Delilah

The name Dalilah has Hebrew origins from the name “Dlila” meaning "[one who] weakens." Not such a positive meaning, we get it. But once you’re familiar with Delilah from the Bible, then you’ll understand. The name Delilah is borne from the story of Samson and Delilah in the Old Testament book of Judges 16:4-20. Arguably the first femme fatale in human history (if you’re willing to excuse Eve), Delilah is the manipulative seductress of Samson. The story goes that Samson was dedicated to God at birth by being born a Nazarite to a barren mother. Nazarites (as explained in Numbers) were not allowed to drink fermented beverages, come in contact with a corpse, or cut their hair. Unfortunately, Samson could only stick to one of these rules (the hair part). Strong and mighty of proportions that only the Bible can conjure up, Samson roamed the lands eating animal carcasses, picking fights, killing people, antagonizing the Philistines and fornicating with prostitutes. Enter Delilah. Apparently, she had him at “hello” because he quickly divulges to her the secret source of his strength – his hair. Having received a bounty from the Philistines, Delilah arranges for his hair to be cut off while he unwittingly sleeps on her lap. Mighty like an ox was Samson, but apparently not the sharpest knife in the Israelite drawer and old Delilah took advantage of this fact (hey, a girl’s gotta make a living, right?). Despite her rather…eh-hem…colorful story, the name Delilah gained regular use among English speakers from the late 17th century onward. Usually considered more of an “exotic” name, people of English descent don’t appear to be swayed by the general negative connotations of the Biblical story. In fact, perhaps they embrace it. Is it fitting that her name is pronounced de-LIE-lah? Notice the accented syllable. You decide.