Dahlia

At a Glance

Meaning

Named for botanist Anders Dahl

Origin

Swedish (via surname Dahl)

Gender

Girl

Pronunciation

DAHL-yahListen

Dahlia is pronounced DAHL-yah, and it comes from Sweden by way of the surname Dahl. You may have heard it explained as meaning "hanging branch," but that meaning actually belongs to a different name, Dalia — Dahlia instead honors the botanist Anders Dahl, for whom the flower was named, and whose own surname simply meant someone who lived in a valley.

Meaning & Origin of Dahlia

Meaning: Named for botanist Anders Dahl.

Origin: Swedish (via surname Dahl).

A common claim: Dahlia is sometimes said to mean 'hanging branch.' Actually: That meaning belongs to the distinct Hebrew name Dalia, not Dahlia. Dahlia is named after the flower, which honors botanist Anders Dahl, whose surname means someone who lived in a valley.

Source: Wiktionary, Wikipedia.

How to Pronounce Dahlia

Popularity of Dahlia

Dahlia ranked #240 among U.S. baby girls in 2024, given to 1,300 babies — its highest point on record since the Social Security Administration's data begins in 1890.

Names Like Dahlia

These names share Dahlia’s style, era or origin.

• Embla
• Arvid
• Astrid
• Elodie
• Gerda
• Ingrid

FAQ

What does the name Dahlia mean?

Named for botanist Anders Dahl. (Source: Wiktionary)

How do you pronounce Dahlia?

Dahlia is pronounced DAHL-yah (IPA: /ˈdɑːljə/).

Is Dahlia a popular name right now?

Dahlia is at its highest recorded popularity right now, ranked #240 in 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1890–2024.)

Make Dahlia Name Art

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