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Aaliyah

♀ Girl

Pronounced ah-LEE-yuh /ɑːˈliː.jə/High

Meaning: High, exalted, sublime — from Arabic and Hebrew aliyah, meaning ascent or to riseHigh

In 30 seconds: An Arabic and Hebrew name meaning 'high and exalted,' Aaliyah gained widespread attention in the United States through the R&B singer Aaliyah (1979–2001) and has become a popular modern choice.

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Origin HighArabic, Hebrew

MeaningHigh, exalted, sublime — from Arabic and Hebrew aliyah, meaning ascent or to rise

U.S. rank (2025)#101 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births2,607 girls (0.16% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2012

Total births (all-time)≈ 109,921

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Aaliyah derives from the Arabic and Hebrew root meaning 'high' or 'exalted.' In Arabic it is the feminine form of Ali. In Hebrew aliyah carries the spiritual meaning of ascent or immigration to Israel.

The name entered widespread use in the United States primarily after the fame of singer Aaliyah Dana Haughton, who went professionally by Aaliyah. It has been a top-100 U.S. girls' name since the early 2000s.

Did you know? In Hebrew, aliyah refers to the immigration of Jewish diaspora to Israel — literally 'going up' or 'ascent' — showing the name's deep spiritual significance.

Variations

AliyahAliaAleahAliya

Nicknames

AliLia

Famous Bearers

★Aaliyah (1979–2001)
American R&B singer and actress, known as the 'Princess of R&B,' who died in a plane crash at age 22.

If you like Aaliyah…

Amara— melodic Arabic/African name with the same lyrical three-syllable beauty

Zara— short Arabic name with the same bright, exalted quality

Layla— Arabic classic with the same musical beauty and cultural resonance

Aminah— shares Aaliyah's Arabic roots

Avayah— a fellow Hebrew choice

Frequently Asked

What does the name Aaliyah mean?

Aaliyah is an Arabic and Hebrew name meaning 'high,' 'exalted,' or 'sublime,' from a root meaning to rise or ascend.

How do you pronounce Aaliyah?

It is said ah-LEE-yuh /ɑːˈliː.jə/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Aaliyah a boy or girl name?

Aaliyah is used exclusively as a girl's name (the male form is Ali).

How popular is Aaliyah?

Aaliyah has been in the U.S. top 100 girls' names since the early 2000s.