given name dates back to the early 19th century, likely inspired by the popularity of the dahlia flower in European gardens at the time.

One of the earliest known bearers of the name Dahlia was Dahlia Slaney, an Irish woman born in 1824. Another early example is Dahlia Elizabeth Wooster, an American woman born in 1848 in New York.

Throughout history, the name Dahlia has been relatively uncommon, but there have been a few notable individuals who have borne this name. These include Dahlia Lithwick (born 1972), a Canadian-American journalist and legal commentator, and Dahlia Ravikovitch (1936-2005), an Israeli poet and peace activist.

In the world of entertainment, Dahlia Lithwick (born 1969) is an American actress known for her roles in films such as Pump Up the Volume (1990) and Crossing Delancey (1988). Dahlia Ravikovitch (born 1935) was an Israeli poet and peace activist who wrote extensively about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and was a prominent figure in the country's literary scene.

Another notable bearer of the name was Dahlia Lavi (1942-2017), an Israeli actress and singer who achieved international fame in the 1960s and appeared in several Hollywood films. Dahlia Lavi was born in British Mandatory Palestine and had a successful career in both Israeli and American entertainment industries.

While the name Dahlia has been used throughout history, it has remained relatively uncommon compared to more popular flower names like Rose or Lily. Nevertheless, its unique botanical origins and melodic sound have contributed to its enduring appeal as a given name.