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The short answer
Lilith is a feminine given name derived through Hebrew from the Akkadian word lilitu, meaning 'of the night.' In ancient Assyrian and Mesopotamian myth, the figure was known as a storm demon associated with disease and death. Later Jewish folklore, including texts such as the Alphabet of Sirach, depicts Lilith as Adam's first wife who left Eden after refusing to submit to him. Today, the name offers a striking, poetic presence with a gentle cadence, balancing an evocative ancient history with a distinct, confident edge.
Meaning and etymology
Lilith derives from the Akkadian word lilitu, meaning 'of the night,' designating a class of demons in ancient Assyrian and Mesopotamian mythology. Borrowed into Hebrew as לִילִית (lîlîṯ), the name later entered Jewish folklore—notably in later Jewish texts such as the Alphabet of Sirach—as the name of Adam's first wife who departed Eden after refusing submission.
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Linguistic roots
| Language | Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Akkadian | lilitu | of the night |
| Hebrew | לִילִית (lîlîṯ) | Lilith |
Popularity
According to Behind the Name, Lilith reached rank 277 in the United States in 2025 and rank 357 in England and Wales in 2025.
| Region | Year | Rank | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 2025 | #277 | behind-the-name |
| England & Wales | 2025 | #357 | behind-the-name |
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Lilith mean?
Lilith derives from the Akkadian word lilitu, which translates to 'of the night.'
Where does the name Lilith come from?
Lilith originated in ancient Mesopotamian and Assyrian mythology before entering Jewish folklore as Adam's first wife in later Jewish texts such as the Alphabet of Sirach.
Is Lilith mentioned in the Bible?
Lilith does not appear in the biblical text itself, but developed as Adam's first wife in later Jewish traditions and folklore.
How popular is the name Lilith?
In 2025, Lilith ranked at number 277 for girls in the United States and number 357 in England and Wales.
Sources
- Behind the Name: Meaning, origin and history of the name Lilith — supports Akkadian root lilitu meaning 'of the night', Assyrian demon origins and Jewish folklore concerning Adam's first wife, Mention in the Alphabet of Sirach and absence from the Bible, 2025 popularity rankings in the United States (#277) and England & Wales (#357), English pronunciation /ˈlɪl.ɪθ/.
- Wiktionary: Lilith - Wiktionary, the free dictionary — supports Borrowing from Hebrew לִילִית (lîlîṯ), Mesopotamian storm demon associated with disease and death, Jewish folklore role as first wife of Adam.
