Tehila

Tehila is a Hebrew feminine name meaning "praise" or "glory." It is derived from the Hebrew word tehillah, which denotes a song or hymn of praise. The root halal carries the senses "to shine" and "to praise," reflecting the luminous nature of adoration. Variant forms include Tehillah and Tehilla, as well as related names like Hallel, Hila, and Tahel.

Religious and Cultural Significance

In the Tanakh, the word tehillah appears with frequency in the Book of Psalms, which is itself titled Tehillim ("praises") in Hebrew. Psalm 145 is explicitly called Tehillah in its superscription, underscoring the name's spiritual resonance. The name thus carries connotations of worship and gratitude within Jewish tradition.

Notable Bearers

Contemporary notable bearers include Tehilla Blad (born 1995), a Swedish actress and singer known for her role in the film The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared; Tehila Hakimi (born 1982), an Israeli poet and author; and Tehila Friedman (born 1976), an Israeli lawyer and politician. In a religious context, Tehilla Lichtenstein (1893–1973) co-founded the Jewish Science movement, which emphasizes spiritual healing.

Linguistic Variants

The name also appears as Hallel, meaning "praise" in Hebrew, and as Hila, which shares the root halal. The form Tahel is another related variant. While the name is closely tied to Israeli cultures, its usage extends to Jewish communities worldwide.

• Meaning: "praise, glory"
• Origin: Hebrew
• Type: First name
• Usage regions: Israel, Jewish diaspora