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Sumaya vs Kalila

Which is more popular?
Sumaya and Kalila are given to a similar number of US babies today.
SumayaKalila
Meaning Little distinguishing mark; (also read as 'exalted') Beloved, sweetheart
Origin arabic arabic
Gender Girl Girl
Pronunciation soo-MY-yah kah-LEE-lah
Syllables 3 3
First appeared00
Peak year2016 (109)2019 (67)
In 202500
TrendSteadyRising
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Sumaya Kalila
198020002020

Source: US Social Security Administration.

Births by decade

DecadeSumayaKalila
2020s 413 280
2010s 923 420
2000s 631 210
1990s 144 151
1980s 26 85
1970s 0 22
1960s 5 0

What does Sumaya mean?

Sumaya (سمية, Sumayya) is a diminutive whose root is debated: classical research links it to the root w-s-m, giving 'a small distinguishing mark' and figuratively 'unique, special', while other sources derive it from s-m-w ('high, elevated') for a sense of 'exalted'. It is historically revered as the name of Sumayya bint Khayyat, regarded as the first martyr of Islam. Also spelled Sumayya or Sumayyah.

What does Kalila mean?

An Arabic feminine name linked to the root kh-l-l behind khalil 'close friend, companion, beloved'. Sources give both 'beloved/sweetheart' and 'dear friend'; the 'friend' sense is the more literal core, so treat 'beloved' as the affectionate extension.

Frequently asked questions

Is Sumaya or Kalila more popular?

Sumaya and Kalila are given to a similar number of US babies today.

What is the difference between Sumaya and Kalila?

Sumaya means Little distinguishing mark; (also read as 'exalted') (arabic origin), while Kalila means Beloved, sweetheart (arabic origin).

Which name is older, Sumaya or Kalila?

In US records, Sumaya first appears in 0 and Kalila in 0, so Sumaya has the longer recorded history.