Delilah

Delilah is a feminine given name of Hebrew origin that has been used in various cultures and languages. The name appears in the Hebrew Bible as the lover of Samson, and it has since become a common given name in English-speaking countries. The exact meaning of the name is uncertain, with several proposed derivations but no single accepted interpretation.

In the biblical narrative found in the Book of Judges, Delilah is a Philistine woman who is bribed by the Philistines to reveal the secret of Samson’s extraordinary strength. After several attempts, she learns that Samson’s strength lies in his uncut hair. While he sleeps, his hair is cut, and he loses his strength, is captured, blinded, and imprisoned. Samson’s strength later returns, and he brings down a Philistine temple, killing many before dying himself. The story has been interpreted as a cautionary tale about temptation and deception and has influenced art, literature, and popular culture.

In modern culture, Delilah has been used for fictional characters and in music. Notably, Tom Jones released a 1968 hit song titled Delilah, about jealousy and betrayal, and Plain White T’s released Hey There Delilah in 2006, a hit about a long-distance relationship. The name is also borne by real individuals, including the American radio host Delilah, whose show features music and listener requests. Today, Delilah remains a widely recognized given name with numerous variants and cultural references.