Layla Name Meaning

Toketemu Ohwovoriole
·4 min read

Layla is most often seen as a girl name. Learn more about the meaning, origin, and popularity of the name Layla.

Fact checked by Karen Cilli

Layla is an ancient Arabic name that has many meanings. The most common meaning for the name in Arabic is “night” or “dark.” This typically feminine name is also thought to have Hebrew origins, where it carries the same meaning.

The name Layla is often given to baby girls who are born at night to signify the time in which they were born. In some interpretations, the name also could mean “dark beauty.” One of the earliest uses of the name was in the Arabian legend of Qays and Layla.

The story of Qays and Layla is a story of unrequited love that led to Qays' death. The story was told again by Nezami Ganjavi, a Persian poet in the 12th century, in his poem “Layla and Majnun.” The story was immensely popular during medieval times in Arabia and Persia, which most likely contributed to the popularity of Layla in those regions.



  • Origin: Layla has Arabic and Hebrew origins.

  • Gender: Layla is historically a feminine name but can be given to babies of any gender.

  • Pronunciation: lay-la





Editor's Note

Although many baby names are separated by gender, Parents believes that sex does not need to play a role in your name selection process. It’s important to select a name that you feel suits your new baby the best.



<p>Roger Wright / Getty Images</p>

Roger Wright / Getty Images

How Popular Is the Name Layla?

Derek and the Dominos released a song in the 1970s titled “Layla." The catchy tune is thought to have contributed to the popularity of the name. Around this time, the first recorded use of the name was noted in the United States, and it has grown in popularity since then. In 1999, American singer and songwriter, Tanya Tucker, named her baby Layla, making the name even trendier.

Layla's popularity has experienced a steady rise since 2001. In that year, 947 babies were given the name. Just 18 years later in 2019, a whopping 6,510 babies were named Layla in the United States, which was the peak of its popularity. In 2022, Layla was ranked 29th.

It is also believed that the rising popularity of the name Kayla in the early 2000s (the 13th most popular name in 2000) also contributed to the increased use of the name Layla. Parents who were looking for a similar name or a twist on the name Kayla may have opted for Layla. Now, Layla is by far the trendier name.

Name Variations

Layla has several spelling variations. Some of the most common are:

  • Laela

  • Laila (Arabic, Urdu)

  • Laylah

  • Leila (Persian, Georgian, Arabic)

  • Leilah (English)

  • Lela (English)

  • Leyla (Arabic, Kurdish, Azerbaijani, Persian)

  • Lyla (English)

  • Lylah (English)

Similar Names

Some similar names that you could consider include:

  • Aila

  • Amelia

  • Avery

  • Ella

  • Kayla

  • Keyla

  • Lilly

  • Nailah

Other baby names starting with the letter "L" include:

  • Lacey

  • Lara

  • Laura

  • Laurel

  • Lauren

  • Leah

  • Leanne

  • Lena

  • Leigh

  • Leslie

  • Lisa

  • Liza

  • Loranne

  • Lorelai

  • Louisa

  • Louise

  • Lucy

  • Luna

  • Lydia

  • Lynn

Common Nicknames for Layla

Layla is a short and sweet name of just two syllables. But for people who adore a cute nickname, some of the most common nicknames for Layla include Lala, Laylay, and Lulu.

Suggested Sibling Names

Looking for a sibling name for Layla? Here are some popular options:

  • Amelia

  • Ava

  • Caleb

  • Charles

  • Dominic

  • Ella

  • Elijah

  • Emma

  • Isabella

  • Henrietta

  • Jayden

  • Levi

  • Olivia

  • Michael

  • Noah

  • Sophia

  • Violet

  • Walter

  • Wyatt

Famous People Named Layla

If you are considering the name Layla for your baby, here are some famous people who would share the name:

  • Layla El, British model, dancer, wrestler, and real-estate agent

  • Layla Hanbury, Australian hip-hop artist and songwriter

  • Layla Kaylif, British Emirati singer and songwriter

  • Layla McCarter, American professional boxer

Leila is one of the most common variants of the name Layla. In some regions, it’s even more popular than Layla. If you are considering this variant for your baby, here are some famous people who are also named Leila:

  • Leila Ben-Gacem, Tunisian social entrepreneur

  • Leila Goldkuhl, American model

  • Leila Hyams, American film actress and model

  • Leila Lopes, Angolan actress and model crowned Miss Universe in 2011

  • Leila Mourad, Egyptian singer and actress

  • Leila Pahlavi, Princess of Iran 



More Baby Names

Still searching for the perfect baby name? Check out these related baby name lists for even more options:



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Read the original article on Parents.