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Dahlia

♀ Girl

Pronounced DAL-yuh /ˈdæljə/High

Meaning: Dahl's flower — the dahlia plant, named after botanist Anders DahlHigh

In 30 seconds: A bold floral name honouring the dramatic dahlia bloom. With its dark petals and rich perfume, Dahlia is the floral name for parents who prefer drama over daintiness — lush, artistic, and unforgettable.
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Origin HighSwedish, English
MeaningDahl's flower — the dahlia plant, named after botanist Anders Dahl
U.S. rank (2025)#215 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births1,420 girls (0.08% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)≈ 19,351

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202518902025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Dahlia as a given name derives from the Dahlia genus of flowering plants, native to Mexico and Central America, which was introduced to European gardens in the late 18th century. The genus was named by Spanish botanist Antonio José Cavanilles in 1791 in honour of his colleague Anders Dahl (1751–1789), a student of Linnaeus.

Dahlia began to be used as a feminine given name in the 19th century alongside the fashion for botanical names. It carries both natural beauty and a hint of gothic drama — associations amplified by the 1947 'Black Dahlia' case in Los Angeles, which paradoxically kept the name in the cultural consciousness.

Did you know? The dahlia flower was named by 18th-century botanist Antonio José Cavanilles in honour of Swedish botanist Anders Dahl — so the name is ultimately a surname turned into a floral tribute.
Overall data confidence 93%
Behind the Name — Dahlia — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

DaliaDahlDaliah

Nicknames

DalDollyLia

Famous Bearers

  • ★Dahlia Ravikovitch (1936–2005)
    Celebrated Israeli poet, one of the most significant Hebrew poets of the 20th century.

If you like Dahlia…

Magnolia— grand floral name with the same botanical drama and Southern charm
Camellia— elegant botanical name with an equally rich floral history
Azalea— vibrant floral name with the same bold, exotic character
Zinnia— vivid garden flower turned given name with the same unusual flair

Frequently Asked

What does the name Dahlia mean?

Dahlia is a botanical name taken from the dahlia flower, which was named in honour of Swedish botanist Anders Dahl.

How do you pronounce Dahlia?

It is said DAL-yuh /ˈdæljə/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Dahlia a boy or girl name?

Dahlia is used almost exclusively as a girls' name.

How popular is Dahlia?

Dahlia has been rising in popularity and ranked in the U.S. top 200 for girls in the mid-2020s.