Aliyah
Aliyah is a girl name of Hebrew origin meaning “Ascent, to go up”, pronounced uh-LEE-uh. It ranked #263 in the United States in 2025, given to 1,188 babies, and peaked at #133 in 2011. Common nicknames: Ali, Leah.
How popular is Aliyah in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Aliyah mean, and where does it come from?
Aliyah comes from the Hebrew word meaning "ascent" or "to go up," historically referring to the act of immigrating to the Land of Israel, considered a spiritual elevation in Jewish tradition. As a given name it took on independent popularity in the late twentieth century, particularly within African American communities, gaining enormous cultural momentum through R&B singer and actress Aaliyah. Its meaning of rising and elevation gives it a hopeful, aspirational quality. Today it remains widely used across multiple spelling variations throughout the United States.
How is Aliyah used around the world?
Aliyah is used in 0 languages worldwide, with 1+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Aliyah?
Famous People Named Aliyah
- Aaliyah — American singer and actress (alternate spelling)
- Aliyah Boston — American professional basketball player
Similar Names to Aliyah
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Sibling Name Ideas for Aliyah
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Aliyah mean?
Aliyah is a girl name of Hebrew origin meaning "Ascent, to go up." Aliyah comes from the Hebrew word meaning "ascent" or "to go up," historically referring to the act of immigrating to the Land of Israel, considered a spiritual elevation in Jewish tradition. As a given name it took on independent popularity in the late twentieth century, particularly within African American communities, gaining enormous cultural momentum through R&B singer and actress Aaliyah.
How do you pronounce Aliyah?
Aliyah is pronounced uh-LEE-uh. Common variations include Aaliyah, Alayah, Aliya.
Is Aliyah a girl name?
Yes, Aliyah is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Ali, Leah.