Layla

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Layla

Gender Girl
Origin Arabic
Letters 5
Syllables 2
Pronunciation leh-luh

Layla, which has 5 letters and 2 syllables, is a female name of Arabic origin.

Meaning of Layla

Dark beauty

Layla is an Arabic name meaning “night” or “dark beauty.” It is popular in many cultures, including Arabic, Persian, and English-speaking countries.

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Meaning Dark beauty
Origin Arabic
Gender Girl
Popularity (US) #37 in 2024 Steady
Rarity (US) Popular (Top 50)
Era Modern (peaked 2019)

Background & History of The Name Layla

The name Layla has a rich history and is derived from various cultures around the world. One of the earliest known origins of the name can be traced back to ancient Arabic and Hebrew roots. In Arabic, Layla means "night" or "dark beauty." It gained prominence through the famous Arabian love story of Layla and Majnun, which tells the tale of a tragic romance between two star-crossed lovers. The name Layla became popular in Western cultures in the 19th century, thanks to the English poet and artist Dante Gabriel Rossetti, who was inspired by the same Arabian love story and wrote a poem titled "The Blessed Damozel" in which Layla is a central character.

With time, the name Layla has gained international recognition and is now beloved in many countries. In recent years, it has become particularly popular in the United States, consistently ranking in the top 100 names for baby girls. Layla's rise in popularity can be attributed to its soft and melodic sound, making it appealing to parents searching for a name that exudes beauty and grace. Additionally, the name Layla has been popularized through various cultural references, such as Eric Clapton's iconic song "Layla" which further contributed to its appeal.

Notably, Layla is also used as a variant of the name Leila, which has Persian origins and means "dark-haired beauty." While Layla and Leila share similar meanings, they differ in their linguistic roots, with Layla being connected to Arabic and Hebrew while Leila stems from Persian. These different linguistic origins have given rise to subtle variations in pronunciation and spelling, further adding to the versatility and allure of the name.

In conclusion, the name Layla carries a captivating history that blends both ancient Arabian origins and modern Western influences. It has enchanted many with its poetic associations and evocative meaning. Its popularity, sweet sound, and cultural significance have made Layla a timeless and treasured name choice for parents around the world.

Popularity Over Time

US Social Security Administration data showing the rank of Layla over the years.

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