Jaleiah is a unique and captivating name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew name "Yael," which means "mountain goat." The name Jaleiah is believed to have been popularized by the character Jaleia in the 2004 film "The Village." In recent years, it has gained popularity as a distinctive and memorable choice for parents looking for an unusual yet meaningful name for their daughter.
Despite its Hebrew origin, Jaleiah does not appear in the Bible or other religious texts. Instead, it is thought to have evolved from the older Hebrew name Yael, which was borne by a woman who played a significant role in the story of Deborah and Barak in the Book of Judges. In this biblical narrative, Yael helps to defeat the Canaanite general Sisera by luring him into her tent and driving a tent peg through his temple while he sleeps.
While Jaleiah may not have direct religious significance, its meaning as "mountain goat" makes it a powerful and dynamic name choice. Mountain goats are known for their agility, grace, and ability to navigate challenging terrains, making the name Jaleiah an apt choice for a girl who is expected to grow into a strong and independent woman.
In summary, Jaleiah is a beautiful and unique Hebrew name that means "mountain goat." Although it does not have direct religious significance, its meaning makes it a fitting choice for parents seeking a distinctive and meaningful name for their daughter. Its popularity has grown in recent years due to its appearance in the film "The Village," but its true origin lies in ancient Hebrew culture and tradition.
The name Jaleiah has seen a varied trend in popularity over the past two decades in the United States. Starting with just 6 births in 2006, it gained traction over the years, reaching its peak popularity in 2011 with 20 births that year. The name maintained a relatively stable level of popularity between 2009 and 2015, with an average of about 13 births per year during this period.
However, since 2016, the number of births with the name Jaleiah has decreased steadily, with only 8 births in both 2016 and 2018. The most recent data from 2023 shows a further decline to just 5 births. Overall, between 2006 and 2023, there have been a total of 162 births with the name Jaleiah in the United States.
This information suggests that while the name Jaleiah did enjoy some popularity over the past decade and a half, it is no longer as commonly chosen for newborn girls as it once was. It will be interesting to see if this trend continues or if there is a resurgence in its popularity in the coming years.