Find out how popular the first name Zelilah has been for the last 4 years (from 2018 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Zelilah by gender

Based on the last 4 years of data, Zelilah is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2021, there were 8 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Zelilah.

The history of the first name Zelilah

The name Zelilah is of Hebrew origin and is believed to have emerged during the ancient Biblical era. It is derived from the Hebrew root word "צלל" (tzalal), which means "to overshadow" or "to cover." The name is closely related to the Hebrew word "tzel," meaning "shadow."

One possible interpretation of the name Zelilah is that it refers to the protective shadow or shelter provided by God. In this sense, it may have been associated with divine protection or the idea of finding refuge under the metaphorical shadow of the Almighty.

While the name Zelilah is not explicitly mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, it shares a linguistic connection with the name Zelophehad, which appears in the Book of Numbers. Zelophehad was the name of a man from the tribe of Manasseh who had no sons, and his daughters petitioned for the right to inherit his land.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Zelilah can be traced back to Jewish communities in the Middle East and Europe during the medieval period. One notable figure bearing this name was Zelilah ben Eliezer, a 13th-century Jewish scholar and philosopher who lived in Spain.

Another historical figure named Zelilah was Zelilah de Modena, a 16th-century Italian Jewish poet and writer. She was born in Modena, Italy, in 1548 and is renowned for her contributions to Hebrew poetry and literature.

In the 17th century, Zelilah Luzzatto was a prominent Jewish scholar and kabbalist from Italy. She was born in Padua in 1630 and is known for her works on Jewish mysticism and her involvement in the dissemination of kabbalistic teachings.

Moving forward to the 19th century, Zelilah Abrahams was a British Jewish philanthropist and social reformer. She was born in London in 1844 and dedicated her life to improving the living conditions and education opportunities for underprivileged children.

Another notable figure named Zelilah was Zelilah Cohen, a 20th-century Israeli artist and painter. She was born in Jerusalem in 1920 and is celebrated for her vibrant and expressive paintings that captured the landscapes and cultural heritage of Israel.

While not as common as some other Hebrew names, Zelilah has maintained a presence throughout history, primarily within Jewish communities. Its unique meaning and connection to divine protection have contributed to its enduring appeal as a given name.

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 Zelilah was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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