Leila
Leila Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
/lej.ˈlɒː/
Meaning of Leila: The name Leila derives from Arabic, one of the world's major classical languages with a written tradition stretching back over 1,400 years. Arabic names hold deep significance in Islamic culture.
Across centuries, Leila crossed linguistic borders carried by trade, religion, and diaspora communities. According to SSA records, Leila sits at rank #268 on the national list, with 1,191 births recorded in 2024. Its consistent presence in American naming records shows enduring parental appeal.
SSA figures show that Leila peaked in 1880, placing it in an early 20th-century era when classic, established names dominated US birth records. Notably, names that peak later tend to carry longer cultural momentum before declining, which helps explain Leila's sustained presence in American birth records.
What Does Leila Mean? Origin & Etymology
Beyond Arabic, the name Leila appears in English, French, Georgian, Persian traditions as well, suggesting either parallel development or cross-cultural borrowing over centuries. The existence of variants across multiple languages strengthens the name's international appeal for families with mixed heritage.
Notably, Leila carries a meaning tied to ideals that remain culturally stable across generations. This semantic depth distinguishes heritage names from trend-driven coinages that surge and fade within a decade.
In summary, Leila offers parents a name grounded in Arabic tradition with a sound that travels well across American regional accents. Its heritage roots appeal to families seeking meaning over trend.
How Popular Is Leila?
Numerology & Symbolism of Leila
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Leila – Similar Names & Alternatives
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Frequently Asked Questions about Leila
What does the name Leila mean?
Leila comes from Arabic laylah, meaning night. In Arabic and Persian literary tradition, the word conveys dark beauty, mystery, and moonless intensity. The root appears in Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power) in the Quran.
What is the story of Layla and Majnun as it relates to the name Leila?
Where does the name Leila come from?
Leila originates in the Arabic, English, French, Georgian, Persian naming traditions, suggesting the name developed across multiple cultures or traveled widely through trade and migration. Its roots give it cross-cultural appeal among parents with diverse heritage.
What is the difference between Leila and Layla?
Both spellings represent the same Arabic name laylah. Layla is the more common anglicization; Leila is a variant transliteration. In 2024 Layla ranks significantly higher in US usage, but both forms trace to the same origin.
Is Leila a popular name in the United States?
According to SSA records, Leila ranks #268 in the United States with 1,191 births in 2024. It sits comfortably in the middle tier of American baby names, recognized without being ubiquitous.
How popular is Leila in the United States?
Leila ranked No. 268 among US girl names in 2024. Combined with the Layla spelling, the name ranks in the US top 20 for girl names.