From Hebrew 'me'ilah' meaning desirable or a robe of distinction; appears in biblical contexts as something precious.
Meilah has roots in Hebrew, where the word מְעִילָה (me'ilah) refers to the concept of misappropriation of sacred property — a term serious enough in Jewish law to give its name to an entire tractate of the Talmud, tractate Me'ilah in the order of Kodashim (Holy Things). That tractate explores the boundaries between the sacred and the profane, the obligations surrounding consecrated objects, and the nature of unintentional transgression — weighty matters that give the word a gravity beyond its simple syllables. As a name, Meilah reclaims this Hebrew root and transforms it into something softer, more personal, and purely celebratory.
The name can also be understood in connection to the Slavic and international name Mila, meaning "gracious," "dear," or "beloved" — a name of extraordinary cross-cultural popularity that has ranked among the most loved feminine names globally in the 21st century. Meilah's spelling adds an Hebrew phonetic layer to Mila's warmth, giving it a distinctly different feel on the page while preserving the gentle sound. In some South Asian naming traditions, variants like Meela or Myla carry similar sonic warmth.
As a modern given name, Meilah occupies an appealing niche: it sounds immediately beautiful and accessible while holding cultural depth for those who seek it. It is short enough to be unimposing, distinctive enough to stand alone in a room, and old enough in its roots to carry quiet authority. For families drawn to Hebrew-influenced names that feel lyrical rather than liturgical, Meilah offers a particularly lovely option.