What does Laila mean and where does it come from?
Laila (لَيْلَى) is a name with significant historical and cultural roots. In Arabic, it means 'night' and is often associated with beauty, suggesting a striking elegance akin to the night sky. The Persian version carries similar meanings, emphasizing night and beauty. Notably, Laila is a character i
Cultural significance
Laila has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of arabic.
Peak popularity
Reached #135 in 2009 — currently #312 in the US.
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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Laila?
Laila works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Laila Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Laila Rose
Floral · soft ending
Laila Mae
Sweet · timeless
Laila Claire
French influence · crisp
Laila Jane
Literary · strong
Laila Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Laila right now?
Holding steady — currently #312 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #312 | 988 | ▼ down 3 · -4% births |
| 2022 | #309 | 1,031 | ▼ down 66 · -18% births |
| 2021 | #243 | 1,252 | ▼ down 19 · -3% births |
| 2020 | #224 | 1,294 | ▼ down 54 · -31% births |
| 2015 | #170 | 1,888 | ▼ down 30 · -16% births |
| 2010 | #140 | 2,247 | ▲ up 94 · +55% births |
| 2005 | #234 | 1,452 | ▲ up 409 · +273% births |
| 2000 | #643 | 389 | ▲ up 814 · +254% births |
| 1995 | #1457 | 110 | ▲ up 373 · +41% births |
| 1990 | #1830 | 78 | ▼ down 177 · +10% births |
| 1985 | #1653 | 71 | ▲ up 98 · +13% births |
| 1980 | #1751 | 63 | ▼ down 161 · +2% births |
| 1975 | #1590 | 62 | ▲ up 1361 · +170% births |
| 1970 | #2951 | 23 | ▼ down 196 · +15% births |
| 1965 | #2755 | 20 | — |
The story of Laila
Laila has been a beloved American name for over 140 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1884. A total of 38,563 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1983 in 1910 to #312 in 2023. Laila is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Laila in 2009:
Laila by decade
Laila peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 7 | |
| 1890s | 10 | |
| 1900s | 17 | |
| 1910s | 175 | |
| 1920s | 177 | |
| 1930s | 107 | |
| 1940s | 89 | |
| 1950s | 134 | |
| 1960s | 219 | |
| 1970s | 471 | |
| 1980s | 694 | |
| 1990s | 1,096 | |
| 2000s | 14,447 | |
| 2010s ★ | 19,626 | |
| 2020s | 1,294 | |
What are good nicknames for Laila?
Famous people named Laila
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Laila (Quranic figure)
Laila appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.
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Laila (historical Arab ruler)
Laila held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.
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Laila (Sufi mystic)
Laila used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.
L(
Laila (Islamic scholar)
Laila bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Laila?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Laila also consider these
Common questions about the name Laila
What does the name Laila mean?
Laila means "Arabic" — a name rooted in Arabic tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Laila?
Laila is currently ranked #312 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Laila?
Laila originates from Arabic tradition. Arabic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Laila?
Laila is a three-syllable name pronounced L AA1 IY1 L AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Laila?
Laila pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Arabic heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.