Beloved or darling
Derived from the Arabic root 'k-l-l', this name signifies a person who is dearly loved or a close friend. It is the feminine form of Khalil and has long been used in Arabic-speaking cultures to denote affection and endearment. In literature, it is famously associated with the ancient collection of fables 'Kalila and Dimna'.
Less common today
Kalila isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #2,612 in 2019.
A clever jackal in the ancient Sanskrit and Arabic fables · Kalila and Dimna
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
