Laila
LAY-lah
Laila is a variant spelling of the Arabic Layla, from layl meaning “night.” The name conjures images of dark beauty and has been treasured across the Arabic-speaking world for centuries.
The love story of Layla and Majnun, a 7th-century Arabian tale, is often called the Romeo and Juliet of the East. It cemented the name as a symbol of passionate devotion.
Laila ranked No. 371 in 2024 with 839 births. It peaked at No. 135 in 2009 with 2,379 births, when Arabic-origin names saw broader American adoption.
What the name Laila means
Boxing champion Laila Ali, daughter of Muhammad Ali, raised the name’s profile in the early 2000s. Her athletic fame gave it a strong, empowered association.
Two syllables - LY-lah - are soft and evocative. The name flows with a gentle rhythm that works in both English and Arabic pronunciation.
Parents who prefer Laila over Layla often cite its cleaner, more international look. Both spellings coexist on the charts, with Layla currently more popular.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Laila
Laila - similar names
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